Londonderry’s observance of its 108th consecutive Old Home Day dates back to the tradition begun by Gov. Frank Rollins in the late 19th century. As reported in the archives of the Library of Congress, Gov. Rollins proclaimed in 1897, “I wish that in the ear of every son and daughter of New Hampshire, in the summer days, might be heard whispered the persuasive words: “Come back, come back!” Do you not hear the call? What has become of the old home where you were born? Do you not remember it — the old farm back among the hills, with its rambling buildings, its well sweep casting its long shadows, the row of stiff poplar trees, the lilacs and the willows?”

Click HERE for the full column in the Derry News by Londonderry’s Tom Dolan