Indiana became a state in 1816. One hundred years later many Hoosier cities observed the centennial of statehood with appropriate ceremonies. Warsaw's celebration took place from Thursday, June 28, to Saturday, July 1, 1916. Many of our readers probably remember the events of that period.

The big celebration was formally opened on Thursday afternoon by the laying of the cornerstone of the Center Ward school at Main and High street. Previous to the ceremonies at the school building a large parade was held on the main streets of town. In the parade were Knights Templars from Columbia City, Plymouth, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Mishawaka, Goshen, and Warsaw. A band of twenty pieces from Columbia City also took part.

One feature of the parade was the marching of three generations of the Kutz family, all of whom had taught in the old Central school building -- Mrs. S. C. Long, Mrs. J. D. Kutz, and Miss Mary Kutz. Many of the former teachers and pupils of the Center Ward school had a reunion at the old building which was located on East Market street near Detroit street.

On Friday evening a Warsaw high school alumni banquet was held at the Methodist church as a part of the celebration of Indiana statehood.

On Saturday afternoon another big parade was held on the downtown Warsaw streets under the direction of local undertaker C. C. Dukes. Prizes were offered for the best decorated float, the best historical float, and the best industrial float. Also prizes were offered for the best pony rig in the parade.

According to newspaper accounts, the city was gaily decorated with flags and bunting during this period of festivities. The display windows in many of the business houses were artistically decorated, with each businessman making an effort to outdo the others in decorations.

Warsaw Times-Union Sat. May 29, 1954