HOMECOMERS: ANNUAL JACKSON EVENT CELEBRATES 89TH YEAR

"This year's Homecomers reunion is deemed a grand success in every way and record-breaker in several; financially, in way of order, in entertainment, weather and other usual success attended meeting, but in attendance it was decided record breaker; Saturday boasted largest crowd ever seen in Jackson; in every direction from the courthouse could be seen mass of sweltering humanity packed between street stands and other concessions."

-- Aug. 20, 1916, Southeast Missourian

JACKSON -- It began in 1908 as reunion time for families and the community. People have come back for 89 years to celebrate the future and the past. The Jackson Homecomers celebration Tuesday through Saturday reflects the community's history.

A little over 8,000 people attended the first celebration. By 1916 Homecomers had become a tradition. More than 15,000 people visited the city that year in 103 degree temperatures.

Over the years, the city's history can be traced through accounts of the celebration.

In March of 1917 thirty Jackson residents gathered to plan that year's festival. Jackson citizen C. C. Oliver was elected president of the Homecomers Association and F.E. Kies was chosen its vice president.

Only war stopped the annual event from taking place each year.

In May 1918, World War I put a damper on the Homecomers reunion. Homecomers Association members resolved they would cancel the celebration because of war conditions.

World War II again canceled Homecomers. On Jan. 27, 1942, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce called off Homecomers for the duration of the war. It was decided, Sept. 25, 1945, that Homecomers could again be restored to Jackson.

A Homecomers tradition was born in 1935. That year, A.D. Milde, chairman of the Association, and a committee decided to sponsor an annual queen contest.

Young women from several area towns and cities were solicited to participate. That first contest had 19 contestants.

Nineteen-year-old Isabella Johnson of Burfordville -- known today as 81-year-old Ruby Conrad of Jackson -- was the first Homecomers queen.

On Aug. 28, 1935, a queen was chosen by drawing a slip of paper marked "queen." Today Homecomers queens are judged by interviews and appearances.

The 1997 queen contest will conclude this year's Homecomers on Saturday night.

Over the years the activities and duration of Homecomers have changed.

In 1941, papers reported that a crowd milled around 11 attractions, concession stands and eight "devices" (presumably carnival rides) at the 22nd Homecomers.

Today, the 89th Homecomers is sponsored by the Jackson American Legion Post #158 and has grown considerably.

Post member and talent show coordinator Jim Nelson said four nights of Homecomers -- Wednesday through Friday -- will be highlighted by talent shows at 8 p.m. each night. More than 150 youths from the region will show off their talent to win cash prizes and trophies.

"It's a chance for kids to show off. It is one time they are on stage for the grandmas and all the kinfolk that have come from all over to see them," said Nelson.

After an opening statement by Jackson Mayor Paul Sander at 7 p.m., the 1997 Homecomers will kick off on Tuesday with country music.

Traditional Homecomers food booths, informational booths and carnival rides will open each night at 7 p.m.