Knox’s first Mayor was Republican Glen Kay in 1955. Coming to Knox from Elgin, Ill., Kay worked first at the Ben Franklin store, eventually opening a Studebaker Dealership and then a clothing and shoe store named Glen Kay Clothing and Shoes. The store was in the building that now houses Fingerhut Bakery.
On this date 36 years ago, Glen Kay passed away of a heart attack. He was 62 years old.
A fervent Dixieland Jazz fan, Glen was co-founder of the Illiana Jazz Club that still exists. He and his wife Alice made an annual trek to New Orleans where he became acquainted with all of the Jazz stars of the day. At one time, he was the host of a Dixieland Jazz show on WKVI with Ted Hayes.
At his funeral, several of his Jazz musician friends played traditional Dixieland music, including “When the Saints Go Marching In”.
His wife Alice is still aliv, and will be 103 years of age on May 8th. He is buried in Crown Hill cemetery.
Photo provided.
