More about "Mr. Parade"

Thanks to Terry Thornton (The Graveyard Rabbit Founder) for showing such interest in my post, "Mr. Parade" about Edward Joseph Kinney. Intrigued as he was, he researched a bit and found more information on Ed on Find a Grave. I decided to follow up on his information and found something intriguing.

Sometime after 1972 Mr. Kinney became mayor of Pleasanton! The smiley face became his political symbol. This information really sparked an interest in me as I had a relative who was also a mayor of Pleasanton! My relative was a first cousin once removed. I wonder if they knew each other? I found them both on the same list, "Community Service Award Recipients" 1964-2007. Mr. Kinney was in 1987 and my relative was listed in 1986. I will be doing more research on this! In fact as soon as I finish this post I will be emailing another relative to dig for info.

In 2004 an award was named after Ed, "The Ed Kinney Community Patriot Award". It is awarded to individuals and organizations who showed citizen and community involvement with top notch work.

A couple of years ago it looks like the Amador Livermore Historical Society did a series entitled, "The Ed Kinney Lecture Series," which in part I know was focused on the pioneers interred in Pleasanton. A day late and a dollar short. I would have loved to be a part of that series, if only they would have a repeat!

I learned the Pleasanton Hotel's balcony was dedicated in the name of Mr. Kinney. This dedication was done about three and a half years ago.

Apparently Mr. Kinney was known for making people feel comfortable and was quite the one with jokes. He was very well liked. It is no wonder the smiley face was his political symbol.

And the "Mr. Parade" on his marker? He was nicknamed that because he announced so many of parades that went through the city!