The Dover Centennial 1936

On September 29, 1936, as the Depression dragged into its sixth dismal year, the people of Dover took time out to forget their troubles and celebrate the Hundredth Anniversary of the town. Starting with the Ringing of Church Bells at 8 o'clock in the morning, the all-day Centennial program featured a Parade with historical floats, a Doll Carriage Parade, a Track Meet complete with Egg and Spoon Race, Needle and Thread Race and Potato Race.

THE J W HIGGINS STORE entered a float to show an old
fashioned country store. Marion Heinlein Gerrity Photo

THE COLOR GUARD stepped out smartly as
the Parade rounded the corner at Springdale and
Centre Street in the center.

EARLY DOVER OCCUPATIONS were
portrayed in this lively Historical Society float.
From left - Tom McGill as the blacksmith;
Homer Hanchett, the plowman and
Richard Bond, the cobbler.

THE PARADE BROUGHT BACK the old horse
and buggy days, here at the center of town.

OLD TRUCKS AND TOP HATS and raccoon
coats added to the spirit of the day.

At noon everyone met for a picnic on the Common and enjoyed an old fashioned Band Concert. An automobile tour took folks to see historic sights about town, and late in the afternoon the Norfolk Hunt Club and the Dedham Country and Polo Club put on a special hunt.

In the evening a Banquet and grand Colonial Costume Ball was held at the Town House with Michael W. Comiskey as toastmaster. Reverend William B. Rice, pastor of the First Parish Church, gave the invocation and after dinner speakers included Selectman Wendell B. Higgins, Leverett Saltonstall, then Speaker of House of Representatives, Dr. William Porter of Harvard University, Town Counsel Richard W. Hale and Frank Smith, President of the Dover Historical Society.

"The Boston Globe" ran this drawing of
the dignitaries at the Banquet
Marion Heinlein Gerrity

JUDSON AND EDITH BATTELLE
at the Caryl House, dressed for the
costume ball and festivities. 

A WINNER in the Doll Carriage
Parade.

THE NORTH FRONT OF THE TOWN
HOUSE bedecked in buntings and banners.

CAP SCHAFFNER'S DOVER GARAGE on
Whiting Road sported the Stars and Stripes.
Tydol and Veedol were popular brands then.

THE POST OFFICE was at the back of
Treadwell's Gulf Station. This is the view
from Whiting Road. The old Higgins store is
in back at the left.

JUDGES FOR THE DOLL CARRIAGE PARADE:
Mrs. Francis Bullfinch, Mrs. Eileen Breagy and Miss Theresa McGurrin

CHIEF MARSHALL FOR THE STREET PARADE:
W. E. Boundford

JUDGES:
Mr. Charles C. Cabot, Miss Amelia Peabody and Mr. William Corcoran

BANQUET TOASTMASTER:
Mr. Michael W. Comiskey

SPEAKERS:
Hon. Leverett Saltonstall, Speaker of the House of Representatives,
Dr. William Porter, Mr. Richard W. Hale and Frank Smith

COLONIAL BALL JUDGES:
Mrs. Arthur Perry, Mrs. Kenneth Sherman and Mr. Michael W. Comiskey

WINNERS BEST BALL COSTUMES:
Ladies - Sally Wotton
Men   - Francis Comiskey

All in all The Centennial was a day filled with festivities and fun, a time for friends and neighbors to gather and be happy.
A memorable time in the history of Dover.

Dover Historical Society Photos except as noted