With the largest crowd assembled in Montague in many years, a beautiful day, and attractions galore, Montague’s first Homecoming event was held Friday, Sept. 19, 1913, and was declared an unqualified success.
The idea behind the event was a reception for the absent friends, relatives and former residents of the area.
Refreshments and amusement stands sprung up like mushrooms overnight and the business streets had the appearance of a “midway.” The event included band music, balloon ascensions, ball games, races, contests, sports and acrobatic performers followed by fireworks in the evening.
The Hart Band, together with many visitors, came down from the north. Many businessmen in Whitehall closed their businesses in the afternoon so their employees could join in the festivities. Scores of automobiles loaded down with merrymakers came from Muskegon.
A unique and unexpected surprise was sprung on the crowd when a fire alarm was sounded, followed by a run by the fire department to the water hydrant at the corner of the Ohrenberger block (Water & Dowling), and a water-throwing exhibition. It took the firemen only three minutes to make the run and begin throwing water.
A balloon was set up in the gully behind the Franklin House where it was being inflated. At about four o’clock it was freed from its fastenings and rose almost straight into the air with its human freight in the form of a Prof. Martin from Grand Rapids. When up several thousand feet, the aeronaut cut the rope and he came down to earth like a feather, landing near the North Hill School house.
The day ended with a fine display of fireworks in the evening.
Homecoming events continued annually in Montague through 1929. During the Depression from 1930-1934 there was no Homecoming. It started again in 1935 and continued through 1941, becoming a two-day event in 1939.
During the war from 1942 thru 1946, there was no Homecoming. In 1947 it was talked about and urged to happen but did not return until 1950. It continued until Aug. 18-20, 1960, when the last Homecoming was held.
Back in December 1913, a news item appeared in the Whitehall Forum asking readers their thoughts on having a Whitehall Homecoming. Whitehall did hold their first and only Homecoming – a three-day event – July 22-24, 1914.
