As the wind carried melodies of the Buffalo Bill Cowboy Band through the streets of downtown Powell, old friends chatted, children ran around and horses trotted toward Bent Street. The excitement built as everyone gathered for the governor's arrival in a 1909 Model T Ford.It was a scene reminiscent of the early 1900s — an appropriate way to mark Powell's 100th birthday.One hundred years ago, on May 25, 1909, the U.S. government began to sell Powell lots, transferring federal land to private ownership. Prior to 1909, the town site was a government camp owned by the United States.A Powell Tribune story from May 29, 1909 said May 25 “marks the beginning of a new era in Powell and in a very important sense means the real beginning of the town.”Monday's event celebrated those visionaries who didn't see the site for what it was —an arid landscape dotted with sagebrush —but rather, for what it would one day become.“One hundred years ago today, people began milling around an office a few blocks away to bid on their dreams,” said Mayor Scott Mangold on Monday.Founder's Day festivities exemplified what Powell has become over the last 100 years — a vibrant town built on hard work, tradition, innovation and the hope of water. The May 29, 1909 Tribune article closed with a prediction that notes Powell's pride as well as its rivalry with surrounding towns: “Within two years, Powell will have at least 1,000 people; within three years 1,500; and in 1915 will be easily the metropolis of the Big Horn Basin with a population of three to five thousand of the best people found anywhere on earth.”The town's founders would have certainly been proud to see the celebration Monday, where hundreds of those salt-of-the-earth residents gathered to honor the community they love.

As the wind carried melodies of the Buffalo Bill Cowboy Band through the streets of downtown Powell, old friends chatted, children ran around and horses trotted toward Bent Street. The excitement built as everyone gathered for the governor's arrival in a 1909 Model T Ford.

It was a scene reminiscent of the early 1900s — an appropriate way to mark Powell's 100th birthday.

One hundred years ago, on May 25, 1909, the U.S. government began to sell Powell lots, transferring federal land to private ownership. Prior to 1909, the town site was a government camp owned by the United States.

A Powell Tribune story from May 29, 1909 said May 25 “marks the beginning of a new era in Powell and in a very important sense means the real beginning of the town.”

Monday's event celebrated those visionaries who didn't see the site for what it was —an arid landscape dotted with sagebrush —but rather, for what it would one day become.

“One hundred years ago today, people began milling around an office a few blocks away to bid on their dreams,” said Mayor Scott Mangold on Monday.

Founder's Day festivities exemplified what Powell has become over the last 100 years — a vibrant town built on hard work, tradition, innovation and the hope of water.

The May 29, 1909 Tribune article closed with a prediction that notes Powell's pride as well as its rivalry with surrounding towns: “Within two years, Powell will have at least 1,000 people; within three years 1,500; and in 1915 will be easily the metropolis of the Big Horn Basin with a population of three to five thousand of the best people found anywhere on earth.”

The town's founders would have certainly been proud to see the celebration Monday, where hundreds of those salt-of-the-earth residents gathered to honor the community they love.