Newfield Old Home Days

Event Details

The first Old Home day was held in 1914. Activities took place along the road near Harry Moulton's store (see picture above) and in the field nearby, including tug of war with close to 10 men on each side and a baseball game in afternoon. Homemade ice cream sold at the ball game was highlight for Bridges children. John Carlton hitched up a hay wagon and gave some of the West Newfield kids a ride down to Newfield Village for the events.

Dinner was served to a large crowd in Towle's hall above the store near the bandstand. Evidently that hall was overcrowded because at the second Old Home day in 1916, tables were set up both upstairs and down in the schoolhouse. There, In a building with no kitchen and no running water, a fricasseed chicken dinner was served. Hot food was prepared at several nearby homes and carried in.

Old Home Day was revived in the 1930s and held three years in a row from 1935-1937. Plans for each included a band concert, water sports at Rock Haven Lake, baseball games, an auto parade from West Newfield to Newfield Village, a baked bean supper, and a costume dance.

Once again, Newfield Village will be the site of Old Home Day. On Saturday, August 22 only, 10am-3pm
Free admission to Willowbrook!
Newfield Historical Society, Limerick Newfield Lions and Willowbrook co-sponsor this 2nd annual event. Enjoy historic craft and trade demonstrations (Windsor chairmaking with Fred Chellis, blacksmithing with Tom Kiernan), games, vendors, music (11am and 2pm in the bandstand), carousel rides and more! Call if you would like to participate.

The Village is open 10am to 5pm, 5 days each week, closed Tuesday and Wednesday, through Columbus Day. Admission is usually $9 for adults, $7.50 for seniors, $4 for students ages 6-18, and under 6 free.

To view the 2009 season's calendar of events and activities, visit Willowbrook's website at willowbookmuseum.org. For more information, call Amelia Chamberlain, director, at 207-793-2784.