Rain held off, the skies opened up to bright blue, and the 120th annual Old Home Day in Londonderry was a terrific celebration. Since we were commemorating the 300th anniversary of the founding of Nutfield there were extra activities on the common and at the Morrison House Museum, especially historical re-enactors and activities related to the Scots Irish settlers.
The 1st New Hampshire Regiment was encamped all day at the grounds of the Morrison House doing military drills, cooking demonstrations, and live cannon firings. Children had a chance to play colonial games and "drill" with the regiment.
Inside the Parmenter barn, and all around the museum grounds, traditional craftspeople and re-enactors were making rope, wooden barrels, needlework, working tin, basketmaking, working with horn, making corn husk dolls, processing flax and weaving, demonstrating blacksmithing and gunsmithing, and animal husbandry.
Inside the Morrison house visitors toured the 18th century dwelling, took tours, and consulted with Yours Truly about their Nutfield ancestors. I had descendants come and talk with me about their BARNETT, MACK, TODD, NELSON, CLARK, GREGG, NESMITH and other ancestors.
On the common there were two booths dedicated to the Nutfield 300th celebration and the restoration of the First Parish Meetinghouse in East Derry. There was historical information on display, as well as the commemorative medallions for sale and other souvenirs.
The NHSCOT Pipes and Drums marched in the Old Home Day parade and gave demonstrations on the museum grounds. There was a free 45 minute class for youths and adults to have a chance to learn to play the pipes.
The pig roast was a success with all the pulled pork, corn-on-the-cob, watermelon and cold drinks selling out early. The pig was donated by Turcotte Tree Service, and the corn was donated by the Cross Family of Londonderry. All proceeds from the food sold are going towards repairs to the Historical Society buildings, especially the Morrison House roof and entryway.
Heather Wilkinson Rojo, "Scenes from the 120th Annual Londonderry Old Home Day", Nutfield Genealogy, posted August 19, 2019, ( https://nutfieldgenealogy.blogspot.com/2019/08/scenes-from-120th-annual-londonderry.html: accessed [access date]).
Me encanta, and I had a day with you and Vincent
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