July 1964

Stores, offices, homes and even streets are wearing fresh new faces as Rising Sun makes last-minute preparations for its sesquicentennial celebration July 4-11.

New drinking fountains have been installed in the downtown area, and flags and bunting decorate buildings and utility poles.

Featured throughout the town are flags bearing the town’s official seal, designed for the celebration by Virgil Hewitt.

Historical displays of items ranging from clothing to toys, to furniture, have been placed in store windows all along Main Street.

A 60-page historical booklet, prepared by members of the sesquicentennial committee is ready for distribution.

Along the river bank, and in vacant lots scattered around town, tall grass has been mowed in preparation for thousands of expected guests. An extra policeman will help to patrol the town and handle traffic during the week-long celebration.

Hard-working members of the sesquicentennial committee have met nightly to iron out last-minute details for the various events scheduled.

Committee members include David Bailey, president; Orville Phillips, vice president; Harry Purcell, treasurer; Mrs. Kermit Gregory, secretary; Francis Copeland, J. O. Smith, Mrs. Dale Siekman, and Mrs. Fred Morris.

Members of the Rising Sun Yacht Club, many of them from communities outside Ohio County, painted their dock and strung flags in honor of the Sesquicentennial celebration.