Staid Old Emmitsburg turned out in
grandiose style last night as the Old
Home Week parade officially opened
festivities for the 10-day
celebration. Good weather prevailing,
the largest crowd believed ever
assembled here, met the line of
marchers with enthusiasm on a scale
never before displayed here. It was
truly magnificent panorama as the
parade threaded its way over the main
thoroughfares and passed the
magnificently-decorated houses and
places of business. The grand acclaim
that was registered portended the
success of the affair.
Preceding
the parade was the coronation of the
Queen of Old Home Week, Miss Mary
Fiery, by Mayor Thornton W. Rodgers.
This interesting ceremony was
performed on the Square.
Following the parade and
coronation, Mayor Rodgers made the
official welcoming address on the
carnival grounds. Last Night's
activities were a band concert by the
Hagerstown Civic Band and the awarding
of prizes to the winners of the
different parade classification.
Last night’s activities were only
the beginning of the huge celebration
being sponsored by the Chamber of
Commerce and the Memorial Hall Association,
co-sponsored by the twenty-one other
organization and churches. The whole
program is studded with interesting
and entertaining events scattered over
the 10 days of festivities which
included open-house visits to both Mt.
Saint Marys and St. Joseph’s colleges
and the grave of Samuel Emmit, founder
of Emmitsburg.
A 6 o’clock tonight festivities
will resume for the second night. On
the carnival grounds plenty of
entertainment is in store for the
throng expected and rides of all types
are available for the kiddies. General
chairman for the affair is Bernard H.
Boyle, who has announced that
tonight’s gigantic fireworks will be
displayed at 8:30 pm.
From all indications former
residents of town have begun
infiltrate and by the weekend the town
is expected to flood with former
residents and natives, many of whom
have not been here since the last Old
Home Week in 1909 - 42 years ago.
1909 Old Home week parade
Keen interest is being evinced in
the bicycle parade and race to be held
Saturday, all indications practically
every bicycle owner in town will
participate in the parade or race.
Another interesting event, the turtle
races, will be promoted on Monday -
the committee in charge expected at
least 20 entries.
Other highlights of the celebration
are: Bonfire Saturday night, sponsored
by the Vigilant Hose Company; Memorial
Service Sunday in the churches; Guest
speaker Sunday Evening; Turtle races
and water Festival Monday; Beef
Barbecue Tuesday; Banc Concert
Wednesday; Crazy Daze, all local
talent show, Thursday and Friday
nights and Saturday, the Pet Parade.
Results of the coming baby contest
will be public next week and place
cards bearing photographs of the
entrants have been placed in most
stores.
Attracting much attention are the
window displays of the town.
Practically every busies house has a
display. Many interesting and valuable
items have been exhibited in the
windows.
If you have any
photos, personal memories, or stories
from relatives
about the 1909 or 1951 Old Week
Celebrations? If so we would love
to hear from you! Please drop us
a line at
history@emmitsburg.net
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