This page was created by Teddy Maslenkova. The last update was by Lauren Maloney.
Old Home Week
Old Home Week took place between August 3rd and August 9th in the year 1924. The full week of event was said to have been a “Great Success” in the August 13th, 1924 copy of the Carleton Place Herald. The Herald reported that the “entire town had been decorated, arches have been erected and streamers stretched across the streets, whilst all business places and most private houses carry more or less decorations, giving an air of welcome and greeting to all corners.” (Vol. LXXV, NO.4, cover page, The Carleton Place Herald)
The Old Home Week committee used the council chamber from July 21st to August 9th in preparation for the week full of events. They also used the auditorium each evening for dances and live music. Additionally, the Major, William Barclay procured relics that were on display during the event.
Some of the events that took place throughout the entire week include:
- Ball games throughout the week between several towns, such as, Perth, Carleton Place, Union Hall, and the Gunners of Ottawa
- Movies in the park every evening
- A Midway
- Horse Races
- Fireworks
- Worship at each of the churches Sunday morning, and St. James’ Church cemetery have a decoration service. (Herald VOL. LXXV, NO. 4, page eight)
- A “monster parade” and church bells ringing Monday the 4th (Herald VOL. LXXV, NO. 4, cover page)
- Old Timers Concert Tuesday evening, as well as a skating rink and other outdoor events organized by the Chautauqua
- Banquet by Town Council for member, past mayors and councillors, mayors of surrounding towns, Board of Education, and execs of Old Home Week. Also, some guests of honour, held Wednesday evening.
- “Night-shirt parade”, which also took place Wednesday evening (Herald VOL. LXXV, NO. 5, cover page)
- The old boys had a supper in the Mississippi, Thursday evening (Herald VOL. LXXV, NO. 5, cover page)
In combination with all these events, the town's people also got involved in the festivities both through decorating shop fronts and homes, and wearing pins to signify the celebrations taking place.
Some shops even took advantage of the mass media coverage by placing adds specifically dedicated to Old Home Week in the Carleton Place Hareld.
By the end of the event there had been thousands of visitors, and Carleton Place received letters from other towns like Smiths Falls congratulating them on the successful outcome of the week. However, grand the days had been, the town quickly reverted back to their every day, leaving no traces of the unforgettable time that would be spoke of for many years down the road.
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