OLD HOME WEEK, 1954
If there ever was a time when the people of Inverness united as one force it was during the summer of '54. The population put aside their problems and insecurities and prepared for a gala event. The year 1954 marked the 50th anniversary of the incorporatior of Inverness as a town and all energies were consolidated to celebrate the occasion. Under the general chairmanship of Mr. Al Davis the week of July 25-31 was designated as Old Home Week.
It was a time to perpetuate the character and memory of Inverness through massive parades and events. Each organization was responsible for a particular aspect of the week's activities. These included suppers, displays, games, athletic activities, dances, concerts, horse races, floats, and general merrymaking. Many of the town's former citizens returned to partake in the town's festivities. Visitors arrived and extended their stay due to the hospitality portrayed by the people of the town. This quality or virtue is perhaps one of our greatest attributes and was quite evident during this special week. The spirit of '54 brought the people of Inverness closer together and projected an image of cooperation and love for each other. It was a time to come in contact with our past our heritage, and our culture. It was a time to renew old friendships, to make new friends, to patch disagreements and to rejuvenate the spirit that made for a satisfying life. An energy was aroused and it helped take us through some difficult times.
Town officials in 1954 included the Mayor, William N. MacLean; Councillors Dave Smith, John F. MacDonald, Dan G. Ferguson, and Charles N. Doucet. The Town Clerk, Joe LeBlanc, and Works Superintendent. Charles O'Connor completed the town's executive officers. Returning from their Government duties to partake of the festivities were Roderick MacLean, MLA, and Allan J. MacEachen, MP. Guest speakers on this occasion included Judge Alex H. MacKinnon and Member of Parliament for Inverness -Richmond, Allan J, MacEachen.
Some of the private coal operators included the Margaree Steamship Company, Simon Doucet and Sons Ltd., Angus MacLeiian and Sons, A.J. Campbell and Sons, and Hughie Beaton. The mines employed 60 people as of March 1954 and the overall employment for the town was 250.*
As the July days approached every effort was made to improve the physical appearance of the town. A program of painting houses, paving Central Avenue, putting down sidewalks, beach clean-up, and landscaping of various kinds was established. The cooperation and sense of community felt at this time made the "Old Home Week" celebrations a week of pride and accomplishment It gave the town hope and encouragement for the future. This feeling was expressed, by the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Mr. AI Davis when he stated, "...We look forward to the future. As citizens we have learned what can be accomplished through organization...(and) when we use that organization to help us to help ourselves. Perhaps future celebrations of this nature might well be called "The Inverness Gathering."
The years would pass and Inverness would face severe economic hardships. The economic base of coal mining would be but a reflection for many. Future generations would have a vague conception of what it was like to live in a mining town. School children would play on the "clay hills" not knowing their story or what they represent.
