Contributed by Teresa Douglass, Genealogy Specialist
As we celebrate the nation’s semiquincentennial, here’s a look back at how Harrison County celebrated the State of Indiana’s sesquicentennial in 1966. We do love a parade! The Indiana Sesquicentennial Parade took place in Corydon on August 13, 1966. It was one of many events held over the summer to celebrate the state’s 150th birthday.
Have a safe and happy 4th!
Additional images can be found in the Walter and Mina Fried Slide Collection and the J.D. and Elizabeth Williams Slide Collection.
Corydon Central High School’s marching band heads south on Capitol Avenue during the Indiana Sesquicentennial Parade in Corydon, August 13, 1966.
North Central High School’s marching band wore costumes reflecting Indiana’s early history.
The float sponsored by the Corydon State Bank depicts office work in 1816 and 1966.
Harrison County Farm Bureau’s float in the Indiana Sesquicentennial parade.
The Sesquicentennial Queen of Harrison County, Diana Grant (sitting), and the Pancake Festival and Harrison County Fair Queen, Connie Rainbolt (standing), wave to the public. The float featured a replica of the First State Capitol made by Corydon High School Industrial Arts students and their teacher, Daris Broglin, with help from the Corydon Jaycees.
Indiana State Sesquicentennial Queen Sylvia Butler of Angola sits on her throne on the float of the State Sesquicentennial Commission. Accompanying her as attendants in the Queen’s Court were the Floyd County, Greene County, and Orange County Indiana Sesquicentennial Queens.
Men from the Elizabeth Fire Department take part in the parade.
Many floats in the parade had a “then and now” theme comparing life in 1816 to that in 1966. This float demonstrates advancements in plumbing.
Two horses pull a replica of a Wells Fargo stagecoach. The parade entry was sponsored by the Wenning Packing Company in Central Barren.
This streetscape of Capitol Avenue in Corydon captures a view of the August 1966 parade as it heads for the south bridge. Davis Drug Store at the corner of Capitol and Beaver Street is seen at the left, and the Fair Store and Old Capitol Bank are visible at the right. The Farm Bureau feed mill and the former south bridge over Little Indian Creek can be seen in the distance.
