Date:
1916
Title:
Indiana Centennial Pin
Description:
In 1916 counties, cities, towns, and organizations across Indiana put on pageants and developed other projects to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Indiana statehood. Fort Wayne's pageant was held in Reservoir Park, titled "The Glorious Gateway of the West." It was a huge undertaking with bleachers for 14,000 spectators who watched the nighttime shows performed on an lighted island stage. Eleven hundred city residents participated as performers in the six-act pageant, named after a Chief Little Turtle quote, describing the portage of the three rivers as a glorious gateway.
This centennial pin was given to Irene (Steiss) Mensalvas at age twelve when her father, Charles Steiss, took her to the Indiana Centennial celebrations. She cherished the pin throughout her life and personally donated it to the History Center at age 106. In the center, the pin features the likeness of General Anthony Wayne with text along the outside edge. On the reverse, it is marked "Compliments of Perfection Biscuit Company."
This centennial pin was given to Irene (Steiss) Mensalvas at age twelve when her father, Charles Steiss, took her to the Indiana Centennial celebrations. She cherished the pin throughout her life and personally donated it to the History Center at age 106. In the center, the pin features the likeness of General Anthony Wayne with text along the outside edge. On the reverse, it is marked "Compliments of Perfection Biscuit Company."
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Indiana Centennial Pin
Fort Wayne's Indiana Centennial Celebration, pageant stage and stands 1916
Fort Wayne's Indiana Centennial Celebration, audience crowds 1916
Glorious Gateway pageant program 1916
Indiana Centennial Pin
Fort Wayne's Indiana Centennial Celebration, pageant stage and stands 1916
Fort Wayne's Indiana Centennial Celebration, audience crowds 1916
Glorious Gateway pageant program 1916