The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-06-29
Letters to the Editor.
HOME COMING WEEK.
1t Originated tu New Hnmpshire---Sug-
 gested in 1900 for Alabama.

Evergreen, Ala. June 2s. 1906. Editor The Advertiser:
 As q result of tho recent observance of Home Coming Week" in Kentucky l notice that several papers in the State are suggesting it's adoption In Ala bama. l note that those who have re- ferred to 1t seem to indicate that the idea originated in Kentucky and sreak approvingly of its adoption In all the States. If you will turn to your file of october q, 1900. on page ', you will see an article written by me giving the origin of "old Home Week" the manner of it's observance and a sug- gestion that 1t be adopted by our own State. You will observe in my article that there is no need of conflict or con- fusion in its observance because sepN- rate days during the week are ap- pointed for different places. My sus- gestion of the last week iE October as suitable time I still think is the best for this latitude. When my article was and not single paper In the State took any notice of 1t. I consoled my self with the fact that "A prophet is not without honor save in his own country" etc. It might be of interest to republish my article, for the beneflt of those who now seem much interest ed on the subject.
 Yours truly,
 G. R Farnham.
 The following is the article by MT. Farnham, which appeared in The Ad- vertiSer on October 27. 13On:
 Editor The Advertiser:
 At the recent ceremonies held in Portsmouth, N. H.. commemorative ol the two United States warships. the Kearsarge and the Alabama, to which the Governor of New Hampshire in- vited the Governor of AIarama and hIs staR, frequent references were made by the speakers to Old Home Week.
 Many people, especially in the South, did not understand the significance of a ffG annrOnria a on that occasion. I spent a part of my vacation the past summer in the grand old State of New IIampshire and was there during the celebration of old sion, I will give a brief outline of its origin purpose and observance. It was originated by Governor Rollins, the present executive of New Hampshire, observance was on the second week of August, 1S9, the time TXed as the most convenient and appropriate in that lat- itude, when most of the people of that and other States are taking their regular vacation. The idea was unique, patriotic, sentimental and prac- | ti"al. as subsequent developments have abundantly shown. I quoted from the Concord celebration of "Old Home Week. the following: Your Cover nor has struck on an idea which Is not only an exceedingly happy one, but
 
 important than appears at first glance. He has started In this home festival an l institution which if properly fostered is likely. to produce important conse- quCnces.'
 One purpose is to call back to the old homes those who have wandered afar and joined their fortunes to those of other States, to receive them with open arms and loving hearts and make them feel that old friends, associates and kindred still have an abiding in terest in them. Another is to bring together the people of the various great social concourse to consider their past history, present progress, 9ad fu- ture prospects. Another Is to compare the economical. industrial and social re- lations of the State with other States and the respective communities with one another ard thus enliven the spirit of progress and patriotism ir the minds and the learts of the people. The manner of it's observance in New Hamp- shire this year was follows:
 During the first week in August prep arations were made to light bonfires on the tops of the hills and mountains and these were set 1hlaze on Monday of the second week as "beacon-lights" of welcome to all nome corners and vis- itors and on each day and night of the second week some of the various cities and towns held tEeir celebrations.
 Being held on different days in many of the larger cities, the Governor and his stan and distinguished local and visiting speakers could attend as many as six celebrations during the week. The day was usnered in by the tolling of bells blowing of whistles, music of bands and grand choruses of children and adults. Sports, games, bicycle and foot races, speech making and a grand banquet, free to all. entered into the festivities To quote again from the speech of MT. Page: Tt was founded in one of tho strongest and most abid ing principles in our whole American life--the love of home. This home passion is one of the basic principles on which tho life and vigor of a peo- pie is builded."
 This is a brief but imperfect outline Of old Home Week" as 1t was observ- ed In New Hampshire and might add that Vermont and Maine also adopted and observed 1t the present year.
 I suggest that the people of Ala bama adopt 1t and fix the last week