Minnesota Statehood Centennial Commission

Robert L. Snook was employed by the Commission from October 1957 to October 1958 as head of the Pageantry and Drama Consulting Service, which assisted county Centennial committees, schools, churches and organizations in planning and producing historical stage presentations incorporating the Centennial theme. He made 60 trips to communities throughout the state, serving as a consultant in 33 major pageants and two major musicals. He also produced the Statehood Day Commemorative Ceremony, Capitol rotunda ceremonies inaugurating the Centennial year, and several television programs; cooperated with the University of Minnesota Drama Advisory Service in publishing the pamphlet History Through Drama; developed and published a listing of music selections for use in Centennial productions; reproduced and distributed select scripts for use throughout the state; and coordinated the appearances of Miss Centennial Minnesota Diane Albers.

From the description of Pageantry and Drama Consulting Service files, 1956-1958. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 313867984

From the guide to the Pageantry and Drama Consulting Service files., 1956-1958., (Minnesota Historical Society)

One of the major events of Statehood Week, the Saturday, May 10 parade, coordinated by Ray P. Speer, featured the theme "Pride in Minnesota." It included 290 musical groups, floats, nationality groups, antique vehicles, riding clubs, clowns, and marching units from 59 counties and 23 nations. Over 1000 uniformed military personnel also marched behind massed colors. Beginning at the State Fairgrounds, where it was reviewed by officials and noted guests, the 3 1/2 hour parade then moved along Snelling Avenue past more than 200,000 spectators.

From the description of Parade of the Century files, 1956-1958. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 313868010

From the guide to the Parade of the Century files., 1956-1958., (Minnesota Historical Society)

F. William Stohr and Art Nyhus, the Commission's field representatives, served as liaisons to the county Centennial committees. They traveled over 150,000 miles visiting committees to make suggestions, build enthusiasm, and advise in planning, preparing, and executing local events. They also worked closely in the development of the Speaker's Information Bureau, the promotional filmstrip "Everybody Ready? Let's Go!," and the twenty-one issues of the monthly Centennial Bulletin, and coordinated the September 1957 St. Paul clinic for county chairmen and seven regional clinics in January 1958.

From the description of Field files, 1954-1958. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 313867926

From the guide to the Field files., 1954-1958., (Minnesota Historical Society)

The files also contain information on distinguished American guests, particularly U.S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and Allied Powers in Europe supreme commander General Lauris Norstad.

The international guest program, chaired by former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Eugenie Anderson, recognized that Minnesota's heritage included settlers from many nations. Invitations to participate in the Statehood Week celebration were sent by Governor Orville L. Freeman to a large number of foreign governments; twenty-six accepted and sent representatives. The May 8 arrival of the Scandinavian delegation, including Norway's Princess Astrid, Sweden's Prince Bertil, and the Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish prime ministers, began the international guests festivities. Other countries represented were Yugoslavia, Iceland, Rumania, India, Lithuania, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Latvia, Greece, Great Britain, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Lebanon. Throughout Statehood Week special events were held for the international guests, culminating with the Parade of the Century and Minnesota Statehood Centennial Banquet and New Century Eve Ball on Saturday and the Statehood Day Commemorative Ceremony on Sunday.

From the description of International and distinguished guests files, 1956-1958. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 313867993

The publicity and promotion department worked to give the public a complete and balanced picture of Minnesota: its way of life, traditions, history, people, outstanding tourist facilities, and cultural, educational, and scientific achievements and potential. Under Publicity and Promotion Director Don Padilla, the department operated on two levels-state/regional and national/international. It was aided by a New York public relations firm, the Vernon Pope organization, and the USIA (United States Information Agency). There was also an advisory committee chaired by Ray Mithun.

Besides coverage by almost every newspaper, television and radio station in the state, the Centennial was featured in numerous national and international newspapers, magazines, and radio and television programs including the actual airing of the TODAY Show and Queen for a Day from Minnesota; and was integrated into three major comic strips and Ripley's Believe It or Not cartoons.

The staff wrote and distributed more than 400 separate news stories; hosted 225 American and foreign news representatives; produced three Centennial calendars listing more than 200 events; co-developed a tourism book, 100 Years of Vacationland Fun, with the Department of Business Development; created and oversaw distribution of promotional booths and displays for local and national sports and travel shows and conventions; coordinated nearly 100 official Centennial souvenirs, including key chains, bumper and emblem stickers, stationery, and table memento cards; produced and promoted the slide film, Everybody Ready? Let's Go!; and worked with the National Press Photographers Association on its national convention in Minneapolis.

From the description of Publicity and promotion files, 1956-1959. (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 313867969

The publicity and promotion department worked to give the public a complete and balanced picture of Minnesota: its way of life, traditions, history, people, outstanding tourist facilities, and cultural, educational, and scientific achievements and potential. Under Publicity and Promotion Director Don Padilla, the department operated on two levels--state/regional and national/international. It was aided by a New York public relations firm, the Vernon Pope organization, and the USIA (United States Information Agency). There was also an advisory committee chaired by Ray Mithun.

The staff wrote and distributed more than 400 separate news stories; hosted 225 American and foreign news representatives; produced three Centennial calendars listing more than 200 events; co-developed a tourism book, 100 Years of Vacationland Fun, with the Department of Business Development; created and oversaw distribution of promotional booths and displays for local and national sports and travel shows and conventions; coordinated nearly 100 official Centennial souvenirs, including key chains, bumper and emblem stickers, stationery, and table memento cards; produced and promoted the slide film, "Everybody Ready? Let's Go!;" and worked with the National Press Photographers Association on its national convention in Minneapolis.

Besides coverage by almost every newspaper, television and radio station in the state, the Centennial was featured in numerous national and international newspapers, magazines, and radio and television programs including the actual airing of the TODAY Show and Queen for a Day from Minnesota; and was integrated into three major comic strips and Ripley's Believe It or Not cartoons.

From the guide to the Publicity and promotion files., 1954-1958., (Minnesota Historical Society)

The international guest program, chaired by former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark, Eugenie Anderson, recognized that Minnesota's heritage included settlers from many nations. Invitations to participate in the Statehood Week celebration were sent by Governor Orville L. Freeman to a large number of foreign governments; twenty-six accepted and sent representatives. The May 8 arrival of the Scandinavian delegation, including Norway's Princess Astrid, Sweden's Prince Bertil, and the Norwegian, Danish, and Finnish prime ministers, began the international guests festivities. Other countries represented were Yugoslavia, Iceland, Rumania, India, Lithuania, Belgium, Canada, China, France, Israel, Italy, the Netherlands, Latvia, Greece, Great Britain, Japan, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Spain, and Lebanon. Throughout Statehood Week special events were held for the international guests, culminating with the Parade of the Century and Minnesota Statehood Centennial Banquet and New Century Eve Ball on Saturday and the Statehood Day Commemorative Ceremony on Sunday.

The files also contain information on distinguished American guests, particularly U. S. Secretary of State John Foster Dulles and Allied Powers in Europe supreme commander General Lauris Norstad.

From the guide to the International and distinguished guests files., 1956-1958., (Minnesota Historical Society)