(handwritten) Bicent (end handwritten)

November 20, 1974

Dr. John Dahlquist
Karen Graves
Co Chairpersons
Salina American Revolution Bicentennial Commission
303 East Iron
Salina, Kansas 67401

Dear Dr. Dahlquist and Ms. Graves:
This is to acknowledge receipt of your recent notification that your community has made formal application to become an official American Revolution Bicentennial Community.
I am pleased to know of the interest and efforts which you and your fellow Kansans are directing towards the celebration of our nation's 200th Anniversary. This is truly a worthwhile and commendable undertaking, and it seems quite appropriate that our great state of Kansas should play a part in this observance.
I do hope you will let me know if I can be of assistance at any point in the development of your plans.

Sincerely yours,
BOB DOLE
United States Senate

BD:rdz


(page 2)
SALINA AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION
303 East Iron
Salina, Kansas 67401

November 12, 1974

Honorable Bob Dole
United States Senate
2327 New Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Senator Dole:
The Salina American Revolution Bicentennial Commission has been formed and is in the process of making application for becoming a Bicentennial Community.
The enclosed copy of an article that appeared in the October 31, 1974, issue of the Salina Journal lists only some of the attractive programs that have been endorsed by our Commission.
In accordance with the criteria needed for our certification, this letter merely apprises you of the steps we have taken.

Sincerely,
SALINA AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL COMMISSION
(two signatures)
Dr. John Dahlquist
Karen Graves - Co Chairpersons

Enclosure


(page 3)
Salina plans history-flavored celebration on nation's birthday

Salina will celebrate the nation's 200th birthday in a lot of big and little ways.
Just how it may do it was the topic Wednesday night at the second meeting of the Salina American Revolution Bicentennial commission.
The commission, meeting at Government Center, gave tentative approval to a number of celebration proposals. They included:
· A program of oral history-Taped interviews with members of pioneer families and local historians.
· A needlework wall hanging depicting Saline county history "from wagons to wings". It would be placed in a public building.
· A Salina Bicentennial Choir which would specialize in songs of the Revolution and other wars-a patriotic potpourri.
· An American film series with quality films of historical significance.
· Decorating the city by painting unsightly areas, plus poster displays and art festivals.
· A street fair in June, 1976, featuring stage shows, booths and exhibits.
· Historical window displays.
· A flag-flying project.
. Re-enactment of sports contests of the past.
· A giant parade on July 3, 1976.
· Mass ringing of church bells on the nation's 200th birthday, July 4, followed by neighborhood "birthday" parties, and a big night fireworks display.
Other possibilities mentioned were a big pageant such as Salina's "Wagons to Wings" show in 1958; other theatrical productions, creation of a bike-hike trail, cleaning up the Smoky Hill river which played such a big part in the lives of pioneers; an "avenue" of colorful maple trees, and ethnic heritage festivals.
The Salina commission's aims are to encourage projects which look back at our heritage, others to enhance our present life, and others to create lasting future improvements.
John Taylor, executive director of the Kansas American Revolution Bicentennial commission, spoke at the meeting. He emphasized the state commission doesn't plan its own big statewide celebrations, but aims at aiding local observances.
He said federal assistance money has been and will be available, but indicated the amount any one community might get could be small.
Max Muller, Lindsborg, who has directed historical dramas such as the Medicine Lodge, Kas., Treaty Pageant, discussed the possibility of an historical drama here, featuring, perhaps, the journey of Coronado.
Dr. John Dahlquist and Mrs. Karen Graves are co-chairmen of the Salina commission.

Salina Journal 10-31-74