This week's photo shows Collingwood’s Welcome Home Parade for veterans of the First World War on Aug. 21, 1919.
The parade consisted of floats, veterans, and three bands: the Collingwood Kilties, Guelph Jazz Band, and the Meaford Citizens’ Band.
The procession started on First Street, travelled east to Hurontario, then turned onto Hume and ended at the Exhibition Park, where around 300 veterans were formally welcomed by Mayor Robert Arthur.
All shops were closed and everyone was invited to partake in the activities and decorate their homes, storefronts, or vehicles. The parade kicked off the celebration, followed by two baseball games and a variety of other sports for women, men, and children.
The day came to an end with roller skating and dancing on Hurontario Street. Everyone was encouraged to dress in costume, and to decorate booths, which filled the street.
Remember This is a weekly series of historic photographs submitted by the Collingwood Museum to CollingwoodToday.ca. These photographs were originally collected and documented by the Huron Institute in an historical catalogue entitled Huron Institute Paper and Records: Volume III. Much of Collingwood’s early history has been preserved due to the dedication and foresight of the early museum’s founders, namely its secretary-curator David Williams, upon its establishment in 1904.
