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The movie in this post was filmed forty-nine years ago during Rolfe’s centennial. The centennial was celebrated July 4-6, 1963.
One year from now on July 12-14, 2013, Rolfe, Iowa, will celebrate 150 years of existence…its sesquicentennial.
In conjunction with the 2013 event, the Rolfe school alumni reunion will be held on Saturday afternoon and early evening during the sesquicentennial. It will be conveniently sandwiched between other events.
A community-wide program will take place in the evening at the former gym, now known as the RAM Event Center.
Across the three days next summer, festivities are planned. What I’ve heard is that much of the planning will be solidified in early August. As I learn more, I’ll update here periodically. (I do know a walk/run is planned for the morning of Saturday, the 13th. What a fun way to observe or participate and renew acquaintances.)
Back to the movie…
In the 1963 centennial parade, I was on the Presbyterian Church’s float. I’m not sure which one it is, but I remember it had a big cross on it!
At the 3:55 mark, my sister Peggy was on my dad’s float*.
The movie quality is poor. Still…very, very nostalgic.
I think it is easier and better quality to watch this movie when it is not in full-screen mode.
If you can identify anyone in this movie, if you don’t mind, please comment below as to the time marker (approximate minute:second point) in the movie and the person/people at that particular point. For as many points/people as you can! Or, if you have time, please email me. mariongundersonart@gmail.com
I’m always searching for photos, movies and videos, memorabilia, letters, storytelling, etc., that people are willing to share for me to post here. I never post anything without first getting permission from the provider (if still living).
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*In the near future I’ll post photos of my dad’s centennial float.
My mom’s (Marion Gunderson) handwriting on the VHS case for the video (above) says, “From Al Christensen.”
(Click here to go to Louise Gunderson Shimon’s blog’s home page.)
Marion Gunderson Art (and the Farmer's Daughter) 
July 16, 2012 at 9:31 pm |
From Jeff Loxterkamp, RHS ’79: “I believe my dad, Edward Loxterkamp, can be seen at the 2:23 mark leaning against a car with 2 or 3 of his friends. One might be the dentist, Russ Ranney, but nor for sure. At the 4:28 mark is the Robinson float, probably from the Spike Robinson John Deere business. Probably others I might know, but could not make out.”
From Louise: Jeff’s dad was our family physician in Rolfe when I was a little girl. Unfortunately, he passed away at a relatively early age. And, Jeff’s mom had wisdom that just made so much sense. When I was a young mom and concerned about potty training, she sat with me at the swimming pool in Rolfe while little kids were splashing around, and she offered advice that was pure common sense…and worked! I remember her as just being so calm and collected and sincere.
August 1, 2012 at 11:37 am |
At 2:52 you can see my husband, Gus Brinkman driving the little buggy with the American flag (2nd parade entry after conastoga wagon in kiddie parade). Big sisters Laurie and Karen are in centennial dresses and bonnets on the seat behind him. My mother-in-law, Bette kept those dresses and bonnets, and our oldest daughter Jana wore one of them for a photo shoot when she was little. I believe the horses are Maggie and Velvet, if I remember Gus’ stories right. He will enjoy watching your video, Louise!
Nancy
August 1, 2012 at 1:39 pm |
Also I see Gus riding Maggie, with her colt trotting behind them at 7:17. We have a B&W photo of this moment, as he passes by
The Ritz and Beckords Hatchery. He has a very serious look on his face, and Hushpuppies on his feet. Not a real cowboy, I guess. We weren’t sure the photo was from the same year, but he must have been in the kiddie parade and unhitched the pony from the buggy to ride her in the big parade.
Nancy
August 9, 2012 at 2:48 pm |
Nancy, I am so pleased and smiley to read your comments. It helps me piece together the parade to know who was in it and at what point. I can only imagine the scurry involved in being in the earlier part of the parade and then again later on! Thank you so much for sharing and helping jog memories/make the parade come more to life for me and for others.