News: Unity – Recalling 100th Anniversary Celebration (Dec 2022)

Transcriber: Stan

Surnames: Palmerton, Thayer, Spring, Boettcher, Rex, Chamber, Erickson, Webster, Westcott, Rogers, Bloom, Schuette, Suckow, Neuman, Riese, Wesley, Schreindl, Brecker, Cook

----Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 14 Dec 2022

The small village of Unity is just about back to normal after celebrating its 100th birthday this past weekend. During the three day celebration the Fountain City Shows and Midway Village Park provided 10-12 big rides. Starting on Friday evening a White Elephant auction was held, clerked by Midstate Sales of Marshfield. A special thanks to everyone who donated articles to make this such a success.

On Saturday, the weather was beautiful and a State Wide Pony Pull was held by the North West Wisconsin Pullers Inc., which includes any pony pullers within a 100 mile radius of Eau Claire. Since this was a state wide affair, non-member pony pullers were invited to attend.

Starting at 1:15 p.m. a parade was held with approximately 74 units. The parade was led by Mrs. Russell Palmerton riding a horse and carrying the flag, followed by the Colby High School band and many Unity members participating.

Other added attractions were the Northern Colony Drum and Bugle Corp of Chippewa Falls, Drum and Bugle Corp, Park Falls, Zor Shriners, Mauston, Mr. and Mrs. Graham Thayer, owner and operators of Lazy Acres campground, Hixton. The judges of the parade were Orville Syring, Spencer, Joe Boettcher, Colby and Bud Grube, Abbotsford. The winners were Romeo Busy Beavers, first place; Trinity Lutheran Church, second; and Ann’s Garden Club, third place. A special mention was given to Mr. and Mrs. Rueben Rex. Approximately 2,000 people attended the parade. A social hour starting at 3:30 Saturday afternoon was held at the Memorial Hall. This gave everyone a chance to meet old friends and classmates which they hadn’t seen in years. Also, in the afternoon a style show was held with styles representing yesteryear, sponsored by the Senior Citizens and Maplewood Homemakers. The stage was decorated and the styles proved to be quite interesting.

Starting at 4:30 p.m., approximately 600 guests were served dinner at the Trinity Lutheran Church. In the evening from 9 to 1 a.m. a dance was held at Memorial Hall with Bill Chamber’s orchestra providing the music.

Sunday brought another busy day with the State Wide Horse Pulling contest starting at 10:30 a.m. About 2,000 people attended the horse pull.

The pie and ice cream social held at the Memorial Hall starting at 12 noon was enjoyed by many. A beard judging contest was held Sunday afternoon. The judges were Richard Erickson, Erland Webster, both from Oregon and Mrs. Clayton Westcott, Spencer. The winners were Gayland Rogers, best all-over beard; Leo Bloom, whitest beard; Lester Schuette, best side burns; Jim Suckow, best mustache and Duane Neuman, best goatee.

Sunday evening entertainment was provided by the square dancers in the street with Fred Justman, Stratford. The winner of the colored television was Leonard Riese, Unity. The winners of the savings bonds were Loretta Wesley, Marshfield; Gary Schreindl, Marshfield; Hattie Brecker, Loyal and Ellen Cook, Spencer.