During the Gene Autry 75th anniversary celebration the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance and the Gene Autry Days Committee honored Glen Stearns the founder of Gene Autry Days. The celebration was held at the Gene Autry Mural Park, located at the corner of West Franklin and Market Streets in Kenton.
Gene Autry visited Kenton on August 8, 1938, to tour the Kenton Hardware Company which manufactured his repeating cap guns. Gene and his horse Champion held five performances at the Kenton Theatre which over 4,000 people attended. Records indicated that over 6 million Gene Autry Cap Guns were manufactured at the Kenton Hardware Company.
Gene Autry always had found memories of Kenton, and was generous in granting the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance permission to use his name and likeness for an annual event. The first Gene Autry Days was held in 1994.
A plaque was dedicated to Glen Stearns, the founder of Gene Autry Days, in recognition of his dedication to the community and in appreciation of the artwork he provided.
Glen Stearns, who passed away in May of 2013, was nationally known as an artist who worked in mediums ranging from carving to sculptures, and from paintings to beautiful etchings. In 1994 Stearns was named Citizen of the Year.
Also, recognized at the event was the Gene Autry Committee for their 20 years of service to our community. State Representative Robert Sprague presented each committee member with a commendation.
The Gene Autry Mural Park was dedicated in June of 2004. The site was made available by Tim and Robin Carrig, owners of Golden Graphics. Funds for the park and mural were donated by area residents, organizations and businesses. The focal point of the park is the mural of Gene Autry riding his horse Champion in front of the Kenton Hardware Company.
For more information contact the Hardin County Chamber & Business Alliance at 419-673-4131 or alliance@hardinohio.org.
