Fallon turns 100

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FALLON " Hundreds of residents are expected to brave the winter elements Thursday night to celebrate the city's 100th birthday.

After months of planning, Fallon's centennial of becoming an incorporated city is scheduled to be recognized 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Oats Park.

At the turn of the 20th century, Fallon did not exist, but Mike Fallon sold his ranch in what was called Jim's Town to Warren Williams.

Williams, who became a state senator, parceled the land into lots and began selling them in 1903. As a lawmaker, Williams pushed legislation for the county seat to be relocated from Stillwater to Fallon.

Williams laid out the west side of town from the ranch he purchased from Fallon and named Maine Street after his native state. Other streets were named after friends.

The eastern part of the city was established on land owned by John Oats, and the city incorporated in 1908 under a general incorporation act.

The city went through many phases in its history. Initially, Fallon was a mining town, and in 1919 the city experienced an oil boom.

To start the Thursday night ceremonies, Mayor Ken Tedford Jr. and City Council members Bob Erickson, Willis Swan and John Tewell will arrive at the podium on a Wells Fargo stagecoach.

In the first hour of the celebration, organizers will light a bonfire and offer free food and drinks. CC Communications is also bringing a birthday cake between 6 and 7 p.m.

Churches will ring their bells, and motorists will honk their car horns at 7 p.m. The Fallon Community Band, CCHS Chamber Singers, Studio of Performing Arts, CCHS Group, Fallon Swing Club and the CCHS Jazz Band will also perform as the Fallon City Council distributes goodie bags similar to what children received for Christmas in 1908.