1951 Two Rivers Christmas Parade
Balloon float from the Two Rivers Balloon Parade in 1951. From the Manitowoc County Historical Society’s Herald Times Reporter collection.
Can you picture a 400-foot balloon train parading down Washington Street in Two Rivers? That’s exactly what occurred during the 1951 holiday parade held on November 21.
First announced in the Manitowoc Herald Times on August 6, 1951. It was advertised as follows: “A giant figure balloon parade, a mile and a quarter long and comprising 45 mammoth units, will feature the annual Two Rivers Christmas parade in late November.” The parade feature was announced by the retail division of the Two Rivers Chamber of Commerce, headed by Leonard Stangel, who signed a contract with Jean Gros. Incorporated, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, for the giant balloon animated pageant, “The Night Before Christmas.” It was noted that the undertaking would require the assistance of 200 boys to handle the units in the parade. Two Rivers would be the only appearance of the figure balloon parade in the eastern half of Wisconsin.
It was advertised: “Heading the parade, heralding the arrival of Santa Claus in Two Rivers, will be a gigantic balloon train which cost $47,000 to build. It carries sound effects, music, and a microphone. Santa Claus is ridden on the cow catcher of the gigantic locomotive. Other units include six 12-foot balloon soldiers, a balloon pumpkin house, Porky the pig 13 feet high, giant balloon three -headed dragon, a large and a baby balloon duck, and a balloon kangaroo.”
Preparations for the holiday parade were well under way in October 1951. A Manitowoc Herald Times update on October 17 stated: “Mr. Stangel reported that more than 25 boys from Tisch Mills, Mishicot, Cooperstown, Maribel and other points in the vicinity have volunteers to assist with the gigantic balloons during the parade.” Veterans and other civic organizations declared their intentions to participate, including the American Legion color guard; Battery D, Wisconsin National Guard; Veterans of Foreign Wards drill team; and the U.S. coast guard personnel. Negotiations were under way for three bands to participate in the procession.
Advertisements began to appear almost daily in November to gear up for the Christmas parade. On November 6, a description of the train was printed: “For a change Santa will not be arriving with his sleigh and reindeer. Instead, he will be riding atop the biggest and funniest train in the world! The big train is a real one, though it’s a giant balloon train, built especially for Santa Claus. Actually, the train is comprised of more than 50 separate balloons: engine, tender, coaches, passengers, etc. It is more than 400 feet long and requires a 2 ½ ton truck to pull it down the line of march.”
A full-page spread appeared on November 20, the day before the parade, advertising the 7:30 pm spectacle. Two big bands, the Mishicot High School Band and Two Rivers Washington High School Band, were to march in the parade. It was also noted that Two Rivers stores would be open Wednesday evening until parade time. Deja & Martin Furniture – Funeral Service, even advertised a Balloon Parade Special on a two-piece matching sofa bed and chair for $189.50, regularly $264.50.
A write up appeared in the paper on November 23, recounting the details of the parade. “An estimated crowd of 25,000 to 30,000 spectators, the largest gathering in this city’s 115-year old history, witnessed the Giant Balloon Christmas parade.” Washington Street from 15th to 20th streets reportedly had the largest concentration of spectators, numbering 15,000.