CENTENNIAL
De Leon celebrated it’s centennial in 1981 with activities culminating at the Peach and Melon Festival. medals were issues (above), “A Pictorial History of De Leon, Texas 1881-1891 was published, a birthday party celebrated in the park on July 7, and a multiscreen media show presented during the festival.
Ronnie Nowlin and John Mac Weaver served as Co-Chairmen of the celebration.
Mrs. V. V. Bell, then 99 years old was selected as De Leon’s Centennial Queen is interviewed by John Mac Weaver (R). Her son is accompanies her. She was born in Erath County and came to De Leon in 1903.
Perhaps the classic line in the interview came when Weaver noted that she had seen numerous presidents in her long life and asked what she felt would be the problems facing President Reagan.
Without hesitation she responded, “Well, his biggest problem is that he is a Republican.”
Co-chairman Donnie Nowlin with D’Arla and son Nigel at the July 7th event.
Left: Deral and Nancy Brown at the Centennial Headquarters. Above: Centennial Anniversary window at Higginbothams. Right: The De Leon Centennial flag created by Wanda Wright. Below: Part of the Centennial Fireworks. It read “Happy Birthday De Leon 1881-1981”
Lee Northcutt who had turned 100 the previous Oct 16, was selected as Centennial King.