May 1913 Paducah Homecoming
In May, 1913, Paducah held a homecoming celebration to excite and entertain the public and to offset the negative image of the city given the nation by media reports of the flood that year. The first event had Mayor Thomas N. Hazelip welcoming the legendary Chief Paducah, portrayed by James Wheeler, giving the chief the key to the city. Wheeler arrived on the steamer G.W. Robertson at the foot of Broadway and rode his horse through the city to the federal building, accompanied by Adine Corbett, Bertha Ferguson and Ruth Hinkle, acting as Indian princesses. The Boosters Club organized multiple events to enhance the week's festivities. Each day had a different theme for a parade and Broadway became a street fair and carnival. A flying boat added to the spectacle. Faith Langstaff won the Floral Queen contest. Universal Weekly filmed the events and made them available nationally in movie theaters. Among the notables in attendance was a group visiting for the dedication of Paducah-Metropolis railroad bridge.
Marker is on South Water Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
