Montgomery has been visited by quite a few celebrities over the years, mostly courtesy of Bob and Dean McNett’s Radio Corral. Some of the performers who played at the Radio Corral included Hank Williams, Tammy Wynette, and The Carter Family.

However, seventy-eight years ago today Montgomery was graced, albeit very briefly, by none other than the King and Queen of England. According to Joan Wheal-Blank’s “Around Montgomery” on June 7, 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth were visiting the United States and their train traveled through Montgomery at 5:40 a.m. The fact wasn’t publicized beforehand so no one in town knew it until later in the day. The royal couple was on their way to Washington D.C. as part of their Royal Tour of Canada. The royal princesses Elizabeth (now the current Queen of England) and Margaret stayed at home in England.

According to the library and archives’ Canada website, the 1939 Royal Tour of Canada included a sweeping visit to large cities and small towns around Canada. When President Franklin Roosevelt heard that the monarchs would be visiting North America, he invited them to come to the United States.

The royals spent four days in America before resuming their travels in Canada. While in the U.S. they visited Niagara Falls, New York City, Washington D.C., and President Roosevelt’s home in Hyde Park.

I think it’s safe to assume that it’s the only time that a reigning monarch has ever been to Montgomery, but I’m sure that if any of the British royal family wanted to visit our little town we’d give them a very warm welcome!

THOT “The highest of distinctions is service to others.” King George VI

Congratulations to Montgomery Elementary Odyssey of the Mind and for coming in 13th place at the World Competition! It truly is an amazing feat! Be proud of yourselves!

The George Amos Smith Pavilion at Montgomery Park has been painted a cheery shade of yellow and has undergone some landscaping. Some of the old pine trees have been taken down and new flowers have been planted. It certainly looks very inviting for the upcoming Summer Alive program!

Warm birthday wishes are sent to Kelly Harman who will celebrate on June 8th.

The Montgomery Lions Club is recruiting new members. Please notify Roger McRae if you are interested in joining 570-971-2825.

Montgomery events

Sat. June 10 The Montgomery Area Historical Society’s Adam Room will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sat. June 10 The Montgomery Area Alumni Banquet begins at 5 p.m. in the Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Hall. Tickets can be purchased at Thad’s or from Leona Dewalt 570-547-6086.

Mon. June 12 The Summer Alive program begins for children and youth. It runs Mondays-Thursdays from 9-12:30 at the park. Breakfast and lunch are provided, along with many activities including crafts, gardening, and music lessons for older children. The program is free.

Mon. June 12 the Clinton Township Supervisors will meet in the Municipal Building at 6:30 p.m.

Tue. June 13 The Montgomery Borough Council will meet at the Borough Building at 6:30 p.m.

Wed. June 14 The Montgomery Area Public Library Summer Reading Program will begin at 2:00. The children will be making their own binoculars.