Bio: Firnstahl, Mr./Mrs. Isy – Colby Centennial Royalty (1973)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Firnstahl, Ebert, Rex

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 17 May 1973

Mr. and Mrs. Isy M. Firnstahl, longtime area residents, have been named Colby Centennial King and queen by a committee of the Colby Senior Citizens Club. Chosen as alternatives were William Ebert and Mrs. Rueben Rex.

Firnstahl was born in the Town of Hull nearly 78 years ago. Mrs. (Lillian) Firnstahl came to Colby after marriage in 1920. With the exception of a few years spent in Minnesota during the late 1930’s, the Firnstahls have been “Colby people.” Along with other noteworthy accomplishments, they have raised four children, Norman, Jerry, Virginia and Paul.

The selection of the centennial royalty was delegated to the Senior Citizens Club last February. The only stipulation made by the centennial committee was that the people chose be knowledgeable of the local and longtime resident of the Colby area.

The selection was made by ballot of Senior Citizens Club members.

The coronation of the royal couple will take place at the Colby Hotel Saturday evening at 9:30 o’clock. Dancing and other festivities will follow. A large crowd of well-wishers is anticipated, according to advance information from the centennial committee.

King Isy and Queen Lillian will reign throughout the summer at a number of Colby centennial events, the final royal act will be the centennial parade and homecoming slated for July 21, 1973. This year’s celebration is being held in conjunction with Colby Cheese Days, July 18-21, an annual event designed to promote Colby cheese.