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Washington Evening Journal
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Brooklyn celebrates 175th birthday
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
BROOKLYN — Hundreds turn out for Brooklyn Flag Festival last weekend.
The four-day event included many favorites and some new family-friendly activities such as “Brooklyn’s Got Talent,” hot dog and pie eating contests, a flag raising with three volley salute, a meal on the Brooklyn Museum Lawn served by the Sons of the American Legion and the “175 Years of Brooklyn” play held at the Brooklyn Opera House.
The play was written by Josh Gerard, a Brooklyn minister, librarian and playwright and featured a large cast made up of local community theater actor and actresses. The play told the story of the early founders of Brooklyn, how the town got its name and how it almost burned down multiple times.
“Doing the play ‘175 Years of Brooklyn’ was so special,” said Gerard. “Everyone loved seeing our history come to life. A lot of people told me they learned something, and still have the musical numbers stuck in their heads, said Gerard.
“I will always remember the laughter throughout each performance. A shout out to the huge cast and crew who gave so much of their time to make it happen. I think they saw it the same way I did, as a love letter to our town.”
Other favorite parts of the Flag Festival included the Kiwanis chicken dinner, races at the Brooklyn Raceway, a town parade, kids’ inflatables and games in Landes Park, the BGM Hall of Pride showcase at the school, an ecumenical service and the annual Ruritan Car Show Sunday.
On hand both Saturday and Sunday was the Iowa Gallivant (better known as Jay Jay Goodwin), an Iowa City-based food critic who travels the state eating at mom and pop eateries and sharing videos on social media.
On Saturday evening, a concert sponsored by the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce was held at the Southside Ballfield featuring The Pork Tornados with special guest and local favorite Tyler Richton and the High Bank Boys.
The Brooklyn Flag Festival Parade started at Mills and East Des Moines Streets, turning south on Jackson Street and ending at the Casey’s. The parade featured fire engines from Brooklyn, Malcom, Hartwick and Grinnell along with military personal from across the county and beyond.
Some were tasked with carrying a large American Flag in the parade.
Also on hand was Brent Westemeyer, an amateur historian from Johnson, marching in the parade in World War II period clothing.
It was Westemeyer who discovered that the number two man of the six Marine flag barriers who carried the flag to the top of Mount Suribachi Feb. 23, 1945 during the Battle of Iwo Jima was actually Harold “Pie” Keller of Brooklyn.
Westemeyer spent more than a half dozen years researching photos, reading historical books and accounts of Iwo Jima and pouring over a Bill Genaust’s film from the Battle of Iwo Jima to correctly identify “Pie.”
A bronze statue of Pie stands at the Brooklyn Flag Display.
Many business floats, including floats by the hospital, a swimming pool company, a bank and a buffalo ranch, were part of the parade.
After the parade, families made their way to Landes Park for inflatables, games, Bingo and good food served by the Brooklyn Ruritans and various food trucks.
“This year’s events were extra special as it was the 175th celebration,” said Angela Albers. “Our community and surrounding communities came together to have the biggest parade Brooklyn has ever seen.
“When I walked to the park, I honestly was speechless seeing the number of people there. So many fun, free activities for kids and adults. This is definitely one of our favorite events of the year. A big thank you to each and every one who organized the four days of events,” Albers said.
“I wasn’t raised in Brooklyn, but I noticed that the town prides themselves on the true heritage of Brooklyn,” said Becki Williams, who had horses in the parade.
“All the hard work and dedication they do every year shows that they are a very family driven and a close community. You don't see a lot of small town providing food, entertainment for adults and kids and having a great flag ceremony and honoring our wonderful state we live in.”
On Sunday, an ecumenical service, under the direction of Gerard, was held, bringing area residents of all faiths together to celebrate and give glory to God.
“I remember a time the churches all got together for an ecumenical service,” said Gerard. “Each had a role to play. Each brought something different to the table, but we were all united in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
“I wanted to see if we could make that happen again,” said Gerard. “When I reached out, First Presbyterian Church, Grace United Methodist, Madison Church of Christ and New Beginnings all said they were in. We planned best we could, and then let God do the rest.
“It was a very special service that saw many people from Brooklyn worshiping and serving together. Truly an example of heaven on earth.”
“Brooklyn’s 175th committee really came together and outdid themselves planning this year’s Flag Festival celebration,” said Franci McClenthan. “There were so many activities, something for all ages to enjoy.”
“We had a fabulous time at Flag Days,” said Charity Wilkerson. “The town outdid itself. It was wonderful having so many free activities for the kids to enjoy and delicious food to choose from.”
