If you were a resident of Brunswick around 1858 you might have looked forward to October when Brunswick held its agricultural fair. It was held for two days in the town hall and on the grounds. There was a large variety of events and exhibits with more than 200 classes of entries. Livestock, fruits, grains and garden products were displayed. Quilts, blankets, counterpanes, embroidery, etc., were in competition. And there was a complete flower show as well. Prizes ranged in the 25 to 50 cent range.
A big celebration was held on July 4, 1919, to honor the town's returning World War I soldiers. Leading the parade on a white horse was Sergeant Merril Morton who had fought overseas. He wore his uniform and carried a large flag. A uniformed band followed with floats and marchers behind. A picnic dinner was served at noon, in the afternoon there was band music, vocal selections and the entire event was topped off by a fireworks display.
As families grew, annual reunions became more and more familiar - out-growing homes and spilling over into the communities churches and schools. Often, a community reunion would be held. Sometimes they were called Old Settler's Days, sometimes called Homecomings.
Many residents still remember the Chamber of Commerce Homecomings. Held at what is now Edwards Middle School, the homecoming would feature games and rides with all funds going toward purchase of the Youth Center on Rt. 303, which was purchased from Alvin Wolff. The event continued into the 1960s.
In 1965, the community celebrated its 150th year with a gigantic sesquicentennial celebration. Much of the history carried here was gleaned from the book written for that occasion, "An Outline History of Brunswick, 1815-1965."
In fact, it was exactly 17 years ago and one week from today that the biggest ever parade was held in Brunswick, totally more than two hours, followed by a two-day carnival homecoming. Events honoring the sesqui covered the entire year of 1965 which was a banner year here with the advent of city water and the opening of I-71. Residents held a beard-growing contest, ladies couldn't wear makeup without a permit, plates were made up and sold, a kangaroo court would patrol the streets on weekends. All in all, it was a time of great fun.
Ironically, during the big weekend, the town was visited by two large groups. At the north end, the North-South Civil War skirmishers enacted a battle. It was a most exciting time.
The outline of history notes that an old-fashioned brass band consisting of local talent was the pride of the community in the 1920s.
In the early 1970s, Brunswick was looking for a way to improve its self-image and began a series of Nationality Days in which residents of varied ethnic backgrounds would set up food booths. There were all sorts of interesting foods served as well as entertainment. The days were held for three years at Laurel Square Shopping Center. The last Nationality festival was held in conjunction with the nation's Bicentennial in 1976. It was another year-long activity in which there were costumed balls, fund-raising events and a wide variety of activities to honor the 200th birthday of America.
Then three years ago, the Chamber of Commerce put together its Old Fashioned Days to coincide with the annual Northeast Ohio Antique and Classic Car Club show held yearly at Brunswick High School. Last year, the Old Fashioned Days committee was set up separately from the Chamber, and this year's activities will be the biggest Old Fashioned Days ever.
