While some cities try to give the impression of being modern and futuristic, the central Iowa town of Perry is going in the opposite direction. The Dallas County town is hosting an unusual celebration today which aims to re-create how Perry looked on a summer Saturday in 1946.Leslie Heckman Mayhugh is one of the organizers of this “Sentimental Journey.” Several downtown storefronts have been restored to their 1940s look, including a hamburger shop, soda fountain and a grocery store. Among the musical acts, the big band sounds of Les Brown and his Band of Renown will play at a ballroom just east of Perry tonight at 8 o’clock.A Veterans Memorial Service is scheduled for 8 o’clock this morning and a grand parade is planned to begin at 10:30. Heckman Mayhugh says younger people who visit Perry today will be able to learn about the 1946-era from veterans of that day as part of a lecture.There is also a 40s film festival, complete with Movie-tone Newsreels and vintage cartoons.
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