Black River Falls Centennial 1939 Sawmill Monument

Banner Journal – Black River Falls, Wisconsin
July 5, 1939

The Monday program opened with the dedication of the Centennial memorials on Water street. The Jackson County Historical Society had provided two bronze tablets marking the sites of the first sawmills in the valley, David Blence furnishing the data. One was placed on the walls of the Hardy garage, and the other in a concrete monument which had been erected near the creek opposite the garage. These bronze tablets are of excellent design and will stand for years as markers of the early enterprise. The concrete monument is built of white cement about 20 feet high, in triangular form, and is exceptionally well done.

Former-Governor Fred R. Zimmerman, now secretary of state, was delayed in reaching here from Bayfield, where he had attended the celebration the day before, and the parade starting at 11 o'clock made the dedication ceremony rather short. Mayor Anton Hauger presided and presented Merlin Hull, who made a brief dedicatory address. The monument was unveiled by Mrs. A. P. Jones. These markers indicate the spot on which the first saw-mill was erected here in 1839.

The first parade of the event occurred at 11 o'clock. The procession gathered on the depot grounds, which was pretty well crowded with the floats and cars and the many people who participated. We are unable to make special mention of each one of the notable features of the parade, but each one was in keeping with the spirit of the day. The American Legion led the parade to the fair grounds, followed by the high school band and the many cars and floats. Included in the parade was a team of oxen drawing a wagon which had been obtained from Ontario for the occasion. A large band of Winnebago Indians in beautiful costumes was among the other interesting features of the parade.

The Knights of Pythias entertained all visitors at a homecomers picnic at Rock Spring Park from 11:30 until 2 p.m. Free coffee was served and the home-comers and the home people were given an opportunity of meeting and extending felicitations.

A band concert was given by the high school band at the fair grounds at 2 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m. an address was delivered by Secretary of State Fred R. Zimmerman. Mayor Hauger presided, and Mr. Zimmerman was presented by Merlin Hull. The Secretary dwelt at considerable length upon the wonderful achievements of the pioneers, and paid fine tribute to their character, habits of industry and spirit of perseverance, not failing also to mention that unfailing hospitality which marked life among the newcomers 100 years ago. On the platform with him were A. D. Polleys, who was born in this county 81 years ago, Oliver O'Hearn, now 86 years of age but still hale and hearty, and David Blence and Julius H. Walters, for many years city marshal and foreman of logging camp and river work in the logging period.

The carnival at the fair grounds did a big business, and in the evening the already large crowd was greatly augmented by those arriving to see the second presentation of the Centennial Pageant.

The winners of the Centennial Queen contest were again presented to the audience and received much.