1895

Fort Wayne Centennial Key

While the celebration was a year late due to the lack of funding in a previous effort, Fort Wayne marked its first century in grand style from 15 through 18 October 1895. City residents dressed their thoroughfares with street-spanning arches, lavish bunting and electric lights and invited people from the Midwest to join them in celebration of Fort Wayne's 100th birthday. The days were filled with activities: a bicycle race; band contests; a five-mile parade of floats, military units and marching bands; meetings of pioneers and GAR veterans; baseball games; military demonstrations; a mock battle at the old driving park; and a huge fireworks display for the finale.

Perry A. Randall was an active organizer and contributor to the event while serving as the Centennial Committee president. During the opening ceremony at the Princess Rink on 15 October, Fort Wayne Mayor Chauncey B. Oakley recognized Randall for his work promoting the centennial with a key to the city: "And now, in the name of the city of Fort Wayne, and in behalf of her citizens, I declare this centennial celebration fully inaugurated, and to you, honored sir [P.A. Randall], as president of the centennial committee, I hand over the key of the city, fully believing that it could be placed in no safer hands…." The ceremonial wooden key is sixteen inches long and is painted gold.