Gilford Old Home Day

Description

WHAT IS OLD HOME DAY?

Each summer, thousands of former residents and visitors join with residents to celebrate Old Home Day at communities around the state. This homecoming event, initiated in 1899 by Governor Frank Rollins, brings together thousands of people for day- and week-long reunions that showcase the spirit and nature of these towns through parades, fireworks, games, food, entertainment, craft fairs, and exhibits. It's a chance to connect with our history and each other.

The first Old Home Days were born in response to adversity. In the late 19th century, the state's farming towns were losing population, and the state government, along with three-quarters of the state's towns, was in debt. Rollins believed that Old Home Week would entice former residents to return for a visit with the hope that they would then purchase abandoned farms as summer homes. It worked; today many call New Hampshire their "second home," while others, after experiencing New Hampshire town life during these celebrations, vow to return each summer for this unique summer tradition.

When Old Home Days celebrated its centennial, it was found that some towns had faithfully celebrated Old Home Day each year for the past century: Bridgewater, Cornish, Freedom, Gilmanton, Hancock, Lempster, Londonderry, New Hampton, Sandwich, and Warren. Other communities in which Old Home Week or Old Home Day is held include Allenstown, Alton, Barnstead, Belmont, Boscawen, Danville, Durham, Epsom, Hampton, Henniker, Hudson, Jaffrey, Kingston, Loudon, Madison, Milan, Moultonborough, Newmarket, Newport, Northfield, Ossipee, Pelham, Plaistow, Sanbornton, Sandown, Stoddard, Somersworth, Sutton, Tilton, Wilmot, and Wilton. And of course,... GILFORD!!!