Fargo-Moorhead Centennial Records

Collection

Identifier: Mss 33

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The F-M Centennial records consist of articles of incorporation and by-laws, meeting minutes, correspondence, financial records, events and subject files. This collection of records was of General Chairman C. Warner Litten. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws file contains some correspondence and copies of these documents. The meeting minutes, 1973 to 1975, appear to be only partially complete and include those of the Board of Directors, and the Executive Committee. The Correspondence Series, arranged chronologically, consists of both incoming and outgoing letters dealing with arrangements for the various events and committees. The Financial Records Series include a listing of stockholders, several proposed budgets, and various financial and treasurer reports. The Events Series includes general listings, schedules and announcements for the various activities, and including files for the "Red River Legends" pageant, rocking chair marathon and the tasting spree. The Subject Files Series contain a wide variety of material related to the planning of the centennial. Included are the agreements and other material with the John B. Rodgers Producing Company, theme song, press releases, newsletters, newspaper clippings, publications, speech used to promote the event and various stickers and copies of the official logo. Many of these files are only a sample of all the material generated in connection with the celebration.

Dates

1972-1977

Creator

F-M Centennial. (Organization)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Copyrights

The NDSU Archives does hold the copyrights.

History

With the approaching centennial of Fargo's incorporation in 1975, a committee of the Fargo Chamber of Commerce began meeting in 1973 to begin making plans for a centennial celebration. Soon they began working with Moorhead, Minnesota in a joint celebration. The Articles of Incorporation were completed in November and an organizational meeting held on November 12, 1973. Joseph Faust of Moorhead was elected president and C. Warner Litten of Fargo was elected vice-president. At the next meeting Mr. Litten was named General Chairman. Plans began immediately for a joint celebration to be held in May and June of 1975 culminating in the week of June 21 to 28. Over 1,000 people and 65 committees were involved in the planning. The John B. Rodgers Company of Fostoria, Ohio, a professional celebration manager was hired to oversee the management of the festivities. Numerous special events were scheduled for the period including an historical book, parade, centennial ball, air show, and an historical pageant. The celebration was quite successful and was seen as an outstanding cooperative venture between Fargo and Moorhead.

Extent

0.8 Linear Feet (0.8 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Originally began as a plan to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Fargo's incorporation, but expanded to include the city of Moorhead, MN.

Provenance

Donated by C. Warner Litten, General Chairman, F-M Centennial, 1979 (Acc. 2037)

Separation Record - Photographs

The following non-manuscript material has been removed from the F-M Centennial records and sent to the section indicated. 2 Photographs - Institute photographic collection (Photo 494)