May 2008
Gretchen Mangold Day
Proclamation
WHEREAS, Gretchen Mangold was born on May 12, 1908, and
WHEREAS, the arc of her life spans 100 years and a big part of her life was experienced in
Bennington where she boldly led women on journeys that they had never before
experienced, and
WHEREAS, she worked tirelessly with the Bennington Junior Women’s Club to found
the Bennington Public Library; and
WHEREAS, she and her husband Leonard served the community as they managed the
grocery store and as postal employees, delivering messages and staples, when the price of
stamps was less than 3 cents; and
WHEREAS, she served on the Visiting Nurse’s Association for many years providing
aid and comfort to the sick, helping new mothers and inspiring persons confined to their
homes; and
WHEREAS, she was an awesome teacher for 17 years, inspiring her students to see the
practical and usable information in their lessons, continuing to teach every day with her
quick wit, knowledge, quiet demeanor, and championship of change with a capital “C”; and
WHEREAS, she has graciously entertained many visitors to her home, including
Bennington Book Club members, political dignitaries, friends, family and hobos from the
railroad; and
WHEREAS, she raised her family instilling upon them the values of hard work and
education; and
WHEREAS, Gretchen remains an active 60+ year member of St John’s Lutheran Church,
Bennington Book Club, Friends of the Library, “Keenagers”, Bennington Over 60’s, Retired
Teachers, an Admiral in the Nebraska Navy, a recipient of the President’s National Lifetime
Volunteer Award; and
WHEREAS, Gretchen Mangold will celebrate her one-hundredth birthday on May 12,
2008; and
WHEREAS, Gretchen is worthy of having a day named in her honor as a small token of
appreciation for her contributions to this community;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Chris C. (Skip) Wolff III, Mayor of the city of Bennington do hereby
proclaim May 12, 2008 GRETCHEN MANGOLD DAY
In the city of Bennington and call upon my fellow citizens to pay tribute to this individual who
has dedicated her life to the betterment of this community.
Signed this 14 day of April 2008 Skip Wolff, Mayor
_______________________________________________________________
The family and friends of Gretchen Mangold cordially invite everyone to
participate in her 100th birthday celebration Saturday, May 10 from 2-4PM in
the St John’s Fellowship Hall. At approximately 9:30pm, there will be birthday
fireworks at the lake (Newport Landing). The display will be on the dike (east side of the
lake). Gretchen requests no gifts and suggests that donations could be made to the
Friends of the Bennington Library in her honor.
