Benton Celebrates 150 Years

Jim Simmons, left, and the St. Denis Choir lead the funeral procession of "Jim Razor" in the St. Denis Parish Center Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration. Over 300 people attended the celebration in the St. Denis Parish Center which included music from Kelly High School Band, Benton historical facts, and the funureal procession. Razor is literally a razor in a coffin that represents the men of Benton to refrain from shaving during the mourning period of four months. On September fourth the town will hold a "cutting of the beard". The men of Benton mourn "Jim Razor" every 50 years. (Laura Simon)

Jim Simmons, right, and the St. Denis Choir sing the ballad of "Jim Razor" Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration. Over 300 people attended the celebration in the St. Denis Parish Center which included music from Kelly High School Band, Benton historical facts, and a funureal procession for "Jim Razor". Razor is literally a razor in a coffin that represents the men of Benton to refrain from shaving during the mourning period of four months. On September fourth the town will hold a "cutting of the beard". The men of Benton mourn "Jim Razor" every 50 years. (Laura Simon)

Benton residents listen to the St. Denis Choir perform Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration. Over 300 people attended the celebration in the St. Denis Parish Center which included music from Kelly High School Band, Benton historical facts, and a funureal procession for "Jim Razor". Razor is literally a razor in a coffin that represents the men of Benton to refrain from shaving during the mourning period of four months. On September fourth the town will hold a "cutting of the beard". The men of Benton mourn "Jim Razor" every 50 years. (Laura Simon)

Sixth grade student Matthew Burford reads his first place essay on present and future life in Benton Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration. (Laura Simon)

Longtime Benton residents Elaine Proctor, left, and Bert Essner listen to the St. Denis Choir perform Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquincentennial celebration at St. Denis Parish Center. (Laura Simon)

Lifelong Benton residents Paul Essner, left, and Johnny Felter talk over Saturday's program of Benton's sesquincentennial events at St. Denis Parish Center. (Laura Simon)

Benton residents cheer for their town Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration. Over 300 people attended the celebration in the St. Denis Parish Center which included music from Kelly High School Band, Benton historical facts, and a funureal procession for "Jim Razor". Razor is literally a razor in a coffin that represents the men of Benton to refrain from shaving during the mourning period of four months. On September fourth the town will hold a "cutting of the beard". The men of Benton mourn "Jim Razor" every 50 years. (Laura Simon)

Benton residents Shirley Essner, left, Joanie Kerby, center, and Patsy Burger lead the St. Denis choir in "God Bless America" Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration. Over 300 people attended the celebration in the St. Denis Parish Center which included music from Kelly High School Band, Benton historical facts, and a funureal procession for "Jim Razor". Razor is literally a razor in a coffin that represents the men of Benton to refrain from shaving during the mourning period of four months. On September fourth the town will hold a cutting of the beard. The men of Benton mourn "Jim Razor" every 50 years. (Laura Simon)

Benton resident and town cryer Melvin Hamm makes a closing statement Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration. (Laura Simon)

Drusilla Felter and her grand-daughter Michelle Felter share a moment Saturday, April 24, 2010 during Benton's sesquicentennial celebration at St. Denis Parish Center. Felter has lived in Benton for all of her 92 years of age, making her the towns eldest resident. (Laura Simon)

A vintage button from Benton's centennial adorns Jim Simmons suspenders Saturday, April 24, 2010 during the town's sesquicentennial at St. Denis Parish Center. (Laura Simon)