Larry Smith remembers the small town of Dunkirk in 1953 as being filled with life, businesses and celebration.
That year marked the 100th celebration of Dunkirk.
"Back then we had a week-long celebration," Smith said. "It was a pretty big deal."
Starting July 4, as the nation celebrates its Independence Day, the town of Dunkirk will begin its weekend celebrate of its 150th anniversary.
Growing 50 years has brought numerous changes to the residents of the Dunkirk of Smith's memories.
Smith recalled his wife, a graduate of the class of 1953 from the local high school, as being a princess in the parade.
That high school no longer exists, as students are now shipped to Jay County schools.
"We also had quite a few bands play," Smith said. "With all the high schools still around, there were about 10 or 15 who performed."
The town will still have bands perform at this year's ceremonies, but most will be from areas outside the town. One of the bands playing at the celebration will be from a high school in Michigan.
One major difference that Smith notices of his town is the decrease in businesses.
"I remember when Main Street didn't have any empty buildings like it does now," he said.
On November 26, 2002, most of the town's residents lost their jobs at the Indiana Glass company, said Renee Blumenhorst, lifetime Dunkirk resident.
"I worked there for thirteen years, and I am now going back to school," Blumenhorst said. "A lot of the people who worked there have gone back to school or had to find new jobs."
Dunkirk has a population of 2,646 and 1,227 families, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
"Most of the residents here have lived here all their lives and most worked at the glass factory," Smith said. "My whole family worked there including myself."
Of the 13 stores that filled the town in 1953, four to six remain, Smith said.
Although the town has experienced its bad and good times it plans to celebrate big.
"I hope it brings the community back together," Blumenhorst said. "This is such a great town where everyone knows everyone."
A parade, fashion show and numerous games will help bring the festivities together.
Residents of the town will be able to purchase a medallion to remember this 150th celebration.
The medallion was made with the help Rob Weaver from a radio station in Portland, Smith said.
The medallions, designed by Regina Jewell, will be numbered and sold in six different styles.
Events will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 11 a.m. on Sunday.
"The whole town has really come together to make this celebration happen," Smith said.
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