
(elaine white)
Lifelong area resident, Melba Knowlton, has been named parade marshal for Missouri Day 2009. The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday morning with registration and line-up taking place on Seventh Street east of Park School. Acting as honorary parade marshals will be the family of Bob Bauserman. After serving for nearly 33 years as an Otero County Commissioner for District 3, Bauserman passed away in May.
Melba Grace Rafferty Knowlton was born and raised east of Fowler on her family's farm where she was the youngest of five children and the only girl. After finishing school in Fowler, Melba worked for the Denver Alfalfa Milling Company before marrying her husband, Allen, on New Year's Day in 1949. The couple lived on the Knowlton ranch south of Fowler for almost 45 years and raised seven children, 3 boys and 4 girls. “I loved the prairie and canyons,” says Melba as she describes the beauty of their ranch home. “I couldn't have asked for a better place to live.”
“We had a really good life,” states Melba. “There was no money, but we had lots of fun.” Melba says one of the most challenging aspects of life on their ranch 38 miles from Fowler was getting their children to school. “The kids started out in Walsenburg, but it was such a long trip for them.” Melba says later other families moved to the area and a bus route to Fowler was added. “With seven children we had 22 years of school,” Melba recalls laughing. “I thought I might sleep for days when we finally finished.” All seven of the Knowlton offspring graduated from Fowler High School and Melba says she is very proud of each one. There are also 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Over the years, Melba and her family were active members of their community. The family attended church and many other social functions at White Rock, a settlement surrounding the Knowlton ranch. But, because of their location, Melba says they were also included in the Rattlesnake Buttes community and were happy to participate there too. Melba continues to attend church at White Rock.
One of Melba and Allen's passions later in life became the Fowler Historical Society, of which they were founding members. Both spent countless hours preserving memories of Fowler and specifically the White Rock Community. In 1988 Melba and Allen moved into Fowler where she continues to reside. Allen passed away in 2005. The Knowlton home is a treasure of family photos and memories including a display of cooking utensils on the dining room wall bringing to mind Melba's reputation as an outstanding cook.
Melba's friends and family agree it is her faith in God, her love of family, and her generous spirit that makes her the special presence she is in so many lives.
On Saturday, July 11, Fowler's annual Missouri Day celebration will be transformed into a Mardi Gras festival. Kicking off the morning's activities is a pancake breakfast at the Blackburn Dennis Community Center from 6:30 to 8:30 a.m. Right around the corner an open house at the Fowler Tribune will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. with free coffee and donuts.
The annual Missouri Day Rodeo will be held at the rodeo grounds south of town beginning at 9:30 a.m. Roping entries open at 8 a.m. Spectator admission is free.
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. With registration and line-up being held along 5th Street east of Park School. For more information please contact Liz Lucero at 263-5749.
Following the parade, a full line-up of entertainment is slated in the newly redesigned Gerard Park. Judging for the cutest baby will begin at the bandstand immediately following the parade. A horseshoe tournament, musical acts, sack races and a talent show will also be held.
Rounding out the day will be a street dance beginning at 9 p.m. featuring Wind River. Other attractions include the bingo tent and the beer garden.
Great Northern A'fair is once again providing a carnival which will be open Thursday through Sunday. Advance tickets are available at Town Hall or Fowler State Bank. A one day arm band may be purchased for $15. Missouri Day t-shirts will be on sale at the carnival Thursday and Friday nights for $5 each.
On Friday night the 4-H livestock show is held at the rodeo grounds beginning at 7 p.m. And, on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Church in the Park will be hosted by the Fowler Ministerial Alliance. Be sure to stop by Fowler Public Library and the Fowler Historical Society Museum for special events during the day on Saturday.