Until recent years, Memorial Day always was held on the actual day of May 30. But 100 years ago, it fell on a Sunday, so the observance was held on Monday, May 31, 1915, in Grand Forks.
Planning in 1915 was done by members of the Willis A. Gorman Grand Army of the Republic Post and other patriotic societies of this city.
Memorial services were held on Sunday in the First Baptist Church. On Monday, the Memorial Day parade formed at Kittson Avenue and Fourth Street. It proceeded to Central Park with the Grand Forks Military Band leading the way.
The Herald reported the machine gun company was followed by the mayor, the City Council and patriotic societies. The program included the reading of Lincoln's Gettysburg address.
After the benediction, the people joined in with the singing of the Battle Hymn of the Republic.
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The big question around Grand Forks in May 1915 was whether a new Central High School should be built. There were heated discussions. The issue was settled favorably when 381 of the 714 votes cast were in favor.
And at the end of May, $18,800 had been pledged for a new YMCA in Grand Forks. The campaign was headed by R.B. Griffith and J.J. Hill to raise $40,000.
Then in 1915 as now, pages of the Herald chronicled life in Grand Forks.
โ "The Devil's Disciple" playing at the Metropolitan Theatre was a comedy of the American Revolution.
โ The traditional spring Grand Forks County Play Day was held at Larimore, N.D., and it brought in 2,000 children. There was a picnic and folk dancing. Miss Beatrice Johnstone was the county superintendent of schools.
โ An announcement was made by Miss Ida Durand, city librarian, that anybody going out of town could carry six books on their card until Oct. 1.
Although the 100th anniversary of the new Grand Forks County Courthouse was celebrated here last year, the building had not actually been dedicated until 1915, when all the work was completed.
Mayor J.A. Dinnie proclaimed a holiday for the dedication on May 20, 1915.
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The chief address was by Tracy Bangs. Gov. L.B. Hanna and North Dakota's Chief Justice C.J. Fisk also were on the program. Bangs was attorney for the Red River Power Co.
Hundreds gathered over night, and there were thousands at the dedication of the $200,000 courthouse. All offices were decked out with flags and other regalia.
"A gala day," the Herald proclaimed. "The court house might well be termed the pride of North Dakota."
Automobiles were making waves in 1915. And Lyons Auto Co., which is still in Grand Forks, was mentioned in the following account:
"Twenty four and three-tenths miles were driven in a Franklin Touring car on one gallon of gasoline by J.W. Lyons of Lyons Auto Co., in the Franklin National Economy contest.
"Similar tests were made throughout the county. The trip made by Mr. Lyons was over county roads to a point a short distance south of Reynolds.
"Two passengers were carried by Mr. Lyons with total weight of passengers and car at 2,280 pounds. Cord tires, Quaker State oil and standard gasoline were used."
Some may have dreamed of oil in North Dakota 100 years ago. And there was a talk of coal and clay deposits that held promise for the future by Dr. A.G. Leonard. He was head of the geology department at UND and was writing for the International Encyclopedia.
