A large crowd lined the streets of Kenton for the parade and stayed for the activities at the courthouse. The crowd for the services at the cemetery were larger than normal and braved an occasional rain drop before starting the parade to the courthouse.

R.E. Allen made just 97 cents in his first year as a salesman and his wife wouldn’t let him quit. A few businesses later, his perseverance paid off when he created Imperial Cup (now International Paper) in Kenton, which became the world’s largest producer of vending cups.

In the 100 years since the Hardin County Courthouse opened, many memorable cases have taken place in the courtroom. Justice has been handled down on rapists, murderers and one St. Bernard dog.

In its 100 years of existence, the courthouse has had many neighbors. The owner of one of those businesses came from the other side of the world and found himself running a restaurant in Kenton.

“All roads today lead to Kenton,” proclaimed a story in the Daily Democrat on Sept. 25, 1913. A majestic ceremony and parade had taken place the day before to lay the cornerstone of the new Hardin County Courthouse, which will be celebrated with activities this weekend commemorating its 100 years of existence.

Veterans will be offered a free meal at Kenton’s Saulisberry Park and allowed to fish in France Lake at no charge on Memorial Day. Warriors First is sponsoring the event, said co-founder Scott Johnson.

MOUNT VICTORY — The Mount Victory Community Improvement Association will be hosting its 31th annual Memorial Day Antique Car Show and Petroliana Swap Meet on Monday. This non-profit community celebration includes many activities including a non-judged car show and a large display of gas, oil and automotive memorabilia for show and sale.

When Joe Dulin was 10 years old, he often rode along with his father, J.W. Dulin, to the courthouse where J.W. was a county commissioner. His favorite part of the building was the relic room, where a young boy could wander among the exhibits in the county collection and see sites not often found on the farm.