Recollections: September 2025

May 12, 1937 was a notable day for monarchists in Pilot Mound and beyond.

The king and queen in their coronation robes, 1937.

The coronation of George VI and his wife, Elizabeth, as king and queen of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth, Emperor and Empress of India took place at Westminster Abbey, London, on Wednesday 12 May 1937. George VI ascended the throne upon the abdication of his brother, Edward VIII, on 11 December 1936, three days before his 41st birthday.¹

In Pilot Mound, editor Ronald Tuckwell urged citizens to get on the bandwagon, literally and figuratively. Wagging his editorial finger, he called for a fitting commemoration of the event. He noted in March of 1937 that nearby towns were already making plans.

Tuckwell was Pilot Mound’s biggest booster. ²

Sentinel articles continued to promote the idea, stressing the importance of a worthy celebration after Edward VIII’s upsetting abdication.

The forthcoming occasion bids fair to outrival all previous coronation ceremonies, both in point of magnificence and significance; the Empire survived a terrific shock, but recently—is welded more closely because of it—and presents, at this time of trial and general uneasiness, a solid front and ground upon which democracy stands securely.³

Pilot Mound planned an event to rival those of nearby communities, wanting a fitting observation “memorable to all children in the community.”

Loyal citizens were urged to “do their full share toward impressing the young with the significance of the event.” Commemorative medals for children would make the event even more memorable.⁴

Tuckwell’s urging (and a little shaming) had worked. By April the town’s mayor had issued an invitation to all citizens and School Districts to attend a public meeting “with a view to fully discussing and organizing for a suitable celebration of ‘Coronation Day’ in Pilot Mound.”⁵ This spawned several meetings and subcommittees, the town’s customary approach when action was needed. Civic-minded movers and shakers promptly assembled groups to oversee details.

The committees, overseen by Chairman Mayor Moore and Secretary H. G. Watson, got to work. By mid-April, plans were well advanced, and an event program was drafted. By this time, there were 16 subcommittees with specific assignments and responsibilities.

Tuckwell was genuinely concerned that the town recognize the coronation properly. Of course, there would be practical advantages for his newspaper, but that wasn’t his motivation. Events provided content and additional advertising from local shopkeepers, many of whom sat on the planning committees. Parsons & Son advertised dress goods. G.W. Brisbin advertised radio batteries for the coronation broadcast. Dick’s Place had specials on shoes during Coronation Week. McKay’s Drug Store advertised Kodak film, while Graham’s, “the Pioneer Hardware,” promoted coronation china and deals on paint.

Coronation China featured portraits of the King and Queen.⁶

The planned parade was a thrill for school children in particular, as was the commemorative medal each would receive.

Pilot Mound had upwards of 350 medals for children.⁷

The commemorative medal belonging to high school student Murray Fraser

By May 6, 1937 an extensive program was complete.

The work paid off; committees produced an exciting program for May 12.⁸

An ad outlined the day's festivities, starting with a parade at 2 pm. ⁹

Needless to say, the Coronation was big news in the Sentinel the week of May 12. Tuckwell’s editorial expressed his loyalty and the significance of the coronation.

“never was loyalty to the Crown more strong¹⁰

Not surprisingly, the celebration in Pilot Mound was an absolute success, despite weather that refused to cooperate. There was no subcommittee that could control Mother Nature.

From the front page of the Pilot Mound Sentinel, May 20, 1937.¹¹

YouTube: “The Coronation Of Their Majesties King George VI And Queen Elizabeth AKA Coronation 1937”¹² (8:04)

As Ron Tuckwell had noted in April, “It is quite possible that many among us will not see another such event in a lifetime—the young King George VI, and his lovely young Queen, Elizabeth, will in all probability enjoy a long reign.”¹³ In 1937 the editor could not have anticipated the stress of WWII and the effects of the King’s heavy smoking. George VI ruled from December 11, 1936 until his death at age 56 on February 5, 1952, a reign of 15 years and 57 days.

Wedding portrait, 1923¹⁴

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Sources (retrieved September 16, 2025)

“Coronation of George VI and Elizabeth,” Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronation_of_George_VI_and_Elizabeth
“Coronation Program,” Pilot Mound Sentinel, March 25, 1937, p. 3
Editorial, Pilot Mound Sentinel, April 8, 1937, p. 1
“Coronation Day,” Pilot Mound Sentinel, April 8, 1937, p. 4
“Meeting to Arrange Local Celebration,” Pilot Mound Sentinel, April 1, 1937, p. 1
“Coronation China,” Graham’s advertisement, Pilot Mound Sentinel, May 6, 1937, p. 2
“Coronation Celebration Comment,” Pilot Mound Sentinel, April 15, 1937, p. 3
“Program Now Completed for Local Celebration!” Pilot Mound Sentinel, May 6, 1937, p. 1
“Coronation Celebration At Pilot Mound” Pilot Mound Sentinel, May 6, 1937, p. 1
“Coronation Day Editorial,” Pilot Mound Sentinel, May 11, 1937, p. 1
“Coronation Day is Loyally Celebrated,” Pilot Mound Sentinel, May 20 1937, p. 1
British Pathé, “The Coronation Of Their Majesties King George VI And Queen Elizabeth AKA Coronation 1937,” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4OG0wjTQ4U (8:04)
“Coronation Celebration Comment,” Pilot Mound Sentinel, April 15, 1937, p. 3
Wedding portrait of Queen Elizabeth and King George VI (colorized), April 26, 1923, Reddit, https://www.reddit.com/r/MonarchyHistory/comments/12roh8q/king_george_vi_and_consort_queen_elizabeth/#lightbox

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