It's Old Home Week

As The Guardian celebrates its 125th anniversary, Old Home Week is also marking a special occasion this year. The first provincial exhibitions -- held essentially on the same grounds as they are today -- began their annual appearance in 1888. And, of course, The Guardian covered the provincial exhibition, then Old Home Week, the horse races and the parade . . . well, like the dew!

The Prince Edward Island Exhibition and Races in 1892 promised a parade of prize animals; racing open to all Canada and the United States with a purse as high as $500; and 'amusements of various kinds'. Special rates by rail and steamer from all parts:

The annual provincial exhibition, open to the whole Island, will be held at Charlottetown, on TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY September 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th. The Grand Parade of Prize and other Animals will take place on Friday, 30th Sept., at 11 o'clock, a.m., sharp.

The provincial exhibition of 1900 filled the entire top fold of Page 1 of The Morning Guardian on Sept. 26, 1900.

Although the probabilities indicated something better, the opening day of the Exhibition was not favorable to the assembling of a large crowd. The chances are, however, that the dark and lowering clouds and the chilly air of yesterday will give place to bright sunshine and balmy breezes to-day.

At three o'clock His Honor the Lieutenant-Governor (Haszard) formally opened the Exhibition.

. . .Premier Farquharson said as a leader of the government, that the future interest of the government in exhibitions is a calamity. An exhibition is an educator. Look at the exhibit from this province and the exhibits from the other provinces and all will says (sic) that it is the best exhibition in the history of the province. 

Besides the farm exhibits, there were many other stalls and displays not evident in today's version of Old Home Week: Mink, seal, sable and lamb fur collars graced the tables at the Sentner, McLeod & Co. display, while the furs from astrikan, coon and thibet were found at clothiers Prowse Bros. Exhibition-goers were also shown the latest pianos and organs; wallpapers; sheepskin mats; letter presses; and even insects. Miss Constance Currie, in fact, earned second prize for her insects, though, The Morning Guardian neglects to report what species of critters she had in her display.

By 1905, tourism operators were beginning to consider holding a gathering called Old Home Week:

March 23, 1905: An 'Energetic committee' is struck

July 25, 1905 Old Home Week begins with a band concert in the gardens

For 125 years, The Guardian has continued its coverage of the exhibition that 'Brings the country to the city' and welcomes back 'home' Islanders and visitors in a true shared experience.