In 1947 Morris had one of the biggest parades; a parade to rival the Rose Parade in Pasadena, (with crepe paper instead of flowers,) as the city observed its Diamond Jubilee of becoming a town.
We were observing the 75th year of the city’s founding, with not only the giant parade, but events all year throughout the city, and skits and plays in front of the grandstand at the Stevens County fairgrounds. People dressed in the style of the early 1870s, there was beard growing contests.
The newspaper put out a large supplement telling the story of Morris’ founding and what has happened since. (I still have it.) Maybe we could do that again, adding the past 75 years.
But, why did we celebrate in 1947? The city says Morris actually started in 1871, according to city history, which meant the 75t11 year would had been 1946. Was it because World War II had ended the year before, and no one was prepared for the big celebration? Or did the Chamber, city, etc., believe the city became a town in 1872? (Actually, the city was platted in 1869 and became a city in 1902. Before that it was a village or town.)
Whatever, I hope the City of Morris and others began planning for an even bigger celebration than in 1947 as we observe 150 years, whether
it be this year, or in 2022, 75 years after we observed our 75th anniversary.
Ted Storck
Morris and Surprise, Arizona
