March’s Minute History concerns the Town’s centennial. In 1919, when the Town had lost manufacturing and population, almost every citizen—from Girl Scouts to grandsires—joined in an extraordinary endeavor to celebrate West Newbury’s 100^th anniversary. For three days in August, Town buildings were decorated, and to greet returning WWI veterans, both townsfolk and their houses wore “Welcome Home” messages. On the morning of Saturday, August 23, West Newbury began the celebration with a band concert and the best ever parade in Town. That afternoon, a cast of some 390 townspeople (plus an orchestra and vocalists) put on an unforgettable pageant for an audience estimated at 3-4,000. The remaining two days were filled with events honoring veterans, including another large parade. A brilliant reception and merry dance at Town Hall topped it all off. Said the Boston Globe, “Here was that community spirit of which we hear so much and see so much less.”

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