Veterans of the Vietnam War Rally for Better Benefits and Healthcare in 1974

25 years ago in 1999, “Ron Hunt’s Views of Rochester at the Millennium” was a calendar featuring 12 new watercolors. Hunt, a well-known artist, was selling signed calendars at Carson Art and Southeast Minnesota Visual Artists’ Gallery on the Peace Plaza. Meanwhile, 14-year-old George Lynaugh from Rochester won first place in the freestyle competition at the USA Wrestling National Competition in Waterloo, Iowa.

50 years ago in 1974, Vietnam veterans were demonstrating in Washington, D.C., demanding more education and employment benefits, as well as improvements in Veteran Administration hospitals. Additionally, Rev. James Harris from Des Moines, Iowa, became the first Black president of the National Education Association, a 1.5-million-member group. Harris, a former radio operator for the Tuskegee Airmen, was recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans” by Ebony Magazine in 1975.

75 years ago in 1949, despite intense heat, July 4th festivities took place throughout Southeast Minnesota. Over 20,000 people gathered at Lake City for the annual Water Carnival, where Jean Sass was crowned Queen of the Carnival. The American League All-Star baseball team was also selected, featuring players such as Ted Williams, Dom DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Larry Doby, and Joe DiMaggio. The game was played in Brooklyn, with the American League emerging victorious with a score of 11-7.

100 years ago in 1924, an alleged gambler was arrested by police in Mayo Park, marking the first arrest following a warning from Chief of Police Walter Newsome about card sharks and con men operating in the city. Additionally, during a meeting of the Rochester Park Board, bids were opened for the construction of a large new ladies’ restroom and a large gentlemen’s washroom in Mayo Park.

Loren Else, a freelance contributor for the Post Bulletin, provided this information.