Community Corner

'Sociables,' 'Stag Dances' and Fiddlers Conventions: A Look at Buford's Past Recreational Pursuits

Picnics, parades, and concerts in the park -- these were the simple outdoor leisure activities enjoyed throughout much of the town's early days.

By Rebecca Bradshaw

It's  been cold and wet outside! So what better time to write about the warm weather activities enjoyed in Buford's past? Picnics, parades, and concerts in the park--these were the simple outdoor leisure activities enjoyed throughout much of the town's early days. *

In the 1870s, Buford's earliest recorded recreational pursuits involved "sociables": townspeople and farmers getting together for "stag" dances on the train depot platform, and night time group singalongs. At the turn of the century, box suppers, ice cream socials, and Sunday school picnics were traditional forms of entertainment in Buford. "Backwards" and "Spiderweb" theme parties, along with "nut" contests, were all the rage.**  Most events were sponsored and attended by organized clubs or church groups, but sometimes nearly the entire town would take part in the fun. Buford's hosting of the Great Eastern Circus and Menagerie in 1873 was an exciting and momentous occasion for all, and drew attendance from miles around.  In July of 1918 the Red Cross sponsored a huge three day patriotic fundraiser in Buford that included famous lecturers, concerts and "electrical entertainment." 

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In the 1920s and '30s,  the American Legion played perhaps the largest role in Buford's recreational history, operating a swimming pool and picnic grounds as well as holding annual fiddlers conventions and other entertainment, even engaging musical and vaudeville troupes to perform locally. Fraternal orders such as the Odd Fellows and Kiwanis held day long outings and other events, and for decades the Bona Allen factory sponsored large annual picnics for their employees as well as for townspeople. 

Read more about Buford's historical leisure pursuits on Buford Patch.

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