A look back at 1932

Arline Kenney, of the American Legion Auxiliary, discovered news clippings from The Morning Union, as the local paper was called then, about the opening of the Grass Valley Veterans Memorial Building on April 23, 1932. Here are some excerpts from stories written in April and May of that year. Spelling and grammar are true to the original stories. - Dave Moller



April 24

"With a crowd of 750 couples on the dance floor and an additional 400 spectators in the gallery, the Grass Valley Concert Band opened festivities at the new Veterans Memorial Building last night with a march around the spacious glass-like floor.

"As the ensuing concert was concluded the beautiful maroon curtains of the stage slid back to reveal a ten piece orchestra ready to provide excellent music for the dancers... Last night's affair was undoubtedly one of the most successful ever held in this city on any occasion."

April 26

"Grass Valleyeans and Nevada Cityans continued yesterday to talk and comment on the grand opening dance, celebrating the first opening to the public of the Nevada County Veterans Memorial Building ...

"Despite the worst kind of weather the people gathered in a constant stream and stayed until the last strains of music from the orchestra floated away."

May 31

"Sunday afternoon starting at 1:45, a large crowd gathered in the huge South Auburn Street structure to witness the formal dedication of the one and only edifice of its kind in the county - the Nevada County Veterans Building ...

"Commander McKinley Lotz and all the members of the Hague-Thomas-Hegarty Post of the American Legion wish to thank everyone who assisted them.

"The strenuous month end taxing the efforts of every American Legion member and a great many of the loyal supporters of the Legion has finally gone down into history in a burst of glory."