Marthasville celebrated its bicentennial — “Two Centuries Down, Full Steam Ahead” — with a full weekend of activities. The Bicentennial Heritage Celebration kicked off Friday and ran through …
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‘Two Centuries Down, Full Steam Ahead’
Posted
By Cindy Gladden, Record Staff Writer
Marthasville celebrated its bicentennial — “Two Centuries Down, Full Steam Ahead” — with a full weekend of activities.The Bicentennial Heritage Celebration kicked off Friday and ran through Sunday, June 16-18.The city of Marthasville was founded in 1817 by Dr. John Young. He named the little town Marthasville to honor his wife.Before 1817, the Upper Louisiana and La Charrette area along the big river was well known by fur traders and settlers, including members of the Daniel Boone family.To mark the city’s 200th birthday, a variety of activities were held in the ballpark, Wessel Park, the city park, St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and the Grabs Museum.After a kickoff concert by the Garden Party band at the pavilion Friday, June 16, the weekend celebration got into full swing at noon Saturday with a recognition ceremony.The Washington Brass Band set the tone with a concert prior to the ceremony, ending with the national anthem. Boy Scout Troop 359 led the Pledge of Allegiance with members of American Legion Daniel Boone Post 180 posting colors.The Rev. Don Deeker, co-chairman of the Bicentennial planning committee, welcomed the Emmaus Choir.State Rep. Bart Korman read the bicentennial proclamation from the Missouri Legislature, highlighting the history of Marthasville.A bronze plaque was presented to Mayor David Lange from Bob Daus of Liberty Art Works.Long RecognizedA special recognition was given to Dr. Tim Long and his wife Jan for 36 years of service to Marthasville and the surrounding area.“This community took a chance on three young guys 36 years ago,” said Dr. Long. “Jan and I knew quickly that this was a community we wanted to be a part of and raise our kids here.”Long said he never would have guessed at the success of his first medical practice of Turner, Long and Colter (TLC) that became Patients First and then Mercy.“We just wanted to be country doctors,” he added.The Longs also were recognized for their years of service to the Washington Overseas Mission, serving the country of Honduras since 1992.Beaver SpeaksThe guest speaker for the ceremony was Tom Beaver, a native of Marthasville, who spent the last 30 years in New York City.“Marthasville has been the center of my life, even in New York City,” he said. “It’s been my measuring stick for most of my life.”Beaver said Marthasville is “bigger than it looks.” He gained a new appreciation for his hometown and a deeper appreciation for local history. He recently moved back home and enjoys being back in his hometown.“It’s one of the longest running shows in Missouri,” he said. “It has a very large cast of very important people. We are small on a map, but large on history.”Beaver said residents of La Charrette (prior to Marthasville) were the first ones to hear the stories of Lewis and Clark, giants of their time. Zebulon Pike, famed explorer, also stopped by the last outpost of white civilization.“Daniel Boone often passed through and was buried here first,” he said. “We are one of the first spots on the western half of this map.”Heritage ParadeA heritage parade took place Sunday at 1 p.m. Two grand marshals were selected to head the parade, long-time resident, veteran and businessman Charles Driemeyer Jr. and Dr. Tim Long.Floats, Scouts, fire trucks, tractors, antique cars, vintage military vehicles and horses made their way from Marthasville Elementary to the ballpark. Parade watchers were out in force.Historical re-enactors told the story of Marthasville’s past at the town gazebo and trappers showed how early settlers encamped. A quilt show was held at St. Paul’s United Church of Christ and the Grabs Museum was open to visitors where a special tribute to veterans was held.Plenty of activities were offered, including pony rides, an antique tractor pull, a barrel train, a draft horse pull and food vendors of all sorts.A children’s activity tent was sponsored by Charrette Baptist Church, complete with Martha Belle the milk cow, an old-fashioned cake walk, a bale toss, face painting and more.Other highlights were a rescue dog demonstration, a historic slave presentation by Angela da Silva and train history in the Marthasville Depot. The Warren County Old Threshers also held demonstrations.Deeker said the entire committee considered the Heritage Festival a great success.“The spirit of cooperation and support of so many citizens, businesses, organizations and Mayor Lange and the city council illustrate why Marthasville is such a great place to live,” he said. “We hope those attending became more aware of the rich heritage that is ours as citizens of this wonderful community.”A photo gallery of the bicentennial activities can be found online.
Matt Freese, a contestant in the pedal tractor pull, gets some advice and motivation from Terry Stuck of Hawk Point. Record photo/ Cindy Gladden.
