Bellville Ohio Street Fair Homecoming September 12-14, 1911 Real Photo Postcard
This postcard captures a local community parade or centennial celebration, likely held in the early 20th century. A prominent sign proclaims "100 YEARS AGO R.H. RITCHIE HIGH GRADE BUGGIES," indicating the event commemorated the founding or a significant milestone of a horse-drawn vehicle business from a century prior, placing its origin in the early to mid-19th century. The street is crowded with spectators, many under umbrellas, watching a procession that likely included historical reenactments or displays relevant to the town's past and its transportation history.
Such parades were common civic events in North America during this period, serving to reinforce local identity and celebrate historical achievements as communities navigated the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized societies. The focus on "buggies" highlights an era before widespread automobile adoption, reflecting on a mode of transport that was central to daily life and commerce for generations. The long table filled with goods on the right suggests the event may have been part of a larger fair or market.
Such parades were common civic events in North America during this period, serving to reinforce local identity and celebrate historical achievements as communities navigated the transition from agrarian economies to industrialized societies. The focus on "buggies" highlights an era before widespread automobile adoption, reflecting on a mode of transport that was central to daily life and commerce for generations. The long table filled with goods on the right suggests the event may have been part of a larger fair or market.
