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1976-05-00 directors memo A6,, aLcartt:i 1114;LWLLtti ecc:IJI:ctia:J DIRECTOR'S MEMO TO: MARBC Communities and Number 14 - MARBC Members FROM: Lois Pollari, Executive Director May, 1976 JMMENTS at is the Bicentennial in Minnesota? Is it the same as the Bicentennial in other states? These and other questions were discussed at the April Executive Committee and Commission meetings. Several ideas kept reoccurring in the discussions and I'd like to share them with you. The Bicentennial in Minnesota is unique, the Commission felt, because its emphasis is not on the 200 years of history (although history is examined with thoughtfulness during the Bicentennial); but rather the Bicentennial is a chance of a lifetime, a catalytic era, that prompts Minnesotans to contribute to the quality of life in Minnesota by making one's own community and state a better place `o live. It involves the development of youth, a revival and re-definition of patriotism, and the ..uilding of a legacy through ongoing programs and projects. In short, it is a Bicentennial that reflects the progressive nature of Minnesota people, a people who observe the Bicentennial as they live their lives -- with an eye to the future. 4 Review the Bicentennial events and projects listed throughout this memo, look at your own community's projects, and you'll see a Bicentennial that will have lasting benefits. These projects are positive, and whether they work to bring people together or to build monuments, buildings or programs, the impact they make will be felt long after 1976 has passed. Tapping this concern for the future, the MARBC has established a special Horizon Committee that will survey present horizons projects, determine which projects should be spotlighted, and in what areas additional statewide programs should be developed. July 4, the first day of the New Century, will appropriately mark the beginning of the new focus for 'omission activities. COMMISSION NEWS 31 NEW GRANTS APPROVED IN APRIL Because of the recently approved Bicentennial legislative appropriation of $240,000 for community projects, the Commission was once again able to continue its review of grant applications received before February 1 , 1976, the application deadline. As the Commission hopes to inform every project sponsor of 4 its application's status in the near future, May will become the month for funding decisions. The Project Review Committee will meet on May 11 , to make recommendations, final approval will be given by the Com- mission on Mav 21, and within a week every sponsor will receive notification of the decision made on its proposal. Sponsors and their projects which received the Commission nod in April are: 4 Juel Fairbanks Aftercare Residence, Department of Indian Work and St. Paul Area $2,000 Council of Churches - American Indian Week Minnesota Canoe Association - Canoe Brigade of the Midwest 250 Minnehon Arts Center - Heritage of Japanese Americans 4,015 Tri-State Interfaith Development Enterprises - History of Sioux in Minnesota 5,888 Minnesota Council of Churches - "0 Say Can You See" 4,800 Warroad Bicentennial Commission - Pioneer Fishing Village 2,000 Bemidji Bicentennial Commission - Otto Schmunk Bicentennial Park 1,500 Pelan-Pauli Historical Society - Pelan-Pauli Historical Perspectives 1 ,000 Mankato Area Bicentennial Commission - Grand Old American 4th of July 3,500 Chanhassen Bicentennial Commission - Village Hall and Restoration 3,000 Truman Historical Association - Operation Depot 2,000 Pola Czesky Committee - Train Depot Restoration 2,000 Minnesota Lake Bicentennial Committee - Outdoor Classroom Bicentennial Project 1 ,000 New Prague Bicentennial Committee - Ethnic Dance Instruction Project 500 Hutchinson Area Bicentennial Committee - Musical Drama Project 300 Brown County Historical Society - Historymobile 300 Nevada Township - Recreation of the Six Mile Grove Church 300 �P 61 MINNESOTA AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION 130 State Capitol St.Paul,Mn.55155 Tel 612296 3391 Governor Wendell R.Anderson Co-chairmen Ed McGaa,Paul Thatcher - 2 - Harmony Bicentennial Committee - Harmony Past, Present, Future $1 ,000 Cottage Grove Human Rights Commission - People-making Family Life Conference 560 Winona Ministerium - Bicentennial Religious Heritage Festival 600 South St. Paul Bicentennial Committee - Mississippi Sound and Light Show 1 ,000 City of Lanesboro - Village Hall Restoration 1 ,000 Nerstrand City Council and Commercial Club - City Hall Renovation, 750 Landscaping and Dedication Winona County Historical Society - History and Development of Luxemburger 500 Immigration South St. Paul Bicentennial Committee - Booklet of Local History and a Display 500 Winona Public Library and Historical Society - The First 100 Years 500 Rochester Figure Skating Club - Bicentennial Ice Show 1 ,000 Council of Negro Women - Negro Women Bicentennial Symposia 1 ,000 Fridley 49ers Bicentennial Committee Band Shell 5,000 Olivia Bicentennial Commission - Oral History 3,000 Annandale - Minnesota Pioneer Travel Park 2,500 OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENTS LIST GROW IMPRESSIVE Official endorsement for Bicentennial projects which contribute positively to Minnesota commemorative ob- servance is granted by the MARBC. To date, over 150 projects have received this approval which carries with it the right to use the federal ARBA logo and to publicize the project as an "Official Bicentennial Project". If you are interested in securing the MARBC endorsement for your project, send a letter to our Commission that outlines what the project is and how it relates to the Bicentennial. In April the follow- ing organizations received official endorsement for their projects (also listed): WSBN Closed Circuit Radio - Companionship Radio for Adults and Senior Citizens Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation - Slide Show Minnihon Arts Center - Japanese Orientation Center Minnesota Jaycees - Johnny Horizon Day Crow Wing County Fair Association - Heritage, Festival and Horizons Wadena County Agricultural Society - Wadena County Log Museum Aitkin Area Bicentennial Committee - Band Stand Kilkenny Bicentennial Committee - Village Hall Project New Ulm Business Districts, Inc. - New Ulm Historic Trail Roseville Clover 4-H Club - "Many Faces of Women" Minneapolis Aquatennial Association - Summer of '76 Minneapolis Regional Native American Center - Nature American Library Gamehaven Council , Boy Scouts of America and Rivertrail Council - "Scouting '76" WTCN-TV News Department - "Minnesota... In our First 200 Years" East Side Neighborhood Service - "Meet '76" Columbia Heights High School Marching Band - Appearance at Greenfield Village, Henry Ford Museum Complex in Dearborn, Michigan St. Paul Board of Realtors - a scholarship contest "Uncle Sam - the Man, the Legend" Range Flying Association - Aero Fair Department of Agriculture - Green Survival Josiah Edson Chapter of the DAR of Northfield - History of DAR in Rice County Ladies Auxiliary of V.F.W. - Special Presidents Project Winona County Bicentennial Committee - Establishment of a Scholarship Trust Fund 451st Army Band - Series of 7 Concerts Minnesota Public Interest Research Foundation - "Toward an Initiatory Democracy" Twin Cities NARDET - Veterans Hospital Project Minnesota Fraternal Congress - "Bicentennial Fraternal Picnic at Fort Snelling" Southeast Minnesota Regional Development Commission - Accessibility of Kruger Recreation Area to the Handicapped SAVE YOUR BICENTENNIAL EXPERIENCES WITH THE COMMEMORATIVE BOOKLET PREPARED BY THE MARBC Working to chronicle and herald the Minnesota Bicentennial observance, the MARBC has prepared a commemora- tive booklet scheduled to be off the press in June. While the publication could not possibly touch on all of Minnesota's thousands of Bicentennial projects, it does show the diversity and strength of a Bicentenn. observance that has become a source of pride for many. Elegant and informative, the publication is sure to become a collectors item. Every Bicentennial Community will receive 4 to 10 free copies and additional copies will be available at $1.00 each (with every 20 copies ordered, 5 will be free). REMINDER Since you are the only person in your community receiving this memo and the enclosed information, please be sure to share it with others. If you have access to a copy machine, you may wish to reproduce those items of special interest. - 3 - COMMISSION THANKS FAIRMONT The warmest thanks of the MARBC go to Fairmont for hosting the April meeting. Generous hospitality was found aplenty and the opportunity was provided to see first hand the positive effects of the Bicentennial. rom school room Bicentennial efforts to an oral history presentation on cable television, the projects —,enderway in Fairmont reflected enthusiasm and community spirit. Thanks, again, Fairmont for a heartwarm- ing experience. Future meetings will be held at Rochester in May, Fort Snelling in June, and Internation- al Falls in August. MANY COUNTY FAIR APPLICATIONS LACK BUDGET any county fair grant applications submitted to date have lacked the detailed budget information neces- sary for approval. Local Bicentennial Committee chairpersons are urged to contact the secretary of the local fair board to pass on the information that the application must be complete before it can be approved. Also, many fair boards have not yet submitted their applications, so assistance and leadership from Bicentennial Committee chairpersons is sure to be appreciated. BICENTENNIAL PROJECTS MAKING NEWS ARBOR DAY EXPANDS Traditional Arbor Day ceremonies were held April 30, at Mears Park in St. Paul. The timing was about the _ ame as in previous years, the goal to keep a healthy environment was the same, but this year the program was bigger and better because a lot more people and organizations are involved. A total of five programs are part of the overall Bicentennial effort known as "The Greening of Minnesota". Green Survival , a nationwide program sponsored by the American Association of Nurserymen, encourages citizens to plant trees, flowers, bushes and other plants in order to keep green life ahead in its race against concrete. "Plant a Liberty ree" sponsored by the Federation of Garden Clubs and "Root for America" sponsored by the Marines, the State Department of Natural Resources and the MARBC are both tree planting programs. "Heritage Trees" sponsored by the State Horticultural Society and,partially funded by the MARBC takes a different approach that involves the finding and certification of Minnesota's trees that are either of champion size or have historical significance. Finally, "Clean-Up Time, July 1976," sponsor- ed by the Pollution Control Agency, the Department of Natural Resources, the Iron Ranae Resources and Rehabilitation Board, and the MARBC, is working to rid the countryside of abandoned autos and delaoidated buildings that are hazardous. If you are interested in any of these programs, contact our office. ERA OF REFLECTION TO BE DECLARED What was happening 200, 100 or even 25 years ago? How does this affect us today? That the present is shaped by the past and the future created by what we do today will be emphasis of the "Era of Reflection" project approved by the MARBC. A statewide project, the Era will begin on June 14, Flag Day, with flag raising ceremonies throughout the state, and will continue through July 4, the first day of Century III, with the pealing of bells in every city, village and town. The Era product will include designation of Bicentennial Orators by every Bicentennial Community, histor- ical re-enactments, and distribution of an informational poster to be available in June. Information on your selection of a Bicentennial Orator for your community is forthcoming and requires immediate attention. Also enclosed is information on the nationwide bell ringing effort. For a complete and free planning guide for Flag Day ceremonies write to: Montgomery Ward, Public Relations 20-N, P.O. Box 8339, Chicago, Illinois 60680. ROUPS TO REPRESENT MINNESOTA AT THE BICENTENNIAL PARADE OF AMERICAN MUSIC SELECTED -,.ongratulations to the five performing groups selected by the Minnesota Federation of Music Clubs to represent Minnesota at the Bicentennial Parade of American Music which will showcase the musical achieve- ments of all 50 states in the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D. C. Minnesota's groups will perform on June 21 , in the Center. Those selected are the Minnesota Chorale, the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphony, Vern Sutton and Jeffrey Vann, University of Minnesota Band, and the Zion Baptist Church Choir. On June 21 and 22, various other sites in Washington, D. C. have been reserved for these and four other 'oups invited to participate in the States Days sponsored by the Washington, D. C. Bicentennial Committee. four groups receiving invitations are the Duluth 16+, Roseville Clover Leaf 4-H Club, Hibbing Growin' Pains '76, and Sauk Rapids Pop Singers. Some of the performers will stop in Philadelphia to participate in that city's Salute to the States program for Minnesota on June 12. Six of the nine groups have joined together in a fundraising effort which includes private sector solicitation and two benefit concerts scheduled for June 13. TRAIN A SUCCESS For those communities along Highway 61 , the Wagon Train was a chance to participate in an event of a lifetime - the reverse movement of an authentic train along historic trails. In Red Wing, five thousand lined the streets, in Hastings there were three thousand, and in Winona thousands more came out to see not - 4 - only the wagons but also an Indian pow-wow that was sponsored by the local Bicentennial Committee. Front page news coverage was the order of the day from the minute the Wagon Train rolled out of St. Paul ',- State Fairgrounds until it crossed the Mississippi River, crossing into Wisconsin at LaCrescent. Most important, though, the Wagon Train gave life to history. Independent School District #861 described its "afterglow" by saying: "For many of us, young and old alike, the occasion will remain the most memorable of all Bicentennial events." A special thanks to MARBC member, Gene Anderson, for his hard work and long hours in making the project possible: Thanks also to the Minnesota Horse Council and the Sheriff's Posse for their assistance from the planning stages to the time the Train left Minnesota. BICENTENNIAL CAPITOL SHOWCASE WELL RECEIVED Initiated on April 11 , the MARBC sponsored Capitol Showcase has provided an exciting way to highlight Minnesota's Bicentennial activities. Held at noon, every Sunday, in the Capitol Rotunda, the Showcase has hosted the musical comedy "1776" performed by the Renville County Arts Center, the 3M Club Male Chorus, Japanese, Greek, and Polish dances performed by members of International Institute, and some of the musicians to participate in the Bicentennial Parade of American Music included noted vocalist, Vern Sutton, and accomplished guitarist Jeff Vann. Showcase events will be scheduled through September 25. If you live in the metropolitan area or are planning a weekend visit, be sure to attend the Showcase. It's held every Sunday at noon in the Capitol and there is never an admission charge. Upcoming programs include a colorful display of folk dances, songs and crafts by the Ukranian Bicentennial Committee on May 16. On May 23, a "Horizons on Display" presentation will take a look at some of the projects that affect Minnesota's future. COLLECTOR'S ITEM With citizens everywhere concerned about the survival of the American bald eagle, the Bicentennial is an especially appropriate time to unveil the work of young Minnesota artist, Rick Volkmar. The result of 3 years of intense study, the work consists of two black and white plates (26 inches by 39 inches) showing the anatomical structure and flight patterns of the eagle. Already drawing state and national interest, the reproductions and Volkmar's detailed study will be the subjects for a lengthy feature article in The Volunteer published by the State Department of Natural Resources. Sets are available at $15 (includes shipping and postage charges) and checks may be mailed to Bicentennial Eagles, Room 12, State Capitol , St. Paul , MN 55155. ARBA TO RECOGNIZE MEDIA BICENTENNIAL CONTRIBUTIONS Open to any media organization whose primary function is to communicate on a regular basis, news feature articles, programs of historical , cultural , or educational value, or public service information, the new National Bicentennial Recognition Media Program (NBRMP) is now accepting applications. To qualify for recognition, media organizations are required to engage in activity supportive of the Bicentennial . Eligible involvement includes showing historical programs and documentaries, printing supplements and editions detailing local and regional histories, sponsoring essay or art contests, providing free pro- motional or advertising space, and direct financial support for Bicentennial projects. Many media outlets throughout Minnesota are already eligible for recognition. If your local media have supported Bicentennial events, encourage them to apply for recognition. Applications and additional information are available from: Herbert E. Hetu. Administrator of Public Affairs, ARBA, 2401 E Street, N.W. , Washington, D.C. 20276. REQUESTS AND OFFERS CALLING ALL EXHIBITS The MARBC has received many requests for exhibits that tell a portion of Minnesota's history or something about lifestyles. The requests have come from within the state, from other states and from foreign countries. If you have a moveable exhibit you're proud of and want to share, contact our office. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED TO MAKE BICENTENNIAL COMPUTER NETWORK WORK FOR YOUR COMMUNITY Not only does the Bicentennial Computer Network make available information through terminals located in every school district throughout the state, it also serves as the information source for the monthly calendar published by the MARBC and the "Official Bicentennial Calendar" now appearing in newspapers courtesy of participating members of the Minnesota Bankers Association. To insure this information bank is accurate and contains necessary information, your help is needed. Many communities returned their computer forms to us before the final decision had been made on such details as time, date and location. We need to get these details so the network will be more complete and sc people know when and where to find your project. When sending us information, write "Computer Information" and please tell us whether the information is in addition to something already entered on the computer or whether it is a brand new event (this will help prevent mistakes on our part). Also, be - 5 - sure to let us know if any of your events listed on the computer have been cancelled. A WORTHY PROJECT )oes the claim that all Americans are entitled to "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" relate to _handicapped people? The Range Center in Chisholm thinks it does. As a Bicentennial project the Center, which provides work activity for the handicapped, will declare July 4-10 as Independence Week for the Handicapped and will encourage Bicentennial Communities to sell candles as fund-raisers, produced by handicapped persons during that week. The MARBC has endorsed the Center's efforts. More information on the project will be mailed by the Center later this week. LAKEFIELD HOPES FOR BICENTENNIAL EXCHANGE Lakefield has scheduled its Fourth Annual Pork Day (and Bicentennial) Parade for July 10, 1976, and hopes to participate in a parade exchange with other communities. The parade chairman says "We have exchange units to offer for 'your days' . Our Lakefield Pork Day Queen for your Queen and the Pork Day Float for your Float, etc." If you're interested in this exchange, contact Lloyd Hutzler, Parade Chairman, Lake- field, MN 56150 or call (218) 662-5535 after 5:30 p.m. ETHNIC GROUPS WILLING TO SHARE TALENTS Some of the most colorful Bicentennial events and projects come from ethnic groups who are willing to ,hare their talents. If your community is interested in hosting some of their many projects, contact our office. BICENTENNIAL COMMUNITIES BICENTENNIAL COMMUNITIES PROGRAM The Bicentennial Communities program, designed to encourage and recognize Bicentennial involvement at the local level , was closed with a federally established deadline of March 31. Minnesota list of Bicentennial Communities is impressive as the state has 32 counties and 320 cities, towns, and villages that have received official designation. Also, approximately a hundred communities that chose not to request official designation have organized active committees. In April, Lt. Gov. Perpich, Honorary Chairperson of the MARBC, presented Bicentennial flags to Isanti County, Pine Island, Medford, Gaylord, Hamburg, Willmar, New London, Spicer, St. Cloud State University, 'ig Lake, Miesville, Lake City, Millville, St. Charles, Lanesboro, Farmington, Spring Lake Park, Bagley, - dig Falls, and Northome. Flags were also presented to St. James by Senator H. Olson, and to Danube by Representative Setzepfandt. MONEY MAKERS A novel idea for fund raising and sure to be fun as well as educational is offered by the Hikers of America. Community citizens and youth can participate in a sponsored self-guided walking tour to historic sites. The more miles walked, the more money the sponsor provides to support Bicentennial activities and the hiker receives as an award either a cloth patch or a pewter medallion. If you are interested in organizing a Liberty March, write for more information: Hikers of America, Inc. , Rt. 1 , Box 68, Oswego, Illinois 60543. DULUTH AND THE SPIRIT OF '76 In some ways, the Duluth Bicentennial Commission has been lucky--lucky because Duluth is located next to Lake Superior, lucky because it has been offered the opportunity to participate in Op Sail '76, a program -o send a fleet of ships from many nations to U.S. port cities during 1976, and lucky because the Wind- -jammer, the most beautiful of all of the ships in the fleet, will visit the city on August 12-16. In other ways, the excitement offered by Duluth's Bicentennial observance has been the results of a good deal of community spirit, enthusiasm, and just plain hard work. Take for example, the canoe voyage from Montreal to Duluth. Sponsored locally, 32 voyageurs will leave Montreal on June 15, and using as much as possible the routes followed by duLhuts in 1679, they will travel to Duluth where they are expected to arrive between August 1 and 15. Upon arrival at Park Point they will re-enact duLhut's arrival and the greeting of the Sioux Indians will be portrayed. The expedition is possible only because a lot of differ- ^nt people with a lot of different talents were willing to contribute, doing everything from making the anoes and sewing the voyageurs' clothing to raising the $15,000 necessary to fund the project. Another ambitious project, the "Spirit of '76" Festival of the Arts, will be held on Spirit Mountain September 19 to 25. The Festival is funded by the Junior League of Duluth and the MARBC, and will feature workshops, displays, performances and audience participation--all in circus tents and on two floors of the tialet. Duluth is also holding weekend ethnic heritage celebrations that draw participation from many nationality groups. It has participated in the American Issues Forum, published lists of recommended Bicentennial - 6 - readings, and the list goes on and on. What has been the key to Duluth's success? People--for just as everywhere else in Minnesota, it is the people who have given the time and the resources necessary to make the Bicentennial a positive step forward into Century III. HAPPENINGS WORTH NOTING Visitors to the Pipestone National Park will have a chance to see how a tipi is put together. Mr. George Bryan (Standing Eagle), an Objibway Indian and master craftsman for the park, will construct the tipi from 22 hides over a four month period. When the tipi is completed, in August, Mr. Bryan will paint it with Indian designs and it will remain on display through October. At the Grand Portage National Monument Park, a Chippewa tribe will demonstrate canoe racing and games, and conduct a pow wow. A meal consisting of such traditional game food as moose and deer will be prepared. The 3 days of activities, August 13-15, will also include a rendezvous outside of the stockade between the Chippewa and a group called the Voyageurs Brigade. A number of trappers will also participate in the rendezvous. Bemidji was one of the first cities to join in a nationwide Bicentennial competition to become "America's Votingest City by November 2, 1976." Other Minnesota cities joining the contest are Crystal and New Ulm. Competing cities aim to raise voter participation from the low of 39% of the voting age population that voted in the November, 1974 general election, when about 80 million Americans failed to vote. Awards will be given to those cities with the highest percentage of 18 and over registering and votiny as well as to those that showed the greatest improvement over 1974 registration and voting levels. The nationwide contest has been endorsed by ARBA, and in Minnesota a similar effort has been endorsed by the MARBC. To get an attractive Minnesota vote poster, contact our office and for information on the national contest contact: America Vote '76, Box 2230, Alameda, California 94501 . DATES TO NOTE May 11 MARBC Project Review Committee Meeting, Room 107, State Capitol , 11 :45 a.m. May 13 MARBC Executive Committee Meeting, Room 107, State Capitol , 12:00 noon MARBC Horizons Committee Meeting, Room 107, State Capitol , 2:00 p.m. _ May 16 Bicentennial Showcase featuring Ukrainian Bicentennial activities, State Capitol Rotunda, 12:00 noon May 21 MARBC Commission Meeting, Rochester, Historical Society, 2:00 p.m. May 23 Bicentennial Showcase featuring Horizons on Display, State Capitol Rotunda 12:00 noon MINNESOTA AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION 130 State Capitol BULK RATE St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT No. 2464 ST. PAUL, MN.