Everyone loves a parade.
This weekend Willshire, Ohio, celebrates its annual Willshire Days festival. The weekend (Friday-Sunday) will be filled with all sorts of activities for everyone. This week’s Photo Star has over two pages devoted to the festival activities, their sponsors, and local businesses.
Personally, I am interested in the garage sales and perusing several of my favorite home decorating and antique shops. The stores are right in downtown Willshire and are worth a drive and a look-see any time of year!
One of the highlights of Willshire Days is their parade on Saturday afternoon, starting at 4:00.
A few weeks ago I ran across these old photos taken by my mom and dad. I could tell the photos were of a parade in Willshire but the year was not written on them. They look like they were from the late-60s or the 70s and I am guessing the parade may have been Willshire’s Sesquicentennial Parade in 1972 . Perhaps one of my readers can confirm that.
Whatever the occasion, it looks like Willshire had quite a nice parade that year.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Of course neighboring Chattanooga was represented in the parade.
Chattanooga, Ohio, Fire Truck, Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
Willshire Parade, unknown date.
In later years my dad often drove his Jeep in the Willshire Days Parade. I will write about that another time.
I encourage you to visit Willshire this weekend and join in on the festivities.
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Seems like there is always a conflict that weekend. Several years ago sister Phyllis made all of us Goodwin kids t-shirts alike – some saying “I’m a Goodwin”, other saying “I’m married to a Goodwin”. We rode bicycles that brother John fixed up for us (They were living in the Willshire UB Parsonage at the time) and it was quite fun. Mom had a t-shirt too, saying “Goodwin Mom”. I’ve saved mine and Freds – maybe we’ll get them out again sometime and make it back to Willshire. The town has changed but have good memories of Willshire. That’s where Dad wanted us to grow up even though he worked in Van Wert.
Author
I love the T-shirt idea! That would be fund for a reunion. Thanks for writing!
Karen, you are correct in thinking the pictures are of the Willshire Sesquicentennial parade in 1972. I remember the parade well, it was quite a production, along with all the other celebration events. Just think, in another 6 years it will be time for the 200 year celebration of Willshire’s founding. As a side note, I have been asked to have a Willshire history display at the park this year at the Willshire Days event. Hope some of your blog followers can check it out either Friday evening of Saturday.
Author
Thank you for confirming that, Sondra. It looked like quite a grand parade and yes, it is hard to believe that Willshire will be celebrating 200 years soon. Your historical Willshire display sounds great and I am sure many people will enjoy it. They are fortunate to have someone with the knowledge and willingness to do it.
Hi Karen!
It might be a bit of a stretch, but I believe I can make an observation in support of Sondra’s confirmation that these pictures are of the 1972 Willshire Sesquicentennial Parade. If you look at the picture of the Chattanooga firetruck, you will see that there is a banner above it. If you click on this picture to enlarge it, you will note that the banner is made up of individual placks, almost certainly having letters on the other side. In reverse, the first word has 16 placks, then a space, then the second word has 4 placks. “Sesquicentennial” has 16 letters, and “Days” has 4 letters. I might hazard a guess that the banner says “Sesquicentennial Days,” followed by a set of placks that give a date that runs off the side of this picture.
Another interesting note: if this is indeed the Willshire Sesquicentennial Parade, these pictures were taken on June 17,1972 – the day of the Watergate Break-in.
Author
Great observation. I had not looked at the Chatt fire truck that closely. I also remember all the Watergate hearings shown on TV. A rather interesting way to remember the two events. Thanks for writing.