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Throwback Thursday: The Centennial Parade Plane Crash 1949
By Eric D. Tudor
Lebanon’s past is full of proud moments, but like every community, we’ve also known heartbreak. Some stories fade over time, others are quietly tucked away because they’re hard to talk about. But those stories deserve to be told. Today, we’re remembering a tragic moment from our downtown history that left a lasting mark on our town.
It was the week of August 7 through 13, 1949. Lebanon had spent more than a year planning a huge celebration for the city’s 100th birthday. There was a grand parade with over 100 participants, a full week of events including baseball games, pie-eating contests, wheelbarrow and three-legged races, and even rolling pin throwing. Citizens dressed in period clothing to honor their ancestors, and historian Frances Gleason released her book The First Hundred Years. A souvenir booklet featured photos of local families in costume. The town was buzzing with pride and excitement.
Then came August 9.
Two well-known local businessmen, E.R. Bethel and Don A. Barto, planned to fly a small airplane over Commercial Street to scatter confetti and wooden nickel “bills” for the crowds below. It was meant to be a thrilling moment of the celebration. But in front of more than 15,000 spectators, something went terribly wrong.
The Swift aircraft crashed into Orchard Hills, just behind a home at 39 Greenwood. Both men were killed instantly. Bethel was a former city councilman, served on the park board, and owned Bethel Appliance. Barto was also a member of the park board and a dedicated sportsman. The two had taken off from the Lebanon airport only moments before the crash. They had practiced their flight plan, including flips and rolls, all meant to bring joy to their community.
What followed was a week of mourning in the middle of what was supposed to be a celebration. But the families of both men made the brave choice to carry on with the Centennial events. They believed it’s what Bethel and Barto would have wanted.
The 100-year Centennial of 1949 was unforgettable. And while the excitement of the parade and the joy of the festivities remain part of our heritage, so does the loss. Today, we honor both.
