In August 1952, Mendocino celebrated the 100th anniversary of the founding of the town. The festivities drew an estimated 5,000 attendees and showcased the rich history and community spirit of Mendocino.
The Centennial weekend kicked off on Saturday at Kellieowen Hall, on the southwest corner of Lansing and Ukiah Streets, where local residents proudly displayed a remarkable collection of antiques and heirlooms. The exhibit offered a glimpse of treasures that had been preserved for generations. The collection was so vast and valuable that a San Francisco collector estimated its worth at over $2,000,000.
Centennial Barbecue, 1952. Cletus Byrnes and Dusty Fraser serving food at the barbecue at the Mendocino High School athletic field in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the town of Mendocino. George Silva, in hat, is serving at the table behind. Sam Costa, Morris Mendosa and Mrs. Carl Enochs are also in this photograph. (Photographer: Ed Freitas, Gift of Ed O’Brien)
Saturday evening brought the community together for an “Old-Fashioned Revue” held at the high school gymnasium. Young townsfolk took to the stage, modeling the clothing and jewelry of their ancestors while the stories of Mendocino’s founders were retold. The gym was filled to capacity, with bleachers lining the walls to accommodate the overflow. The evening continued with a dance sponsored by the local Fire Department. Ben Watkins and his orchestra provided the music, and the dance floor was packed with jubilant residents.
Sunday’s events began with a parade that wound its way through the town’s streets, starting from the grammar school. Leading the procession was Ralph Sutherland in a Firepower Chrysler, proudly carrying Mendocino’s oldest resident, Mrs. W. H. Flood, 95, alongside Mrs. William Boyle, 91, and Mrs. James Barton. Another highlight was Charles Tyrrell driving Eddie Matthews’ station wagon, which carried Mendocino’s oldest married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Jens Hansen, who had celebrated over 60 years of marriage.
The parade ended at the high school where the festivities continued with a community barbecue. The aroma of barbecued meat, beans, and salad filled the air as 2,000 people lined up for a meal. After the barbecue, folk and square dancing began in the high school gym.
Kellieowen Hall reopened in the afternoon, drawing even more visitors eager to take one last look at the antique exhibit before it closed for the weekend. Historic buildings like the Temple of Kwan Tai and the Old Lisbon House also welcomed thousands of visitors, offering rare insights into the architectural and cultural heritage of Mendocino. As the Beacon noted, “All in all, the Centennial Celebration was a decided success, and one of the best celebrations ever put on in Mendocino.”
Walking Tours of Historic Mendocino – Join our expert docents for a stroll and lively commentary. You’ll pass by early pioneer homes, historic meeting places, and buildings that make up the the Mendocino Historic District.