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Hartsburg was surveyed on June 22, 1871 by David
Harts. The first residence was the Null residence and the first
merchant E.L. Woolen. Many of the original town residents leased
from the Scully family who owned quite a bit of land in the area.
Friday night began with a pork chop dinner served by the Hartsburg
Fire Department.
Friday was rededication day with an opening ceremony that began with
Olivia Garcia singing the National Anthem.
Hartsburg Mayor Norma Bathe served as chair of the 150th
celebration. Bathe said she was honored to grow up and teach in
Hartsburg for many years.
Bathe thanked the huge group of people who helped her put the
celebration together.
She then had committee members come on stage for a ribbon cutting to
officially kick off the celebration.
Golden residents and couples married the longest were given special
recognition and plaques honoring them.
Ruth Aper
Gerald Lolling
Bill Lessen
Hartsburg has several golden residents in their 90s including Irma
Leesman, Ruth Aper, former Mayor Gerald Lolling, Joyce Ubbenga, and
Bill Lessen.
Roy and Pat Sebastian were recognized for being married the longest
at 56 years.
Other couples recognized for 50 or more years of marriage were Ron
and Sandy Crane, Gary and Geneva Eads, Mike and Delores Eads and Don
and Alexis Asher.
Local dignitaries were awarded plaques for
distinguished service to the community. These included past mayors
Gerald Lolling and Tom Anderson.
A plaque in memory of Fred Ritterbush, who was mayor
during the 100th celebration, was given to his family.
Other plaques were given in memory of those who
worked for the town for many years. These included Gene Bathe who
worked with the water department and Tom Schmidt who did maintenance
in Hartsburg for many years.
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Jonathan Wright
Current local dignitaries recognized for their distinguished service included
Logan County Board member Keenan Leesman, Eleventh Circuit Judge Jonathan Wright
and Police Sargent Ryan Anderson. Each was asked to say a few words.
Leesman, the county’s District One representative, was a past treasurer for the
village of Hartsburg. Leesman said this past year has been trying, but in all
the uncertainty he has noticed what we have in common is faith, family and
community.
In Hartsburg, Leesman said there is something special about the rural small town
life and the values it holds. It is a great reminder we are all in this
together. He urged the community to continue to be a good one and be its best
self.
At celebrations 150 years from now, Leesman said he hopes that generation can
reflect on what it means to be part of this community.
Judge Wright grew up in Chicago and said he appreciates how this community has
embraced and welcomed his family. To Wright, Hartsburg stands out by people
coming together, talking at the fence post and checking on each other.
Sargent Anderson thanked everyone who still believes in law enforcement.
Bathe then thanked Fire Chief Chris Boling for his hard work for the community
and for allowing the use of the fire house for serving dinner.
Though the community is small, Bathe said it is big in heart.
The final part of the opening ceremony was the crowning of royalty for the 150th
celebration. First, royalty from the 100th and 125th celebrations were
recognized including Carla Conrady Jurgens, Ryan Anderson and Alyssa Eeten
Klokkenga.
Contestants for Little Mr. Hartsburg and Little Miss Hartsburg drew pictures of
their favorite part of Hartsburg, and these were displayed in the Hartsburg Bank
the past few weeks. People voted for them by putting pennies in a container.
Little Mr. Hartsburg contestants were Everett Reinhart and Presley Payne. Little
Miss Hartsburg contestants were Eliza Reinhart, Laney Coers, Claire Osborne and
Anna Wrage.
Queen contestant was Faith Sanders, who had to write a short essay about how
Hartsburg has shaped her life. There was no contestant for King.
Faith Sanders
The 150th Celebration royalty are Little Mr. Presley Payne, Little Miss Laney
Coers and Queen Faith Sanders.
In her essay, Queen Faith wrote that the closeness of the community has brought
her closer to God. She said the community has helped her see the best in people.
Queen Faith considers Hartsburg to be one of the greatest places.
Other activities Friday evening included opportunities for horse and carriage
rides around Hartsburg, several kid’s games, and an ice cream social.
Table four 2
Musical entertainment by pianist Joe Garcia and also the band Table four 2.
The little town square was abuzz with activity and people visiting on the first
evening of Hartsburg’s 150th celebration.
[Angela Reiners]
Weekend coverage will continue on
Tuesday.
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