Out of Debt Celebration

One of the largest one-day celebrations in Washington’s history was held on October 3, 1935.  On that day, the town celebrated the fact that, for the first time in anyone’s memory, the city was debt-free.  

The anticipation and planning for this significant event went on for months, underscoring its importance. Most of us have been there, paying off a loan on a car, house, or schooling.  It is a great feeling.  This occurrence was our entire city paying off all its debts incurred by its growth and maintenance.  Making it more special was the fact that it was occurring at the height of the great depression.  

Early records were scarce, but, in the late 1800s, the city issued bonds for a waterworks system and the purchase of Glendale Cemetery.  More improvements followed, such as the paving of roads and the purchase of the city building, but by 1935 it had all been paid in full.  

As for the celebration, CILCO arranged for the center of the Square to be brightly lit for the evening festivities.  Traffic was diverted entirely from the Square for the evening.  Starting with a school band concert, the celebration led into a large family picnic, which was moved inside the city building due to the cooler weather.

When the program resumed after the meal, the large crowd was treated to various songs and readings by various school groups and individuals.  The highlight for everyone was the keynote speech by Senator Everett Dirksen, who attended by special invitation and commended Washington for its financial responsibility, commenting, “You might think this is purely a local observance, but it should be of national significance.  There is not a single town or city in the country which could not learn a valuable lesson from this observance.”

After Senator Dirksen’s words, the last bond was burned in front of the crowd to cheering and jubilation, and the evening concluded with wonderful memories formed for those in attendance.