The excitement in the Valley was palpable that Tuesday evening as the good folks made their way to the fellowship hall of the Methodist Church for what would soon be known as "The Debate of the Century." The atmosphere was similar to that of a county fair or street carnival as members of the VFW waved signs proclaiming, "Down with the Federal Re-serve!" while the Ladies of the Auburn Hat Society passed out lemon cookies to children trying to hang on to their parents along the crowded walkway. Campaign attire revealed the sentiments of those in the crowd.