100 Years - The Kinmundy Centennial

Kinmundy, Marion Co., Illinois

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We are looking for photos of people and/or places from around Kinmundy & Alma. Can you help?

Or maybe you have stories or memories from the "Good Old Days"? What do YOU remember?

The Kinmundy Historical Society would be honored to preserve your memories and stories. We also have the

equipment to scan (or copy) your photos so that they may be enjoyed now as well as for generations yet to come!

We would love to hear from you! For more information, please contact:

Dolores (Ford) Mobley – Dolores@ford-mobley.com

208 Joan Dr.; Divernon, IL 62530; (217) 625-7527

Gladys (Corrie) See – gsee49@yahoo.com

408 S. Washington St.; Kinmundy, IL 62854; (618) 547-7731

"Centralia Sentinel" - Dec. 13, 1956 - "Kinmundy Prepares for Centennial"

"The Kinmundy Express" - Jan. 30, 1957 - "Town Meeting elects to have Centennial Celebration; Hanna heads organization."

Kinmundy Centennial News - Feb. 17, 1957

Silver Colonial Tea - The official opening of the Kinmundy Centennial Celebration was held in the American Legion Hall on March 1, 1957.

Highlight of the program was the group of ladies singing old fashioned songs led by members of P.T.A. Mother's Chorus.

(L to R): Lillian Grissom (leader of the group), Florence Franklin, Retha Allen, Millie Bassett, Virginia Greenwood, Lillie Mangner, Goldie Baylis, Maxine Robb,

Jean Gray, Mary Garrett, Alta Baggot, Ferdy Leach, Alma Ernst, Velma Wilkinson, Kate Keen, Pola Robb, Ann See, and (barely visible) Mary Reese.

"Centralia Sentinel" - March 2, 1957

"Sipping Tea is done in an altogether different fashion than a century ago.

Shown above are two Kinmundy ladies, Grace Mendenhall and Margaret Shufeldt,

who attended a tea recently in a project for raising money for sponsored queen candidates."

Mrs. Lura Robnett

Lura Robnett

(CentD-31a) ______________, Lillian Grissom, Ferdie Leach, Lura Robnett, Florence Franklin

(CentD-32)

Kinmundy Centennial News - March 5, 1957

Kinmundy Centennial News - April 2, 1957

Kinmundy Centennial News - April-May

"Tomorrow Marks the 100th birthday of Kinmundy, Illinois, but this centennial board has its sights upon three big days in August for the celebration - August 2-4.

Seated, left to right: Mayor E.E. Jahraus, Miss Luella Parrill, 94, one of the community's oldest citizens; Mrs. Lura Robnett, board secretary;

Mrs. Dwight Hanna, funding-raising dinner chairman.

Standing, left to right; Rodney Schooley, Carl Dunlap, Lewis O'Dell, board beards; Mrs. Maxine (Bailey) Robb, Treasurer; Jesse George, member,

and Dr. Dwight Hanna, board president." (Sechrest photo)

Centennial Kick Off Dinner

Centennial Kick Off Dinner (left side of photo) (Sechrest photo)

Centennial Kick Off Dinner (left side of photo) Closeup

Centennial Kick Off Dinner (right side of photo) (Sechrest photo)

Centennial Kick Off Dinner (right side of photo) Closeup

Mrs. Addie Crouse Carroll, Illinois Mother of 1956, here is shown receiving a corsage from Mrs. Dwight Hanna last Friday evening at a fundraising dinner for Kinmundy's forthcoming centennial celebration. Although actual birthday is tomorrow, Kinmundy will celebrate its centennial Aug. 2-4. Seated, left to right, is the Rev. A. Vance Comer, pastor of the First Methodist Church, Kinmundy; Mayor E.E. Jahraus, and Miss Luella Parrill

Miss Luella Parill, 94, here is shown receiving a corsage from Mrs. Dwight Hanna at Kinmundy's centennial "kick-off" dinner, attended by over 350 people. Mayor Jahraus is shown seated next to Miss Parrill.

Mrs. Effie Crain, who sold the most tickets to the kick-off dinner, here is shown receiving a corsage from Mrs. Hanna, who served as chairman of the dinner committee. Mrs. Crain also worked in the kitchen on the night of the dinner. At right is Dr. John W. Allen of Southern Illinois university, historian and museum curator, who was principal speaker at the dinner. (Sechrest photo)

Kinmundy Centennial News - April 4th

Kinmundy Centennial News - April

Kinmundy Centennial News - May

Centennial Ball

Kinmundy Centennial News - May-June

"Dwight Hanna and family arrive at the Strawberry Festival"

(Dr. Dwight Hanna, Kay Hanna, Jan (Hanna) Horner, Steve Hanna, and Mertie Lera "Huffy" (Huffman) Hanna)

(CentD-70a) "A Strawberry festival last Saturday evening brought about 500 customers to the Legion Hall for fresh strawberries, ice cream, and cake,

and about 1,000 people to a street dance following - all for the benefit of Kinmundy's Centennieal, which will be observed Aug. 2-4. A total of $157 were added

to the centennial fund. Here are members of the festival committee helping out in the kitchen: Elno Brown, Mrs. Marjorie Green, Mrs. F.O. Grissom, general chairman,

Chester Kline, Mrs. Olga Alderson, Mrs. Sam Lowe, Mrs. Bert Garrett, Mrs. Bessie Diss, Mrs. Mildred Brown, Mrs. Dorothy (Mercer) McCulley, and Leland Brasel."

Charles George, Joyce Layne, Dickie Lane, Barbara Wilson, Steve Hanna, Kay Hanna, and Alice and Virginia Chasteen. At rear are Richard Robb, Janet Pickle,Terry Gordon, Judy Ford, Jan Hanna, Donna Pickle, and Connie Leach

June 6, 1957 - "All set to enjoy Kinmundy's Strawberry festival are these youngster, most of them wearing centennial costumes.

In front are Charles George, Joyce (Lane) Yates, Dickie Lane, Barbara Wilson, Steve Hanna, Kay Hanna, and Alice and Virginia Chasteen.

At rear are Richard Robb, Janet Pickle, Terry Gordon, Judy (Ford) Mulvany, Jan (Hanna) Horner, Donna Pickle, and Connie (Leach) Robnett Luker."

"Saturday night of this week it will be a strawberry festival, but last Saturday night it was a centennial ball at Kinmundy, where plans are becoming more and more elaborate as the August 2-4 dates for the celebration of the community's 100th anniversary draw nearer. More than 295 people attended the ball Saturday night, with the committee in charge, shown here, netting about $225 for the centennial fund.

Left to right: Wayne Robb, Charles Bassett, Cliff Olden, George Feather, Mrs. Alecia White, Frosty Jones, Mrs. Pola Robb, and Merle Jackson.

"Candidates for Centennial queen here are shown in their costumes at the centennial ball last Saturday night, and they'll be much in evidence Saturday night of this week at the Strawberry festival. The festival will get under way about 5:30, with plenty of fresh strawberries to be served. There will also be a street dance. The candidates for queen: Mrs. Millie (Bailey) Bassett, Carolyn (Alberson) Diss, Karen (Jones) Robnett, Mrs. Dorothy (Mercer) McCulley, Ruth (Duke) Ford, and Brenda (Gray) Hanks Felter. The sixth candidate, Mrs. Margaret (Bousman) Olden, was not present."

Kinmundy Centennial News - June 11, 1957

Kinmundy Centennial News - June & July

Kinmundy Centennial News - July

Historical Tours to be Feature of Centennial Celebration at Kinmundy

A tour of old homes which have been standing during most of Kinmundy's history, will be a feature of the town's centennial celebration on Saturday, Aug. 3. A hospitality tent will be set up at Madison and Third streets and tours of the homes will begin from there. The tours will be conducted from 9 a.m. until noon.

Dr. and Mrs. W.A. Franklin home.

"The Franklin home is said to be over a century old. the three back rooms were built in 1853 by John Blurton. In 1866, it was remodeled by Dr. A.C. Elder and improved. The lots on which it stands is part of a 160-acre land grant from the Illinois Central railroad."

Leach Residence

"This 100 year old house which stands east of Kinmundy, was built by Michael Wolfe of Louisville, Ky, about 1857. Its outside walls are 18" thick and made of brick. Most of the material was brought from Kentucky. Some think it might have been planned for a hotel, since all the rooms had outside entrances and were large enough for several beds. The custom in those days was for a family to stay in a hotel until their home was built on the newly claimed land.

It was first occupied by Wolfe and his sister's family, the Absalom Tuckers. She was the grandmother of Byron Rotan and the great-grandmother of numerous Boyds and rotans and Wades. Wolfe died a bachelor, leaving no will, so the property was sold to settle the estate, and in 1868, George West, who came from Indiana by way of Galena, Ill., bought and remodeled it for his family home.

In 1885 he sold it to his son, Charles, who added many acres, named it Hereford Park and raised fine cattle there until 1903. It went through many hands, Henry Greening, William H. Meeks, Ayers Conant, John Merchant, and finally in 1920, tony Young, who had extensive orchards in the neighborhood bought it. After his death, it was sold by his widow to O.I. Leach, the present owner.

The first purchaser of the land of Isaac Eagan who bought it from the government in 1852, sold it to W.J. Sprouse in 1856, and one moth later it was bought by Michael Wolfe. Eleven owners since it was government land."

Grissom Residence.

"Among the half-dozen show places in Kinmundy at which open house will be held this weekend during the city's centennial is this 1877 residence, now owned by the F.O. Grissoms. Originally the home of Capt. Calendar Rohrbough, who built the home. It was acquired from the estate by Mr. Grissom following the widow's death in 1909. Lime for the mortar was burned near Omega and presumably the brick was obtained from an early Kinmundy brick yard. The stately residence has been modernized and remodeled but retains its original exterior appearance. The present owner is the mayor of Kinmundy and Mrs. Grissom, a voice teacher, is director of the centennial chorus."

Ingram Residence

"This house, now the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Elwin Ingram, was built by Abram Songer for his bride, Margaret Nelms, when they came to Kinmundy from Xenia soon after their marriage in 1868.

Mr. Songer was a prisoner in Libby Prison during the Civil War, and was one of a group who tunneled out, and made their way home. Mrs. Songer was a school teacher in Marion and Clay county during the war and received her education from the Southern Illinois Femail college in Salem.

With his brother, Giles, Mr. Songer built the Songer mill which is nearby, from brick which they made themselves.

This house originally was a small one-story affair but in 1893 the two story part was added in front and the whole house remodeled. After Mrs. Songer's death, her daughter, "Miss Mame" (Mrs. James Brown), lived there with her husband, father and aunt, Miss Mollie Songer, who was one of Kinmundy's early storekeepers.

After they were all gone it belonged to Bert Garrett who sold to the Ingrams. It has been remodeled and modernized but still has the look of the old place. Mrs. Ingram is a collector of antiques and has filled her home with them."

Helen and Ray Sugget home in 1957. Former home of Judge D.P. Snelling and family - May 16, 1957

Kinmundy's Forthcoming centennial observance, August 2-4, spotlights a number of the community's fine old homes, among which is this house built by Judge David P. SNELLING nearly a century ago, now the residence of Helen and Ray SUGGETT, formerly of Chicago. Judge SNELLING was born in Maine and worked in the ship building business in New Hampshire as a youth, which may account for the cupola with windows on all sides which in the old days adorned the roof. After joining the gold rush, going to California by ship and across the Isthmus of Panama on foot and jorseback, he returned home the same way and decided to settle in the middle west. He chose Kinmundy, and built this fine old home, which is one of the community's show places. Judge SNELLING was one of the first Republicans elected to office in Marion county when he became associate county judge in 1866."

"When Helen and Ray SUGGETT of Chicago decided upon Kinmundy as their future home, they took a fancy to the SNELLING house and bought it march 8, 1956. They particularly saw possibilities in the house because of the business which they have developed - the creation of plastic novelties. Ray has invented several of the novelties, such as the "horrible finger", which slips over one's finger and looks like a very bad cut. Then there are plastic noses which completely change one's personality. Many small plastic novelties, such as doll bathing suits such as Mrs. Suggett is painting in this picture, are manufactured here and distributed throughout the nation by means of an agency."

Parrill Residence.

Oldest Kinmundy house. The Parrill residence is said to be the first home built after Kinmundy was platted in 1857. It was used as a residence, store, and post office by W.B. Eagan and is mentioned in the minutes of early city council meetings when he petitioned to build scales in front to way hay and grain. He sold it when he built a larger house to the east and it passed through several hands before it was bought in 1907 by the Parrill family when they moved to town from Meacham. It has been their home ever since and has been extenisively remodeled several times. Miss Luella Parrill, age 94, lives here alone since the death of her sister, Evangeline. She will take part in the open house for Mrs. Harriett DeVore.

Miss Luella Parrill

Lloyd Bailey Residence in 1957. Formerly George Rutherford home.

"Considerably modernized is this century-old residence of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Bailey where open house also will be held on centennial weekend. An historical tour of older homes and other points of interest is scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday. Originally built by the George Rutherford family, this home is said to have been put together with wooden pegs. The late Mr. Rutherford taught shorthand here many years ago. In the 1880s he published the "Reform Leader" and later "The Kinmundy Register". He was also an osteopath known as "the rubbing doctor". His daughters, Sue and Ida, both of whom moved to Chicago, later returned to remodel and landscape the place. It was purchased by the present owners in 1943 and again modernized and improved."

High School built in 1910

New gymnasium built in 1956

New grade school built in 1956

St. Philomena's Catholic Church

Miss Luella Parill, who celebrated her 94th birthday recently by baking her own cake and inviting the neighbors in, is another aged Kinmundian to whom the Kinmundy Centennial book has been dedicated.

Miss Parill, who is in good health, is able to participate in the Centennial activities and has been an honored guest at the Fundraising dinner and other celebrations.

She lives alone and does her own house keeping plus being active in church work and other social groups.

Born in Meacham township, she with her family moved to Kinmundy in October 1907. As a young lady, she worked in Chicago for several years, but returned to her old home in Kinmundy in 1930, where she has lived ever since."

Alzora "Allie" (Porter) Dennis Nelms

"For 92 of her 93 years, Mrs. Elzora Dennis Nelms has been a resident of Kinmundy and is planning to take part during the Centennial celebration at an open house for Mrs. Harriet DeVore, who will be 105 years tomorrow. Mrs. Nelms was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1863, moved to Kinmundy with her family, the Alee Porters, when she was a year and a half old. She was a milliner for 20 years, first in the shop of Miss Mollie Songer and then in her own home on Madison Street. She now lives near the Methodist Church, of which she is a lifelong member, who her brother, frank Porter, an dher daughter, Mrs. Hallie Combs."

Harriet (Humphrey) DeVore

(CentTB-2)

(CentTB-1) Teenage Centennial Banquet held at the grade school cafeteria on Louisville Rd.

(CentTB-3) Teenage Centennial Banquet held at the grade school cafeteria on Louisville Rd.

"Ladies from the century old town of Kinmundy are shown dressed in centennial costume on their way to attend a tea, one of the pre-centennial activities.

Left to right are Elsie Reese, Opal Cooper, Irma Ingram, Lura Robnett, and Alice Lewin.

The ladies and many other Kinmundy residents are setting the mood for the centennial festivities which will be held Aug. 2, 3, and 4."

The Kinmundy Woman's Club entertained the Junior Woman's Club at their May breakfast in the American Legion Hall Saturday, May 4, with most of the ladies wearing centennial costumes.

Table at left, Mrs. Lura Robnett, Mrs. W.A. Franklin, Bill See, Robert Shufeldt, David Gerkin, Janet Barksdale, Mrs. F.O. Grissom, Mrs. Lloyd Bailey, Mrs. Lewis O'Dell, Mrs. Jane Hohlt, Mrs. Anna Marlow, Elizabeth Killie, Mrs. Eugene Shufeldt, Mrs. Howard Hammer, Mrs. Edw. __ston, Mrs.H.J. Barksdale and daughter, Mrs. O.I. Leach, Mrs. Annie Young, Mrs. Pola Robb, Mrs. Millie Bassett and daughter, Mrs. Wayne Robb and son.

Table at right: Mrs. Art Boyd, Mrs. Claude Wilkinson, Mrs. Henry Steinlicht, Mrs. Dwight Day, Miss Edith Morgan, Miss Pauline Bagott, Mrs. E.E. Brown, Mrs. Pearl Fisher, Mrs. Clarence Alderson, Mrs. Dwight Hanna, Mrs. Clyde Ballance, Mrs. Maude Holt, Mrs. Len Lewin, Miss Alta Bagott, Mrs. Emma Ballance, Mrs. Harry Dennis, Mrs. Rufus Gerkin, Mrs. Stella Pruett, Mrs. Virgil See, and Mrs. C.E. Bailey.

"56 Entries Set for Kinmundy Parade. Street Decorations to be put up this week; Extend Amateur Contest Deadline."

"Surrey with the fringe on top, illustrative of Kinmundy's centennial celebration tomorrow through Sunday, here is being driven by the general chairman, Dr. Dwight Hanna. Enjoying the ride are Mrs. Hanna and their children, Jan, Steve, and Kay. For the Centennial parade Friday afternoon, the surrey will accommodate Kinmundy's second oldest resident, Mrs. Luella Parrill, 94, who will ride with Dr. Hanna as guest of honor. Oldest citzen is Mrs. Harriet DeVore, who observed her 105th birthday July 24. soon to be 94 is Mrs. Elzora Dennis Nelms."

(Dr. Dwight Hanna, Kay Hanna, Jan (Hanna) Horner, Steve Hanna, and Mertie Lera "Huff" (Huffman) Hanna)

Ruth Duke, candidate for the Kinmundy centennial queen title is shown above. Miss Duke lives at Brubaker, about 5 miles south of Kinmundy. She is being sponsored by the Kinmundy Lions organization. Ruth is engaged to be married next fall to Richard Ford.

Carolyn Alberson, of Kinmundy is sponsored by the Home Bureau as the queen candidate for the Kinmundy centennial to be held Aug. 2, 3, and 4.

Carolyn will play the role of the bride in the Kinmundy Centennial pageant, providing dress rehearsal for her real wedding at 2:30 Sunday afternoon in the Kinmundy First Methodist Church to Keith Diss.

Margaret Olden is a queen candidate for the Kinmundy centennial. Miss Olden was honored at a lawn party by her sponsors, the Royal Neighbors and Rebekah lodge of Kinmundy. She was recently married to Gary Olden.

Brenda Gray, queen candidate for the Kinmundy centennial is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Gray of Kinmundy. Miss Gray is a high school student. She is sponsored by the Kinmundy High School and the P.T.A.

Karen Jones, centennial queen candidate of Kinmundy is shown above. Miss Jones is being sponsored by the Eastern Star organization of Kinmundy. A tea was held in her honor Tuesday afternoon.

"Effingham Daily News" - "Six beautiful young ladies formed the court of the Kinmundy Centennial Queen, Miss Karen Jones. The attendants and the number of votes received are: Sitting in front is Ruth Duke, 16,572 votes, left to right in semi-circle are Brenda Gray, 20, 131; Carolyn Alberson, 13,527; Margaret Olden, 13,522; Mrs. Dorothy McCulley, 20, 570; and Millie Basset. these ladies took part in the coronation ceremonies held this morning in Kinmundy."

Bill Jones & Brenda (Gray) Hanks Felter, Dorothy (Mercer) McCulley & Wayne Robb; Charles Bassett & Millie (Bailey) Bassett; Dwight "Doc" Hanna;

Karen (Jones) Robnett & Rodney Schooley; Gene Williams & Carolyn (Alberson) Diss; Harvey Hanna & Ruth (Duke) Ford; Bob Lee & Margaret (Bouseman) Olden

(CentQ-11) Brenda (Gray) Hanks Felter (CentQ-12) Ruth (Duke) Ford and Harvey Hanna

Miss Karen Jones, Kinmundy's centennial queen, here is shown with Dr. Dwight Hanna, left, general chairman, and Rodney Schooley, a member of the Centennial board, who crowned the queen. Miss Jones, a sophomore at Southern Illinois university, Carbondale, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Jones. She is a "red-head", 5'8" tall, and at present is employed at Ingram's Elevator in Kinmundy as bookkeeper. Her hobbies are dress designing and piano playing.

(CentP-40) Queen Float - This float led off the floats for the Kinmundy Centennial Parade. Those riding were:

(L to R): Margaret (Bouseman) Olden, sponsored by Royal Neighbors and Rebecca Lodge;

Brenda (Gray) Hanks Felter (not visible), sponsored by Kinmundy High School and P.T.A.;

Millie (Bailey) Bassett, sponsored by Kinmundy Woman's Club and Junior Woman's Club;

"A Ferris Wheel overlooked Madison street during Kinmudy's centennial celebration last weekend, providing thrill-seekers with a view of all activities. Thousands attended the three-day observance, which ended Sunday morning with a religious service in the new high school gymnasium. Most extreme hot and humid weather of the summer lasted through Friday, but was broken Saturday by wind and rain."

(CentP-10) Madison Street scene - Tremendous crowds were met with the most extreme hot and humid weather of the summer.

It lasted through Friday, but the intense weather was broken Saturday by wind and rain.

"Principal speaker at the Kinmundy Centennial yesterday afternoon was Paul Farlow, agricultural agent for the Illinois Central Railroad (center), who reviewed the growth of this area since coming of the railroads. Shown here with the speaker is Mayor F.O. Grissom, left, who gave the address of welcome, and Raymond Atkins, who served as master of ceremonies." ("Centralia Sentinel" - Aug. 3, 1957)

“Centralia Sentinel” – Aug. 3, 1957 - “Karen Jones Named Queen Leads Parade”

“Kinmundy – A strawberry blonde with blue-green eyes was named yesterday as “Queen of the Kinmundy Centennial”.

Karen JONES, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edgar JONES, Kinmundy, won the queen contest by virtue of having the most votes in the final tabulation of sales of centennial booklets by which popularity of the candidates was determined. Six other beauties made up the court of honor which accompanied her majesty on the royal float. They were Margaret OLDEN, Brenda GRAY, Millie BASSETT, and Dorothy McCULLEY, all of Kinmundy, and Ruth DUKE, Alma. Miss JONES, a sophomore this year at Southern Illinois University, is a graduate of Kinmundy High School with the class of 1956, majoring in commerce at SIU, she plans a business career.

The royal float carrying the queen and her court led off the centennial parade to start the afternoon program. Some 75 units in the procession were divided into 4 classes. The fire trucks, color guards, bands and twirlers, horses and horse drawn carriages composed one class and the float section was divided into church and fraternal, advertising and out of town entries.

The Christian Church float with its robed choir of youthful singers took first prize in its division with the Royal Neighbor’s entry second, the Teen Age float third, and Methodist church float fourth. Awards in this class were $25, $20, $15, and $10. In the advertising division, the old and new standard wagon entry won $15, the Francis HAMMER float, $10, and the Barksdale seed float $7.50. In the out-of-town class, the Methodist Church of Edgewood took top honors. Winners in the individual classes were Diana STEVENSON, Salem, Joe BARGH, Kinmundy, and the “crazy car” driven by Ernine WILSON and hauling Virgil WESNER and Gene COX, all of Edgewood, third.”

was won by the Methodist Church with the float, shown above, which is a replica of the church.

"One of the floats that helped make the Kinmundy homecoming a success is this one sponsored by the American Legion. Driver is Perc Followell, and Sam Lowe and Bob Green are sittingon top of the float."

First prize in the Kinmundy section of the Centennial Parade went to the children's robed choir of the Christian Church.

Grand prize for hometown floats in the Kinmundy Centennial parade was won by the Kinmundy Christian Church with the float shown above. Junior choir members in their robes rode on the float against a background resembling the church windows. Bearded gentleman at left is pastor of the church, Rufus Gerkin. Visible in the background is the lion on the Kinmundy Lions club float, and driver of the team pulling the float, Paul Ambuehl of St. Peter.

(CentP-4c) P.T.A. float - P.T.A. was a very active entity in the organization of the Centennial celebration.

(CentP-6b) Teenagers float - This "School Days" float was awarded third place in the Kinmundy section. It was entered by the active group of teens who

helped with the Centennial Celebration. Their efforts started a Teen Center for the centennial and made it possible for the center to continue after the celebration.

(L to R): Bruce Gray (with dunce hat), Patty Olden (teacher), Bud Alberson (in derby cap), Linda Robb(?) (girl with long hair), Dave White (with cowboy hat),

(CentP-83) The “crazy car” driven by Ernine WILSON and hauling Virgil WESNER and Gene COX, all of Edgewood, received third prize in the 'individual class'

(CentP-80) "Kinmundy Fox Meet float - Aug 29, 30, 31 with Clyde Bassett's mules and wagon"

(CentP-70) "Kinmundy Fox Meet float - Aug 29, 30, 31 with Clyde Bassett's mules and wagon"

(CentP-30a) Soon hunter - Carroll Garrett is shown with mule and hound dog. Carroll also won first place in the full beard untrimmed contest.

(CentP-82) The Dr. Dwight Hanna family driving Kinmundy's second oldest resident, Mrs. Luella Parrill, 94 in a surrey with the fringe on top.

(CentP-19b) Royal Neighbors of America Lodge float - Second place in the Kinmundy section was won by this float.

Driver (unknown), Diane (Gray) Hanks, Mrs. Harry Gray, Jr.; _____________, young lad Francis Lemay

A covered wagon drawn by miniature oxen was entertained in the Kinmundy Centennial parade by the town's woman's clubs. Young man in frilly black velvet is Frankie Hammer. Driver who is checking up on the small lad is Lyman Jones. In addition to many floats, horses, and marching groups from Kinmundy, residents of nearby towns entered the spirit of the occasion by bringing floats or bands.

"Having a good time at the Kinmundy Centennial yesterday were Reindl Baylis and Dan Mangner, both of Kinmundy, shown here with their team of bays and covered wagon. The bearded drivers had crude lettering on the canvas "Kinmundy or Bust". (Centralia Sentinel - Aug. 3, 1957)

"Oldest Entry - The old conestoga wagon shown here powered with a team of oxen and driven by B.H. Kissick was the oldest entry in the centennial parade yesterday at Kinmundy. The old wagon was built in 1821 by Emanuel Custer, father of General George Custer of Little Big Horn fame. The bed 14 ft., 3 in. long is deeper in center to keep load from shifting when going up and down hill. Kissick, shown here with his oxen, takes his rig throughout the state in the interest of the New Salem State park to which it belongs." ("Centralia Sentinel" - Aug. 3, 1957)

(CentP-56c) Oldest entry powered with team of oxen - Driver, R.H. Kissich said that the old Conestoga Wagon was built in 1821 by Emanuel Custer,

father of General George Custer of Little Big Horn battle. The bed is fourteen feet and three inches long with the center being deeper to keep loads

from shifting when going up and down hills. This entry belonged to the New Salem State Park.

"Old Timer - Wes Headley, who lives south of Kinmundy, brought his two beagles, Peg and Rile, to town yesterday to celebrate the who looked more like Daniel Boone after a wilderness tour, is shown here carrying an old Springfield army rifle made in 1855. Headley marched with the paraders. ("Centralia Sentinel" - Aug. 3, 1957)

Clyde Bassett (best goatee), Harry Rittenhouse (best mustache and goatee combination)

(CentB-4) Best untrimmed beards at Kinmundy's centennial. The beards were grown since last March.

Carroll Garrett (1st), Virgil See (2nd), Raymond Tipsword and Wesley Headley (tied for 3rd)

Best Trimmed Beards. Gene Williams - 1st, Taylor Batts - 2nd, Darrell Reese - 3rd.

Aug. 8, 1957 - "Salem Times- Commoner" - "Winning Family groups wearing centennial costumes, in styles dating back to 1860.

At left the Kenneth Alberson family; center, the Kenneth Wilkinson family, and at right, the Wayne Robb family."

(Kenneth Alberson Sr, Bernice (Schomaker) Alberson, Carolyn (Alberson) Diss, Marolyn (Alberson) Diss, Kenneth "Bud" Alberson, Jr.;

(L to R) Iris (Ford) Miller, __________, Terry Gordon, Karen (Reese) Skeens, Fleta (Conant) Lybarger,

Ella (Mulvaney) Campbell, Karen (Lane) Rose Blakely, Nelda (Reese) Zinser (2nd place winner),

Linda (Wilkinson) Gamanche, Theresa (Doolen) Moscan (1st place winner), Mary Jo (Pagano) Isler,

Shari (Doolen) Crockett, Connie (Leach) Robnett Luker, Jane (Hammer) Stadden, and Kay Hanna

(CentD-40) Theresa Doolen (1st prize winner) and Nelda Reese Zinser (2nd prize winner)

(L to R): Donnie Gordon, Frankie Hammer (1st prize winner), Dwain Ford, Bud Alberson, Mike Gordon (2nd prize winner), Richard Robb, and Larry Mulvaney

Mrs. Huffy Hanna, wearing an 1850-style silver lame dress with small black hat and coat.

Mrs. Erma Ingram and Mrs. Maxine (Bailey) Robb, wearing twin yellow organdy hoopskirts with parasols,

"Fancy Dressed Kinmundy ladies are shown as they attend the Centennial activities held recently.

These ladies won in the costume parade as the best women dressed in fancy manner.

Aug. 8, 1957 - "Salem Times- Commoner" - "Best of the older centennial costumes,

Nancy Middleton wearing a lace and ribbon dress with short beaded cape and bonnet,

(Nancy (Lacey) Middleton, Mrs. Lela Mae (Nichols) Doolen, Mrs. Nora (Brasel) Olden)

1) Mrs. Lela Mae (Nichols) Doolen, 2) ___________, 3) Nancy (Lacey) Middleton , 4)___________,

"Kinmundy Ladies who won first, second, and third place in the costume judging are shown above.

Barbara Combs, Salem, second $50; the Rhythm Cats of Flora, first, $75; and Karen Lefferson, Lawrenceville, third, $30.

"A steam pumper fire truck made in 1900 and owned by Xenia Fire Department is one of two of its kind still known to be in existence in the United States. Wherever the pumper is shown it is a point of interest and youngsters usually gather round to see what makes it go. Typical of the attention it draws is the group shown above picture listening to H.V. Miller, at right, and Edward Caudle, at left, explaining the machine's operation. Children are Mary Ann Hebron, who was visiting in Farina; John Cokinos, Farina; William Hebron, another Farina visitor; and John Hebron, Farina. The children were attending Kinmundy centennial. The pumper was used until two years ago. Pulled by hand, it contains a box in which a fire was started as fireman headed for the fire. Theoretically, by the time they arrived, a head of steam had been built up by the fire, and pumper was ready for operation. One of the other machines is in a museum, and a third one built at the same time has disappeared, according to best information Xenia fire department can obtain."

Orous I. (O.I.) Leach, Fernadine "Ferdy" (Bowers) Leach, Connie (Leach) Robnett Luker, and Larry Leach.

Fernadine "Ferdy" (Bowers) Leach - Ready to be on the Woman's Club float in the parade - 1957

Sunrise Circle from the Methodist Church ready for the Centennial Celebration in Kinmundy

(CentD-30c) Front: Nancy Swift, Preacher Everett Thompson's daughter, Linda (Wilkinson) Gamanche, Ginny (Johnston) Randolph, Francis Lemay.

Directly behind him is Adina Lemay (his mother). Blonde girl behind is Amy Jo (Lemay) Wagner. Lady to left is Ellen Swift.

Lady in white hat by umbrella is Ella (Myers) DeVore Thompson (Donnie and Ivan's mother).

(CentD-11a) Polly Bagott, Mildred Brown, Pearl Fischer, Bettie Dennis, Alta Bagott, Maude Holt, Olga Alderson along Madison street

(CentD-52h) __________, Florence Franklin, Annie Young, Margaret Shufeldt, Alice Lewin, Bertha See, Betty Dennis

(CentD-74) Ruby Arnold, Ethel Hanna, Florence (Osborne) Bassett, and (possibly) Elma Jones - March 30, 1957

(CentD-59) Jim Eagan (CentD-53) Ladies in costume (possibly Helen Garrett on left)

"In this picture for display of historical items at the Kinmundy centennial are a picture of settler Jesse George, old-fashioned organ, Ben Franklin stove, chairs, early graphophone, spinning wheel and reel for winding the yard, and the like. In another three rooms were old bedsteads, a baby bed used by the late L.C. Rhohrbough, quilts, pillowshams, crocheted rugs, and the like."

"Among three rooms of antique furniture on display at the Kinmundy centennial. Included in this room are an old stove and iron kettle, a gourd used for measuring more than 100 years ago supposedly holding one bushel of wheat, drop leap table, teapot from Switzerland, oil lamp, place setting of iron stone china, baby's cradle, old kitchen safe, coffee grinder, peck measure, and churn."

"Another main feature of the centennial will be a historical pageant, which will be presented Friday and Saturday nights. The pageant cast is currently rehearsing and scenery is being painted. The Friday night presentation will be followed by a square dance and the Saturday night presentation by a fireworks display.

Centralia Sentinel - Aug. 3, 1957: "Last night on the large stage at the north end of the midway, "The Kinmundy Story" was told by a cast of some 50 hometowners who spent weeks rehearsing. The show will be staged again tomorrow night. Written by Gerald Pottebaum and directed by Mrs. Elwin Ingram and Mrs. Lewis O'Dell, the pageant in scenes reminiscent of the past recreated the life of the community beginning in the days of Isaac Eagan, one of the early founders.

On the stage the bustling life of the town unfolds in sequence after sequence. There are the Indians in the first scene who come to the town site to hold a parley on the coming of the railroad and the ever increasing numbers of pale faces.

The second scene shows the burial of a Confederate soldier whose body was taken off a prisoner-of-war train and interred along the right-of-way. Today the remains of Enos Taylor the soldier who at the age of 19 gave his life for the Confederate cause, lies buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Kinmundy.

The third sequence depicts a school scene of about 1900. In it Miss Mildred Kleiss palys the part of the teacher. Other scenes show an old fashioned weddinga nd a traveling "medicine man" played by Wayne Robb.

The final scene depicts a gathering of the Farmers Institute which had its state headquarters in Kinmundy around 1910. Roy Doolen, Kinmundy farmer, plays the role of an old-time speaker at one of the meetings held near the turn of the century.

The address of welcome is given by Superintendent of Schools Lewis O'Dell, who takes the part of W.W. Neil, mayor of Kinmundy in 1900."

"The Kinmundy high school band, caught by the photographer while playing for the centennial pageant.

The director, William Pottebaum, who especially composed a Kinmundy centennial march, is shown playing the sousaphone."

Here's a tie worn at the Kinmundy Centennial (donated by the family of Margaret (Warren) Shufeldt)