Golden Valley Marks 125th Anniversary

A robust community in the heart of the Twin Cities suburbs since its incorporation in 1886, Golden Valley has been spending the last year celebrating its 125th anniversary at various events, including an award ceremony  of the town. Though it is not the last such event, Friday marked the capstone of their celebrations with a lunch and ceremony at the , sponsored by the Rotary Club of Golden Valley, and emceed by Rena Sarigianopoulos of KARE 11 News.

As is headquartered here in Golden Valley, it wasn't a long trip for the reporter and weekend news anchor. 

“I’ve spent plenty of time in Golden Valley,” Sarigianopoulos said in her opening remarks, “in and around Golden Valley, eating in Golden Valley, shopping in Golden Valley, and I have friends that live here as well, so I’ve come to really enjoy this community.”

Her opinion was shared by all in attendance, including Golden Valley Mayor Linda Loomis, who issued a proclamation on behalf of the city, marking the event, which joined proclamations and notes of congratulations from Governor Dayton, Senator Al Franken and others.

Guests in attendence included Hennepin County Commissioner Mark Stenglein, members of the Golden Valley City Council, a representative from office of Senator Franken, Golden Valley Mayor-Elect Shep Harris and Hopkins School District Superintendent John Schultz.

Golden Valley also took the opportunity to recognize local community members, some present, some no longer with us and one who is more of a symbol than real. 

Those inducted into the Golden Valley Hall of Fame are:

Philip Brunelle

A native of Faribault who has made Golden Valley his long-time home, Brunelle is an accomplished musician and conductor, locally notable for many reasons; among these, playing piano on the very first edition of A Prarie Home Companion, as well as recieving numerous local and international honors and recognitions. This past October, Brunelle had conferred upon him the highest award given by the University of Minnesota Board of Regents, a Doctor of Humane Letters.

Don Byerly

Founder of the locally based upscale grocery chain, , Mr. Byerly's approach to supermarkets--moving away from the high shelves and harsh lighting, toward carpeted floors, soft lights, oak trim and comfortable surroundings--proved a winner, doing approximately $5 million dollars of business in its first full year of operation. Byerly showed that it wasn't sales that brought in customers, is was the eperience. There are currently eleven Byerly's stores in the metro area.

Gleason Glover

Executive director of the Minneapolis Urban League from 1967 until his retirement in 1992, Mr. Glover dedicated his life to fighting racial injustice and inequality, using conversation and pursuasion to encourage minority hiring at Minnesota-based companies such as General Mills and Daytons, as well as working diligently for fair treatment and hiring practices by government entities like the Minneapolis Fire and Police Departments. Glover, a long-time Golden Valley resident, continued his fight for equality and justice until his death in 1994. His posthumous award was accepted by his son, Gleason Glover.

Robert Provost

Being too young to enlist in the military during World War II, Robert Provost put himself to work in a shipyard building destroyers until he was old enough to join the Navy. Becoming a naval pilot, Provost flew more than 40 missions as well as earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for avoiding capture after being shot down during the invasion of Okinawa. Provost also had an accomplished career in insurance, including answering questions from listeners over WCCO radio. Robert Provost's son, Paul Provost, accepted the award for his father.

Betty Crocker

A cultural icon and symbol of the American kitchen, Betty Crocker was never a real person, but her effect on American culture and families has been well measured, cementing her place in the Hall of Fame. Golden Valley-based General Mills accepted her award on her behalf.

Golden Valley's 125th Anniversary celebration also included a keynote address by State Demographer Tom Gillaspy, on the future of Golden Valley from a demographics standpoint. "The potential for Golden Valley is tremendous," Gillaspy said. 

A moment was also taken to introduce the Golden Valley Community Foundation, an organization launched in 2011 dedicated to encouraging philanthropy and to help recieve and distribute philanthropic funds to benefit the community. 

The event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Golden Valley, concluded with one final request from Marshall Tanick, chair of the 125th Anniversary committee, for anyone who may have a Golden Valley-related item to place into the time capsule, as there is still space available before it is buried in the spring after the ground thaws. Also, nomination forms for next year's Hall of Fame awards are available on Golden Valley's website.