Camden turns back the clock to celebrate 175th birthday
By Kevin Schnepp Staff writer

Camden resident Lee Appleton wrote about the town's history in "This Was Camden." Readers will find photographs and historical information in the 108-page documentary to be useful and interesting. Copies will be on sale for $15 at the information booth during the celebration.

The town of Camden has not thrown itself a big birthday party since its sesquicentennial 25 years ago. For a place with such a long and storied history, the time has come to celebrate again.

Camden will observe its 175th year as a town this weekend.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in clothing similar to that worn when the town was conceived in 1832.

A free breakfast will start the weekend off Saturday at 9 a.m. in front of the community building.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 10 with a speech by Jeff Sieber, president of the 175th celebration committee. State Representative Rich McClain and State Senator Brandt Hershman will then present Senate Concurrent Resolution 79, a congratulatory letter to the town regarding its milestone.

Patriotic dedications and a balloon release will be part of the ceremony. A flame will be lit by long-time resident Anna Merle Zook near the flagpole in the library yard and will burn throughout the weekend. A plaque in honor of veterans from the town who served since World War II will also be presented.

Special memorabilia will be on sale in the lot on the east side of the community building while supplies last. A commemorative stamp featuring the old water tower and a cancellation stamp dated for the event will be affixed to postcards with photographs of old Main St.

Displays and demonstrations will be a large part of the event. Camden Woman's Literary Club Quilt Show, antique farm machines, old-time fire trucks, museum pieces and period photos will be on display throughout town.

Conner Prairie will offer children's activities and games at the park. Re-enactors from the organization, dressed in period clothing, will help children craft candles and yarn dolls. The special program was funded by a grant from Duke Energy.

Choose from hay, buggy or trolley rides as your mode of transportation for tours around town on Saturday.

Camden Preservation Society will host a free architectural tour Saturday at 3. The tour will feature the opera house, Masonic building and public library. A tour guide will also share many interesting facts concerning the turrets, cornices, fret work, columns and other details of the Italianate, Bungalow, Queen Anne and Four Square styles of homes, businesses and churches located along the streets of Camden.

Those interested will board the Delphi Interurban Trolley at the rear entrance of the school gym. Each participant will receive a folder with facts regarding styles and periods of architecture and how they became noteworthy within society.

Plenty of food will be served during the event, including lemonade, kettle corn, ice cream, watermelon, root beer, sandwiches and pizza. Concession stands will be in place throughout town and at the park.

A special "reservation only" luncheon will be offered Saturday at the school. Bring your own food and join in a picnic lunch between the school and water tower on Sunday.

Music and voices will fill the air both days of the event. On opening day, Senior Class will present live music during breakfast, a harpist will perform at the library, and a James Whitcomb Riley poetry reading will be presented in the library garden.

Outdoor music performances will take stage in front of the water treatment building. Bands scheduled to perform during the event include My Faith Band, New Moon Groove, Davey & The Chorus Caravan, Stickin' With Jesus, Malachi Jaggers, Tippecanotes, Tonsil Klackers and Sound Sensation Barbershop.

Wind down from a full day and step back to pre-tractor times by watching a horse pull Saturday night at the park. Then begin fresh on day two by sharing a community church service Sunday morning in the school gym.

A commemorative oak tree will be planted on the water tower lot Sunday at 3 p.m. in memory of Ralph J. Rohrabaugh for his years of dedication and service to the town.

Closing ceremony will be at 4 in front of the community building. Anna Merle Zook will douse the flame she lit during opening ceremonies.

Turn to page 6A for detailed activity times and locations.