100 Years Ago: Aug. 20-26

From The Indianapolis News, Thursday, August 25, 1921: “The sweetest name I’ve ever known is Mary,” begins the poem Mary by John Kinsella, which was the theme today for the annual reunion at the Garfield Park pavilion of the Mary Association of the United States. About 300 women and girls bearing the name Mary were in attendance, the oldest being 87-year old Mary Bormmer, of Indianapolis, and the youngest being 14-month old Mary Alma Green, daughter of Mary Green, also of Indianapolis. All the Marys brought baskets full of tempting food for the picnic luncheon served at noon, followed by an old fashioned and informal program, because Mary is an old-fashioned name. The organization of Marys was formed seven years ago with previous annual picnics held at Noblesville, Indiana. All women who answer to the name of Mary are welcome.