ENID, OK - On August 17, 1911, citizens of Enid who called themselves Boosters (those with optimistic purpose) built a giant hammer as a symbol of the Knocker (those who knock progress and ideas) and held a Knocker Parade and funeral for Old Hammer, symbolically burying pessimism that was holding Enid back.
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Escorted by 15 pallbearers and the Enid Band, followed by several vehicles and community leaders, the parade started at the Chamber of Commerce (currently known as the Bell building), went around the square 1.5 times, then lowered Old Hammer into its grave, near the SW corner of the square, likely across the street from the current Non Profit Center (previous Newman's building).
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News of this spread far and wide, and made a positive impact on the community. Enid residents were encouraged to wear red hammer pins on their lapels for 2 weeks, as long as they pledged never to knock again. They threw the red pins into the grave along with Old Hammer.
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They thought this would never happen again, but Main Street Enid is calling for Enid residents to be Boosters for our community again. In conjunction with Enid Event Company they have built a new giant hammer and will symbolically banish pessimism once again.
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On Saturday, September 16, 2017, join them at the Cherokee Strip Parade around the downtown square in the morning, then at the Old Hammer Funeral & Celebration in the evening, on the 200 block of E. Maple, now known as The Brix. At 7:30pm they will have a hammer bonfire since they can't bury it like they did in 1911.
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Be an Enid Booster and spread positivity about our community every chance you get!
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