Photos from the Early Quasquicentennial
Friday, July 20 2007

Sacred Heart All-School Reunion Friday July 20, 2007

Sacred Heart held its first All-School reunion during the Early Quasquicentennial July 20, 2007. They met in the gymnasium of the Parish Center from 1:30 - 4:30. There was a large gathering of people. These photos were taken shortly after the group had assembled and were still moving around meeting old friends.

The gymnasium was decorated in red and white with balloons and colorful tablecloths. Snacks were provided. This view is of the social hour shortly after the doors opened. People were still arriving for the All-School reunion.

A slightly different view taken from the stage. Seating and tables were provided for the registered guests who were still in the mingling stage. The parking lot was filled with the overflow having to use the lot north of the church.

Preparations for the Evening's Activities
Friday July 20, 2007

Downtown Early, Iowa has been transformed into a fair-like atmosphere with a large tent installed between the sidewalks. Benches are facing the street by the bank corners ready for the parades, shows, and entertainment. This photos was taken on Friday afternoon before the downtown activities had started.

Large blow-up playground kept the youngsters occupied for hours. The connected activities ranged from a giant slide and climbing wall (barely visible on the right) to the tunnels, jumping castle, and more.

View of the youth play area by the bank corners shows the climbing wall and slide at left, Randy Franken's speakers and music center. Randy furnished lively background music  between the shows and furnished the amplifiers, speakers, and stage for the announcers. Quite an asset to have a professional sound person living right in Early. The table in front is staffed by the judges and announcer for the Kiddee Parade which was to start shortly.

Kiddee Parade - July 20th, 2007

The Kiddee Parade started promptly at 7:00 pm. A big "Thank You" to Tracy Pickhinke who furnished most of the names of the entrants.

The first entry featured Steve Determan driving the Early Little Miss Queen (behind him). Kourtney Determan was in charge of the Kiddie Parade.

Grandma & Grandpa Pickhinke's Little Rascals shown below. That is a "fish" hanging from the pole.

Ellen (Mrs. Brian) Pickhinke carrying one and pulling another little Pickhinke.

"The Man, Woman Hater's Club is shown below. There must be an untold story by these two toddlers with the heavily loaded straw wagon towing a row of tin cans.

The band of Pirates below have their weapons drawn ready to pillage all who they encounter. Rumor has it they were the four sons of Steve and Tracy Pickhinke of Early: Driver Tyler Pickhinke (age: 11), Pirates in the ship - Logan and Connor Pickhinke (3 & 5); Pushing the trasure chest - Alex Pickhinke (9).
 Their OVERALL SECOND PLACE float title was:
 "Sailing Through Centuries Past. . .EARLY, Our Treasure at Last!!"

Next comes a patriotic advertising float decorated with red, white and blue stars and balloons driven by Collin Cuthrell, son of Dan and Marge Cuthrell.

This young John Deere promoter (tractor, loader, wagon, t-shirt, and cap) is escorted by two assistants treating the crowd with goodies. Elaine Gerdes is one of many who modeled the official Early Quasquicentennial T-shirt over the weekend.

This horse and carriage is well staffed with pioneers in complete regalia - black hats, white shirts, long dress of the young lady leaning into the carriage and horse with a saddle. That is one UGLY horse! (Not bad looking for a dog, though.)
The clan were the grandchildren of Lenard and Mary Schmidt.

Happy Birthday Early! The Hurd clan, also promoting John Deere, portray the farmer with the quotation The "Early" Farmer gets the Fieldwork Done!

The Hurd kids got 1st Place in the Non-motorized category. Their title was "Farming through the Generations". Participants were Billy, Chase, and Sydney Hurd, Nick Hurd, Sam and Max Paulin. Parents are Matt and Wnedy Hurd, Andy and Lisa Hurd and Caryn Paulin. Grandparents are Jerry and Sandy Hurd.

They were looking over their shoulder for the trailing member.

And the trailing member of the Hurd clan gets a little assistance from Dad. "Go Plant Somethin" is the motto of this John Deere tractor driver pulling wagon.

More pirates with a load of animals. Zander Ernst and Janessa Rahn, children of Jessica and Chris Ernst promote Early's longtime veterinarian.
The sign says - Doc Hopkins (as in Early's Vet).

Early's 125th Birthday Party is being celebrated by a young man propelling a John Deere pedal tractor pulling a John Deere wagon filled with young lady peering out from under colorful load of gifts. They are Eric, Beth and Kyle Mentzer, children of Dave and Mary Mentzer.

Miles from West Liberty $300, Gas $100, Lunch at Crossroads Restaurant $30,
Being in Early's 125th Parade - Priceless !
 This float pulled by Brenda Kunneke's daughter (Kayla Zimmer) included Gabi, Grace and Genna Evans. They received 1st Place in the Best Theme category.

The Rininger twins - Cole and Avery - arrived in time to celebrate Early! Yes, those are real babies in those seats at the front of an authentic covered wagon.
Overall First Place Winner!

The twins, accompanied by Mom and Dad (Cody and Allison) were also glad to see Grandpa and Grandma (Grandparents Larry & Mary Jo Dellwo, Curt & Terri Rinniger). Would have been quite a trip from any location in a covered wagon in the olden days.

The last entries in Early's Quasquicentennial Kiddee Parade. These youngsters sporting old-style clothing are the children of David and Dawn Mentzer. The young man pulling the wagon is Devin, Emma is riding in the wagon. Ross is in top hat with Mom Dawn Mentzer helping.

This is the end of the July 20th, 2007 Kiddee Parade held on Friday evening during the Early, Iowa Quasquicentennial. Photographer apologizes for skipping a few of the entries and missing participants names. Between trying to find a view where the setting sun wasn't in her eyes and dodging the biggest, ugliest yellow and black striped wasp she had ever seen, there were entries missed.

One missed entry was the Mini-Float First Place - Emma & Jack Davenport (parents Tina & Todd),  Zach, Anna & Nate Christiansen (parents Aaron & Lori), Wyatt Christiansen (parents Kyle & Selena), Daly (border collie of Carrie & Lance Anderson) - "Come'n to Grandma & Grandpa's is a BLAST, help'n Early Celebrate its Past" - Grandparents - Armin & Dawn Christiansen.

If anyone has the missing entries or would help fill in names of participants and businesses represented, please email them to: webmaster@nemahaweb.com

Early High School Reunion

There were few empty seats after the alumni had been seated. Photographer got photos during the meal when everyone was seated but they were welcome to walk around and mingle before and and after the short program.

The Multi-purpose room was decorated in Red, White, and Black balloons and tablecloths. Red and Black had been the Early "Cardinals" colors. Master of ceremonies was delivering a speech while the participants continued their meal.

Invitations had been mailed to all known graduates of Early High School and notices were placed in the local newspapers inviting faculty and friends of the graduates.

If anyone has more photos or comments they would like to add, please email them to: webmaster@nemahaweb.com
 
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