April 13, 2016 at 12:39 p.m.
Townsend celebrates centennial with rousing program
Townsend celebrates centennial with rousing program
Excitement and anticipation were in the air as a cast of 30 local men impersonated the town founders who made and seconded motions that would legally establish the town of Townsend, organizers said in a press release. A dozen women portrayed their wives, many of whom were visibly upset that their voices at the ballot box would be silent and remain that way until 1920.
The original script, taken directly from the meeting's minutes as recorded by Mathew Bolund on April 4, 1916, served as the basis for a much-embellished program written by Kathleen Marsh, who directed the production which included interactive elements and a mini-suffragette demonstration.
Opening and closing music was provided by God's Guys, a barbershop quartet from St. John Lutheran Church. They led off with a rousing rendition of the national anthem and closed with "America the Beautiful." A highlight of the afternoon was "A Townsend Day" sung by Don Franzen (lyrics by Kathleen Marsh, music by Scott Wycherley).
Marsh's latest book entitled "Townsend Time 1916-2016: A Centennial Tribute" was also introduced that day, and a number of attendees picked up maps, directions and details for the Road Warrior "Walk 100 miles for 100 Years" activity which will run from April through October.
Robert Glocke, grandson of Fred Glocke, who was elected one of the town supervisors a hundred years ago, drove 500 mines from Fairfield, Iowa, to see the reenactment.
Jay Rietz, direct descendant of Carl "Charlie" Rietz who surveyed and laid out the township, came to role-play his great-grandfather. He brought along Charlie's compass and read a poem his great-grandfather had written about the beauty of the surrounding area
Also on hand were elected officials Jeff Mursau and Tom Tiffany who presented the current town chairman, Bruce Karow, with a commemorative plaque recognizing Townsend's hundredth birthday.
The Centennial Committee is hosting monthly events from April to October.
Next up is a Quilt Show hosted by the Looney Ladies Quilting Circle under the direction of Carole Haggstrom.
A variety of antique and modern quilts will be displayed on May 29 at the Townsend Town Hall beginning at noon. At 1 p.m., the Looney Ladies will present their beautiful commemorative quilt to the town. Following will be a 45-minute Townsend History Program entitled "Townsend Time: the First Hundred Years."
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