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When the banner announcing Children’s Day is displayed in Station Square each year, it reminds many of the Gardens’ long-time residents that amusements and treats for the children were originally part of very elaborate Fourth of July festivities. Beginning in 1914, the
Fourth began with the raising of the flag and singing of patriotic anthems in Flagpole Green, followed by games for the children and athletic competitions for the men in Station Square, dramatic and musical performances in Olivia Park (Deepdene), a party for the children in the Tea Garden at the Inn, and ended with a dance for the adults in Station Square which was sometimes covered with a heavy canvas and roped off.
Some of the children’s games listed in the program for 1915 are familiar to us today, and some are lost to time:
-Races, Pyramids, Tug of War and Clown Stunts by Troops 1 and 2 of the Forest Hills Boy Scouts
-Father and Son relay race
-Mother and daughter relay
-Whip tag
-Bronco ball
-Rope skipping
-Backward, wheelbarrow and other races for boys and girls
-Grand tilting contest
It isn’t clear when the Fourth of July and Children’s Day became uncoupled. Without actual documentary evidence, some surmise that it was shortly after the end of World War II when men returning to civilian life benefitted from educations funded by the GI bill, and became more affluent. Families would be able to take summer vacations and/or buy second homes; children would often go to summer camps. In any event, apparently it was determined that the tradition of Children’s Day was best preserved as a Gardens’ tradition by scheduling it before the end of the school year. And so, it is now the first Saturday in June.
The 2025 program for Children’s Day includes many of the old-time elements such as running races, three-legged races, potato races and burlap bag races as well as new ones such as pet parades, pony rides, the Dragon ride,
inflatable slides and fun houses, face painting, finger nail painting, mounted police, fire engines, and yummy treats for lunch and snacks. Some events and entertainments such as costume parades, teenage musical bands, baseball games and mini tennis lessons, have come and gone.
Of course, what has definitely always been in keeping with the 100+ year history of Gardens’ celebrations is the hard work and dedication of the many, many, volunteers who have kept the tradition alive. And, where else can children and families walk to a carnival and meet their friends in their very own neighborhood?
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