In Appreciation

The Board of Directors and Officers of the Greencastle-Antrim Old Home Week Association, Inc. express their sincere appreciation to all who have helped make this week an enjoyable one. This celebration takes the work of hundreds of volunteers giving generously of their time and talent to ensure its wonderful result.

For 105 years, the Greencastle-Antrim community has continued to celebrate this week as Professor Philip Baer surely hoped it would when he suggested its creation. In 1901, Professor Baer wrote to local newspapers suggesting that an “Old Boys’ Reunion” be held from August 10th to 20th, 1902. In another letter, Professor Baer suggested a program for this reunion. The date was changed to August 8, 1902, and, at that time, between 50 and 60 “Old Boys” arrived for the big affair. The first reunion proved so successful that it was decided to hold another in 1905 and the custom of a Triennial was established.

Old Home Week has evolved and changed somewhat over the years. The first celebration included church services, band concerts, swimming in the Conococheague, a baseball game, banquets, speeches, singing, and, of course, people renewing old acquaintances.

This 36th Triennial Celebration includes many of the same events as the first, with lots of additions and modifications—community worship service, pageant, reunions, band concerts, dances, fireworks, Tayamentasachta, Allison-Antrim Museum, etc. The spirit of coming back home to visit and reminisce is still paramount. There is something happening during Old Home Week for everyone to enjoy.

Professor Baer would be very proud that his idea of an Old Boys’ Reunion has been held without interruption for 105 years--but he would not be surprised by it at all!

Thank You

Special thanks go out to the Greencastle-Antrim School District, the Borough of Greencastle, Antrim Township, the Lilian S. Besore Library, the Greencastle Police Department, the Pennsylvania State Police, the Rescue Hose Company, and the staff of the Rescue Hose Company Special Events Center for their assistance in making this week possible.

Special thanks also goes to the following groups and individuals for their donations in making this week possible:
 

• First National Bank of Greencastle (office space in old Conn Building for Old Home Week Headquarters)
• Foremost Industries (bandstand on the Square)
• Eagle Construction Company (construction of band platform at Kaley Field)
• Antrim Building and Farm Supply Co. (materials for Kaley Field band platform)
• Ronald and Barbara Nicarry (donation for the cost of the fireworks display)
• Mid-Atlantic ProTel (providing telephone service for headquarters for the week)
• Finally, thank you to the U.S. Army Field Band for traveling to Greencastle and sharing their talent and music with the community.