A Century of Celebrations, Arrests and Protests: Notable Events in Rochester’s Past 100 Years

In 1949, despite intense heat, July 4th festivities were held throughout Southeast Minnesota. Over 20,000 people gathered at Lake City for the annual Water Carnival, where Jean Sass was crowned Queen. The American League All-Star baseball team, featuring players like Ted Williams, Dom DiMaggio, Yogi Berra, Larry Doby, and Joe DiMaggio, had been selected for a game that would take place in Brooklyn.

One hundred years ago in 1924, an alleged gambler was arrested in Mayo Park. This marked the first arrest since Chief of Police Walter Newsome issued a warning about card sharks and con men operating in the city. Additionally, during a meeting of the Rochester Park Board it was decided to open bids for a large new ladies’ restroom and a large gentlemen’s washroom to be constructed in Mayo Park.

Fifty years ago in 1974, Vietnam veterans were protesting in Washington D.C., demanding better education and employment benefits as well as improvements in Veteran Administration hospitals. Rev. James Harris made history by becoming the first Black president of the National Education Association in 1975; he was recognized as one of the “100 Most Influential Black Americans” by Ebony Magazine that year.