Old Homes Week

Greencastle revisits a hometown celebration By Cheryl M. Keyser Every three years in a unique and unparalleled tradition, the good people of Greencastle and Antrim Township in Pennsylvania go all out to continue an event that started over 100 years ago — Old Home Week. This year marks the 38th triennial year for the celebration. Very few towns can claim this kind of fame — or commitment. Current residents work at or join in the fun and former residents come from near and far — across the United States and from Europe to South America. The travel to enjoy a full week packed with everything from the triennial photo on the square, (the last one of which measured six feet in length) to multiple school reunions, a parade and more. Events are planned around just about any reason that lends itself to the week’s main reason for being — a gathering of friends, neighbors, schoolmates and families. And everyone involved, whether volunteer or visitor, is justly proud of the longevity of this event. Some of that staying power can be attributed to the fact that this is only held every three years. Bob Johnston has been involved with Old Home Week since 1995. He and his wife Jeannie now co-chair the headquarters committee. “Doing this every three years keeps it from getting old,” he says. The beauty of this event is also the involvement of many local institutions which open their doors, offering visitors a chance to see the inside of everything from the Allison-Antrim Museum, to the local newspaper the Echo-Pilot (this year offering a free photo booth), the Corning Credit Union, and the offices of several service organizations. Old Home Week was the brainchild of Phillip Edward Barr and came to life in August of 1902. Barr originally called it the “Old Boys’ Reunion,” and not only came up with the idea, but also planned the reunion activities. That first event included a chicken dinner, speeches and band concerts, and proved to be so successful that it was repeated three years later. Barr, an opera singer, was the son of Adam and Catherine (Goetz) Barr. A graduate of Greencastle High School, he started out traveling with the then widely popular minstrel shows. Recognizing his talent, Monsignor Satolli of St. Aloysius Church found the funding to send him to Italy to study voice, piano, violin and Italian for four years. On his return, his career took off and he traveled the nation on concert tours. In 1891, never forgetting his roots, Barr bought property in the borough of Greencastle and when not traveling, he and his wife, Jannette...

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Events & Uniques

Thirty artists will show off their work at the North Mountain Arts Festival, June 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 201 North Mary St. in Hedgesville, W.Va. The artists will be on hand to demonstrate their work including quilt making, 3D paintings, pottery, fused glass and glass jewelry. Musicians will also entertain throughout the day. For more information, contact Kristin Nelson at 304-754-5727. A ghostly experience awaits you in Gettysburg, Pa. Hear the story of Jennie Wade in her home. Jennie was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. The event, called Midnight in the Jennie Wade House, runs on Saturdays at 10:45 p.m., 11:10 p.m. and 11:35 p.m. until November 2. Eventually, you will find yourself in the cellar where Jennie’s body lay for 36 hours on July of 1863. Your time in the cellar will include a surprise guest who will discuss the haunting of the house and bring along unique expertise and stories that will convince you that you are in a truly haunted house. The house is at 777 Baltimore St. For more information call 717-334-6296 or evenings call 717-334-1156. Enjoy a walk in the woods and see a wide variety of birds at the Birding Banshee Reeks Nature Preserve, the second Saturday of each month, beginning at 8 a.m. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy and the Friends of Banshee Reeks for the bird walk. Because of its rich and varied habitat, this beautiful preserve is a birding hot spot. Please bring binoculars. The preserve is located at 21085 The Woods Road, Leesburg, Va. For details call 540-554-2542 or visit www.loudounwildlife.org online. Eight houses will be featured as part of the Women’s Club of Hagerstown House and Garden Tour on June 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hagerstown, Md. Four of the houses are on historic South Prospect Street. Lunch will be available at the Women’s Club on South Prospect Street for $7. For more information call 301-739-0870. The 20th year of the Frederick Festival of the Arts in Frederick, Md. occurs June 1 and 2 at Carroll Creek Linear Park between Court Street and East Street. More than 105 fine artists and craftsmen from across the country will be present representing 12 different media, including: jewelry, photography, painting, glass, wood, metal, drawing, digital, sculpture, fiber, etc. The festival also includes two stages of musical performances, Shakespeare, children’s art activities, canoes, food, more. For more information, email info@frederickartscouncil.org. On June 1 the first Shepherdstown Community Club (SCC) Handmade Market in Shepherdstown, W.Va. begins. The mission of the SCC is “to bring together the finest artists and crafters from the local region and...

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