100 years ago – May 30, 1901
Our Fallen Heroes: Appropriate Ceremonies to Be Held In Their Honor on Decoration Day
Today, May 30th, is Memorial Day, a day set apart to commemorate the heroism of brave men who died on the field of battle and those who have answered the last roll call since returning from the field of strife. It is most earnestly requested that the citizens of Healdsburg and vicinity lay aside their usual vocations so far as possible and unite with the veteran soldiers in a suitable observance of this day. A cordial invitation is extended to all veteran soldiers of the Civil War, both North and South, also of the late Spanish War.
The program for the day is as follows: Marshals of the day—Professor H. R. Bull, Phil Stoffal, Charles Gebauer and Charles Bond. The teachers and pupils of the public schools and all invited societies and citizens generally are requested to meet at 9 o’clock a.m. on Matheson street, opposite the Plaza, and form in procession in the following order; First division Healdsburg band; teachers and pupils of the public schools. Second division—Public school drum corps; Spanish War veterans; veterans of the Civil War; Healdsburg fire department. Third division—Orator of the day; Ladies of the G. A. K. and citizens in carriages.
The procession will move at 9:30 o’clock up Matheson street to Oak Mound Cemetery, where, upon arrival, the first division will surround the soldiers’ monument, and a program will be rendered, which will include the songs “America” and “You put no Flowers on Papa’s Grave.” The divisions will then march to the grove for more songs and prayers, ending with “The Last Taps are Sounding,” a Roll-call of the Dead, and Decorating the graves.
75 years ago – May 24, 1951
Rotary Call Award, Livestock Judging, Parade, Exhibits
The second annual Future Farmers Country Fair, held Friday and Saturday, May 18 and 19, Legion Grounds, in the opinion of all who participated was a rousing success. Starting with the noon parade Friday there was “something doing every minute.” Top event of the Fair was the livestock auction which brought a grand total of $4467.94 in sales to future farmers throughout the community.
In addition to the livestock judging, auction and woodworking displays, there were displays of local flowers and art work by local residents. The Sotoyome Literary Club and the Healdsburg Garden Club assisted in these displays. Thirty-four exhibitors took part in the “midway” exhibits where Fair-goers enjoyed everything from “dumping the dope” to winning hams, cakes, pies, etc. For the “small fry” a ride on the ponies, Russian River Riders exhibit, was a highlight.
Other events included a program by the Healdsburg Union Elementary School Band and chorus and the Cloverdale High School Band Friday night. On Saturday, afternoon and evening, the Healdsburg High School Band and Chorus gave a program, the band wearing their new uniforms for the first time.
50 years ago – May 27, 1976
It’s Now ‘Giorgi Park’
On a day fit for a tennis game, new courts and a children’s playground were dedicated by the City Council Tuesday in honor of the 35-years of service given by Albert Giorgi to Healdsburg. “To hear all these nice things said about you kind of gets you,” Giorgi said after Mayor Jerry Eddinger gave a capsule history of the ex-police chief and ex-councilman’s involvement in city affairs.
Giorgi, the son of an immigrant shoe maker, first went to work part-time as a city caretaker in August, 1936. In 1941 he became a city firefighter, but soon switched to the police force and became chief in 1948. He served in that capacity until Jan. 1, 1968 when he retired. That spring he was elected to the first of two terms as a councilman. He was mayor from April 1971 to April 1972.
Giorgi Park was originally seven parcels owned by John Mallon which the city began purchasing in 1958 and finished buying 15 years later. In 1970 a children’s park was established there and in 1972 the Rotary Club installed restrooms. The biggest addition to the park (which is located at the rear of Recreation Park) came following passage of state park bonds in 1974. The city applied for funds to build two tennis courts and nearly two years later received final approval for construction. The $20,000 courts were completed several weeks ago and are now open for play. They will probably be lighted this summer.
The Flashbackers are docents for the Healdsburg Museum and Historical Society. The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11am to 4pm, at 221 Matheson St.
