Stan set up this photo in 1975 to promote the celebration, then in its inaugural year. Two ladies in bicentennial garb are kissing Butch's Tavern owner Dale Diedrick, responding to his button that says "Kiss Me, I'm German."
The bonneted woman on the right was Kathleen Blethen, Stan's future bride. She married the photographer in September 1980.The bicentennial outfits were handmade by Sandy Wenz, Kathleen's business partner, at left in the photo above. The busy pair wore the outfits during River City Days Sidewalk Sales, receiving many positive comments about their finery. Kathleen's outfit still hangs in our closet.
We brought it out today, for a forty-year reunion.
Still looking good!
Why would you save the outfit for forty years? Kathleen explains that it was her hope that some day she would have a granddaughter big enough to wear it.
Emily is getting there. Watch this space.
