Paducah in McCracken County, Kentucky — The American South (East South Central)
May 1913 Paducah Homecoming
Photographed By Sandra Hughes, September 14, 2011
1. May 1913 Paducah Homecoming Marker
Inscription.
May 1913 Paducah Homecoming. . In May, 1913, Paducah held a homecoming celebration to excite and entertain the public and to offset the negative image of the city given the nation by media reports of the flood that year. The first event had Mayor Thomas N. Hazelip welcoming the legendary Chief Paducah, portrayed by James Wheeler, giving the chief the key to the city. Wheeler arrived on the steamer G.W. Robertson at the foot of Broadway and rode his horse through the city to the federal building, accompanied by Adine Corbett, Bertha Ferguson and Ruth Hinkle, acting as Indian princesses. The Boosters Club organized multiple events to enhance the week's festivities. Each day had a different theme for a parade and Broadway became a street fair and carnival. A flying boat added to the spectacle. Faith Langstaff won the Floral Queen contest. Universal Weekly filmed the events and made them available nationally in movie theaters. Among the notables in attendance was a group visiting for the dedication of Paducah-Metropolis railroad bridge.
In May, 1913, Paducah held a homecoming celebration to excite and entertain the public and to offset the negative image of the city given the nation by media reports of the flood that year. The first event had Mayor Thomas N. Hazelip welcoming the legendary Chief Paducah, portrayed by James Wheeler, giving the chief the key to the city. Wheeler arrived on the steamer G.W. Robertson at the foot of Broadway and rode his horse through the city to the federal building, accompanied by Adine Corbett, Bertha Ferguson and Ruth Hinkle, acting as Indian princesses. The Boosters Club organized multiple events to enhance the week's festivities. Each day had a different theme for a parade and Broadway became a street fair and carnival. A flying boat added to the spectacle. Faith Langstaff won the Floral Queen contest. Universal Weekly filmed the events and made them available nationally in movie theaters. Among the notables in attendance was a group visiting for the dedication of Paducah-Metropolis railroad bridge.
Erected by Sponsored by: Bob & Bertha Wheeler Wenzel and JR and Jane W. Myre Rutte.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1913.
Location. 37° 5.274′ N, 88° 35.636′ W. Marker
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is in Paducah, Kentucky, in McCracken County. Marker is on South Water Street. Between Marine Ways and visitors coming to Paducah. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Paducah KY 42001, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 5, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. This page has been viewed 542 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 5, 2011, by Sandra Hughes Tidwell of Killen, Alabama, USA. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
