95 years ago
To celebrate the 4th of July and Huron’s 50th anniversary in July 1930, community members organized a three-day celebration. A decorator was hired from Sioux City, Iowa, to decorate the streets and light poles with patriotic banners.

The weekend was filled with activities throughout town. At the fairgrounds, there was a carnival with side shows and rides, live music, a horseshoe tournament, a baseball tournament, a balloon ascension, and a triple parachute drop. Over 300 children dressed in red, white, and blue costumes formed a human flag in front of the grandstand. A water carnival was held at the West Park swimming pool, and a parade commemorating the history of Huron travelled along Dakota Avenue.

One of the highlights of the celebration was the appearance of the Chicago and Northwestern locomotive Pioneer. The replica engine was modeled after the first train to cross the James River and steam into Huron in June 1880. It was built on an automobile chassis and had rubber wheels, allowing it to be driven on the street. A 30-piece band accompanied the locomotive to perform for one day.

73 years ago
In July 1952, Huron was buzzing with excitement for the professional rodeo hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Seventy-five of the top cowboys from across the United States participated in the three-day event, competing for $5,000 in prize money. The daily activities included bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, bulldogging, calf roping, Brahma bull riding, and wild horse races. Jane Thomas from Aberdeen won the title of Rodeo Queen and received a $100 silver and gold inlaid belt buckle as a prize. The Chamber of Commerce estimated that 15,000 people attended the event.

Also in July, an unusual incident occurred in Cavour. A female driver lost control of her vehicle while traveling down an alley. The car careened 141 feet across a residential lot and demolished an outhouse.

Unfortunately, a 15-year-old boy, who was visiting a friend at the home, was inside the outhouse at the time it was struck. He was taken to St. John’s Hospital in Huron and, according to the newspaper, was reported to be fine, suffering only bruises.

45 years ago
The world’s largest circus, Carson & Barnes, arrived at the Huron Mall parking lot on July 19, 1980. Advertisements described it as an “old-style American circus” with five show rings under one tent. A menagerie of animals, including 25 elephants, was on display. Shows under the big top included acrobats, aerialists, and a circus band. A 14-year-old performer who could juggle five ping-pong balls with his mouth was a featured act. Children who participated in the clown costume contest received free admission. All participants received a guest clown certificate. The winner had the honor of blowing the whistle to start the performers’ procession into the tent.

In addition to performance information, the circus also ran help-wanted ads in the Plainsman. If you had a dream of joining the circus, you could apply at the circus’s mobile employment office for positions such as cook, dishwasher, equipment operator, and animal attendant.

Historical Happenings was written by Jennifer Littlefield, Reference Librarian at the Huron Public Library. The information was taken from past editions of the Huron Daily Plainsman. For more information about Huron’s history, visit the library or search the library’s digital archive.