Governor Frank Collins invented Old Home Day in 1899. His idea was to throw a party for everyone who was or who had ever been a New Hampshire resident, along with descendants of former residents.

At the time Gov. Rollins realized that New Hampshire was losing its population during and after the Civil War. Many residents were moving west.

Communities across the state celebrated, including a strong turnout in Londonderry. Concord had a large celebration.

Mary Tetreau