The 'Silver Annie'

Kalamazoo Throws a Party for Itself

In October of 1909, a quarter century after Kalamazoo moved from a village to an incorporated city, town leaders organized a celebratory party to recognize it’s successes and to promote its commercial and civic character. The festivities were dubbed ‘Silver Annie’ because of the silver anniversary of the city’s first charter. A king and queen were selected to represent the pomp and spectacle of the fete. William DeYoe was the King “Ka-We-Do” and Charity Potter was the Queen “Progress.” During the first week of October, citizens were entertained with a variety of festive activities, including multiple parades that featured marching bands, bawdy burlesque, fraternal orders, members of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), and creatively rendered floats adorned with flowers. L.N. Burke of the Kalamazoo National Bank chaired the fraternal parade committee. The theme of the floral parade was “Ladies’ Driving Dull Care.” Floral floats were built and decorated by both local businesses, clubs, fraternal orders, schools, and various social organizations, including the local chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution.

“One of the interesting floats that will appear in the parade this evening will be that of the Lucinda Hinsdale Stone chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, which will be emblematic in design. The ladies who will ride on this float will be descendants of pioneer families of Kalamazoo. Mrs. Julius C. Burrows who will represent a Colonial Dame, is a member of the Peck family and is not only a member of the D.A.R., but also of the more exclusive society of Colonial Dames.”

–Kalamazoo Gazette, 1 October 1909

Approximately 15,000 attendees viewed the floral parade participants. Not every float possessed four wheels. Some of the floats moved along city streets on four legs. According to Gazette reporting, “Miss Ruth Barendreght’s (horse) was artistically decorated in orange and black” while Miss Bessie Loeffler’s horse “was trimmed in lavender.” The first place winner of the floral parade contest was local attorney N.H. Stewart. Purple and white flowers covered his entire vehicle, which also included Stewart behind the wheel, and passengers Mrs. E.R. Burdick, Mrs. Donald Stewart, and Miss Irene Taylor.

“It was a nice parade,” said a lady from the rural districts, “but them automobiles spoiled it for me. I don’t like ’em puffing and snorting around. Of course when I get one myself, it will be different.”

–Kalamazoo Gazette, 2 October 1909

Commercial and civic buildings were lavishly adorned with patriotic bunting and and American flags. A replica of Titus Bronson’s log cabin was built and placed near downtown. A large, lighted arch was erected on Main Street. In addition to local businesses promoting their products, labor unions also partook in the ‘Silver Annie’ festivities. Men and women, both from and outside of Kalamazoo, representing laborers in mills, foundries and factories poured into the city. One of the floats was adorned with a sign that urged an end to child labor. As the events came to a close on the 3rd, city officials and business leaders basked in their success, several suggesting that the ‘Silver Annie’ was the best thing to have happened to the city up until that point.

“A great step forward and a wonderful event for the city. Keeps us on the map and sends a shower of benefits.”

–Mayor Frank H. Milham

Article written by Ryan Gage, Kalamazoo Public Library staff, September 2024