Worley turns 100
KEITH COUSINS/Press Nina Holt throws candy to kids watching a parade down U.S. 95 in Worley on Saturday. The parade was a part of a day celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the town becoming incorporated.
Carlee Bowmer, 9, deliberates over which candies to pick up during a parade Saturday in Worley. The parade was part of a day-long celebration of the town’s centennial anniversary. KEITH COUSINS/Press
KEITH COUSINS/Press Visitors examine historical artifacts at the Worley Grange Hall during an open house Saturday hosted by the Worley Historical Society. Society members were instrumental in organizing the town’s centennial anniversary celebration.
WORLEY — Ali Marienau said she can trace her family’s history in Worley to before the town was officially incorporated in 1917.
As she watched a parade Saturday, held in celebration of the town’s centennial anniversary, Marienau said it was great to see the entire community come out and enjoy the festivities while honoring Worley’s agricultural roots.
“Even though some of us have moved away, we still call this place home,” said Marienau, who remains a Worley resident. “We love the small-town atmosphere and being able to know all of our neighbors, even if they live a mile or two away.”
Throughout the day Saturday, visitors and residents alike joined in on the celebration. After a morning fun run and breakfast, crowds flocked to U.S. 95, a stretch of which was closed down for a parade featuring classic cars, horse drawn carriages, and more candy than most kiddos get at Halloween.
“I was amazed at the turnout for the parade this morning, it was wonderful to see,” said Gerry Dreschel, who can trace her family’s Worley roots back six generations.
At the Worley Grange Hall, which was recently acquired by the Worley Historical Society, attendees got to experience the past through viewing various artifacts and photos. Barb Schultz, of the historical society, told The Press that all of the items in the hall were either donated by the previous owners or given to the society by members themselves.
Schultz added that the historical society worked closely with city officials to plan the day-long event.
“To be 100 years old is quite the accomplishment,” she said. “We just wanted to have a way to celebrate that.”
Throughout the day, the hall served as a meeting place for individuals to see old friends and reminisce about the past. One man, Dean Whitman, proudly displayed a handmade model of the log schoolhouse he attended as a youth in Worley.
Although Whitman now lives in Ritzville, Wash., he told The Press he still has family in Worley. Growing up in a small farm in the Worley area, he added, gave him great memories that will last a lifetime.
“Everything I did here was special, as far as growing up goes,” Whitman said.
In addition to the parade and historical displays, visitors were able to enjoy multiple activities at the city park well into the evening. Events at the park included a petting zoo, tug of war, games, and vendors.