On Saturday, June 20, 2015, the City invited one and all to a Block Party on Maple Avenue in front of the Community Center to celebrate the 125th birthday of the city. This was not the first time we celebrated a milestone like this. Here is a look back at the ways past residents have celebrated over the past 125 years.
1890: Two months after the official incorporation of the town, residents organized a double celebration - the incorporation and the sixth anniversary of Takoma Park's founding - with a huge pig roast and concert at the park in North Takoma.
1890: Poster for the pig roast, celebrating the town's settlement and its incorporation
1933: The most elaborate celebration was for the Semi-Centennial in 1933. The three-day affair began with an Old Home Visitation tour of eight houses on Founder's Day (Nov 24). Saturday featured a Semi-Centennial parade followed by Old Settlers banquet at the Fire Station. Sunday wrapped up with a Community worship service at the Presbyterian Church. In addition, a 47-page booklet was prepared by William Hooker and John Kinnear to provide "an account of the happenings of the early days of our community," which included a biography of B.F. GIlbert written by his daughter, Margaret Gilbert Jameson. This document is one of the most significant references in Historic Takoma's archives.
1933 - Old Settlers Banquet at the Fire Station
1950: Residents gathered for a "60 in 1950" celebration at the intersection of Carroll and Laurel as part of the annual Independence Day festivities. Two years before, Takoma Park had officially been recognized as a City and joined the Maryland Municipal League.
1950 - "60 in 1950" gathering at Carroll and Laurel Avenues
1958: Residents played up all the Victorian connections in a four-day 75th anniversary celebration of Takoma's founding. There was a Victorian fashion show and dinner, along with special trolley car rides into downtown DC with everyone dressed in Victorian garb. The chamber of commerce produced a commemorative brochure, "75 Years of Community Living," detailing the city's achievements over the decades, which won an American Municipal Association Award.
1958 - Re-living the Victorian Era
1983: The kickoff of the Centennial birthday was held on Jan 10 with bands, performances and speeches. Events followed all year long - including an exhibit at City Hall, and the publication of "Portrait of a Victorian Suburb," a photo history compiled by Ellen Marsh and Mary Ann O'Boyle. Residents from both Takoma Park MD and DC joined in the festivities.
1983 - This collection of historical photos is available at historictakoma.org
1990: The last city-wide celebration was in 1990 for fthe centennial of the city's incorporation. The city seal was redesigned, a time capsule was assembled and local organizations hosted a year-long series of programs and festivals, including an Azalea Ball.