10th Annual Old Home Day in Dover Upcoming

The Dover Historical Society is once again gearing up for their 10th annual Old Home Day, which will be this Sunday, Oct. 2.

The day is chock-full of events for people of all ages and allows visitors to take a trip back in time by exploring some of Dover's oldest and most historic landmarks such as the Caryl House, the Fisher Barn, and the Sawin Museum.

“It’s a day that people can come and think back to how the days were before we were all overscheduled,” said Heather Hodgson, chair of Old Home Day. “I grew up in Dover and Dover is a very different place today. Everyone moves way too fast and it’s just a day that brings you back to a time when things were a little quieter.”

Events throughout the day include a crafts fair, antique auto show, an old-time horseshoe tournament, children’s events, museum exhibits, silhouettes, an American flag disposal ceremony, textile art and the Grange Supper.

Horses and hounds from the Norfolk Hunt Club will lead a parade of antique cars through the center of town.

Kids can enjoy old-fashioned games like potato sack races, tug of war, and an egg toss.

“We do things that I did when I was growing up,” Hodgson said.

Old Home Day dates back to the early 1900's as a way to bring members of the community back home to celebrate their culture and spend time with one another.

In 2002, the Dover Historical Society was looking for a way to commemorate the preservation of the Fisher Barn. Heather, who had been to an Old Home Day while on vacation in New Hampshire, brought up the idea to the historical society.

Heather said that from that 20-minute presentation at the Fisher Barn grew all of the events that will take place Sunday.

“It’s just a very different day and everyone seems to love it,” said Hodgson.

For a schedule and map of the event visit the Old Home Days website.

To sign up to have a silhouette done, call Carol Lebeaux at 508-785-1977.