The town celebrated the 150th anniversary of its incorporation, for 4 event-filled days, in September 1921. September 2, 3, 4 and 5 were jam packed with events in Haydenville and Williamsburg, including community singing, concerts, a baseball game and other sporting events, special church services, a parade, grand balls, antique exhibitions, the dedication of the veterans’ honor roll, an address by Vice-President Calvin Coolidge (who toppled to the ground with Helen E. James, when the platform erected at the James School gave way), and a pageant called “Pages of History”.
“Pages of History—A Pageant—In Ten Episodes wherein will be portrayed Historical Scenes and Events in the Life of Williamsburg—While Time Waits” was written by Mr. W. M. Purrington, and nearly everyone in town, across the generations, participated is some way.
This photograph shows the 1771 colonial wedding scene which was part of the church and school pageant episode. The actors, all in costume, include: the schoolmaster and school children, Virgina Reel dancers, a coach and coachman driver, the minister and wedding guests, and of course the bride and groom, and a beflowered cow front and center!
The photograph was a recent gift to the Meekins Library Local History collection and joins other historic materials from the 1921 town’s 150th anniversary celebration. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 7/24/2025
