(Marne) – The Cass County community of Marne celebrated its 150th Anniversary on Saturday, honoring both its rich history and bright future. Marne was established in 1875 when German investors from a Davenport, Iowa settlement filed paperwork and plotted land they purchased from Thomas Meredith. The city was named after Marne, Germany. It has been reported Marne was established as one of the first communities in Iowa after the railroad was built through the state.
Festivities began with the opening of the Heritage Museum at 9:00 a.m., followed by the arrival of food trucks at 9:30. The Grand Parade kicked off the day’s activities at 11:00 a.m., Shirley Schmitt was recognized as the oldest citizen. Sesquicentennial King and Queen, Al and Molly Cranston. (Pictured above) led the parade along with Iowa Senator Joni Ernst, who served as Grand Marshal.
Marne Mayor and longtime businessman Randy Baxter thanked the crowd for braving the wind and heat to attend the celebration. He also spent time in the dunk tank, as part of a fundraiser for the event.
Marne Community Club member Sheri Cutler, who helped organize the Heritage Museum display, has lived in Marne for all but 12 years of her life and described the town as a close-knit community.
She recalled the 1975 centennial celebration when 8,000 people gathered for a three-day event. That year, as 18-year-old Sheri Polkingharn, she was named Marne Centennial Queen from a field of nearly 20 contestants.
Following the parade, a flag ceremony was held at the city park, where guests enjoyed cake. The afternoon featured pull-start mini-bike races from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the softball field, open to participants of all ages. The day concluded with the Marne Fire and Rescue’s Annual Hog Roast at 5:00 p.m., followed by a lively Street Dance and Beer Garden.
