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It is believed that May Day celebrations originated with the Romans. They were known to hold an elaborate festival in connection with the arrival of spring. It was called "Florilla" and dedicated to Flora, the Roman goddess of flowers. This custom of celebrating spring's arrival was carried to England by the Romans. There, May Daybecame one of the most important festivals of theyear. In Medieval and Tudor England, May Day customs were most interesting and beautiful. Everyone, servant and master alike, was up at the crack of dawn to "go a-Maying". Branches of trees and flowers were gathered and a Maypole was hewn from a tree. All were brought back to town in a big procession. TheMaypole was then decorated with wreaths andribbons made by the children. To be chosen Queen of the May was the dream of every girl in the village. Chosen by the Lord of the Manor, she might be the squire's daughter or the most modest peasant girl. The climax of the May Day celebration was the crowning of the queen. This was done when the sun was at the highest point in the sky, spreading its warmth and cheer over the greatest area. Merry making lasted the entire day with dancing around the Maypole, and sports and games attended by the queen and her court. May Day was bought to America by the early Pilgrim settlers. Foremost among the early customs was the "Hanging of May Baskets".

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Our first May Day was held at Chadds Ford Elementary on Saturday, May 21, 1949. It was called, A DAY OF FUN FOR EVERYONE. The events of the day were: 10-11 Judging of booths 11-12 Pet Show 12 lunch was purchased on the grounds 12:30-1:30 May procession, crowning of the MayQueen and the May Pole Dance 2-3:30 Rodeo, featuring S.B. Davis Cowboys and Seabreeze, "The Trick Mule". 4-5 Softball games, Fathers vs. Sons-Mothers vs. Daughters This was followed by supper on the grass. (Bring your own) Community sing 8-11 p.m. Square dance, CHRIS SANDERSON caller. Admission $.60, tax included.  For those who never witnessed a Rodeo at Chadds Ford School, you really missed a true Western Show. Mr. Davis came to Chadds Ford from Texas. He brought some cowboys, and a trick mule, (which no one could ride but John Oas). He had real buffaloes grazing next to the school, beside beef cattle. This activity drew quite an audience. The second year the P.T.A. furnished board fences to help corral the animals. As you can see, Chadds Ford wasn't noted for it's Art, but for it's cowboys and Rodeo. Our first chairmen and the booths they headed were as follows:

Our second May Fair was held on May 13, 1950 with a program from 10 AM to 11 PM.

The program consisted of:

Baseball game-Chadds Ford vs. Malvern

Pet Show

Hobby Show

Stanley Steamer Rides

Variety Show

Rodeo

Square Dance

May Queen Procession and May Pole

May Queen-Lois Rohlfing

Maid of Honor-Grace Mock

Plus many more booths consisting of food, games, plants, and toys.

 

GENERAL CHAIRMAN-MRS. NEWTON O. BELT

CO-CHAIRMAN-MRS. GEORGE TRUITT

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OUR THIRD MAY FAIR

This May Fair Was held May 19, 1951, with a program from 10:30 AM to 11 PM. It'a theme HI! HO! COME TO THE FAIR! It started out with a baseball game with Concordville. 12:00 featured the Deveraux Band 1:00 May Procession 1:30 Mac McGuire and his Harmony Rangers, Mutual Networks and Capital Record Stars; Wayne Barrie, National Baton Twirling Champion; two famous clowns from Ringling Brothers Circus; and Jimmie and his Amazing Balloon Act. 8:00 PM A square dance-The Diamond Horse Shoe Orchestra   May Queen-Christine Norris Maid of Honor-Julie Rummelsburg Attendants-Mary Elizabeth Brinton, Joan Hollingsworth, Nancy Teate, Elaine Palmatary,Peggy Douglas, Lois Urban Flower Girl-Ann Brinton Crown Bearer-Beverly Wetherill Train Bearers-Peter Schroneder and William Misetic Mr. T.C. Marshall had some of his antique cars atthe school and all enjoyed rides in them down through Chadds Ford Village. Mr. Robert Hempton was the school custodian. He kept the school clean and, in winter, kept the school warm by stokiing the furnaces with coal. On the May Day he was chairman of the grounds. Out P.T.A. appreciated all he did for the school. On his retirement they gave him a beautiful gold watch. Back to Table of Contents The Twenty Fifth May Fair Mrs. W.M.D. Bryant helped the faculty by being the choreographer for the children's part of the entertainment, also for the May Queen, Mrs. Bryant did this for many years which greatly enhanced the program.  Miss Mary McMullan of Pocopson, who retired from teaching from the Chadds Ford School in 1972, was always involved in the Annual May Fair. From the May Fair's inception in 1949, with the P.T.A. May Fair Committee. She was also the school's guiding light and inspiration in reference to the May Queen and her court along with the children's participation in homage to the Queen.  Mr. Everett B. Hollingsworth has greatly helped through his generosity in donating paintings. Many noted local artists have acted as judges for the Art Show which has grown in size and reputation.The school has greatly benefited. It has been the policy of the P.T.A. to purchase a painting for the school each year. Our Art Show is one of many talents. It is held thesame day as our MayFair in the school, also the day after the Fair. It is a real pleasure to walk around and see the real talent these artists have. You will find yourself very attraced to these artist. Before youknow it, you'll have purchased a painting. Our Art Show is opened to the entire community. Show your talent-enter a painting! The themes of our May Fair have been many and varied, such as: 1965 LET'S HAVE A CIRCUS 1966 FUN DAY 1970 QUOTATIONS FROM "WINNIE THE POOH" 1971 A WALK THROUGH STORY BOOK LAND 1972 DAISY 1973 THE LAND OF OZ   And this year's theme, THE WAY WE WERE, taking us back 25 fun-filled years of enjoyment and entertainment for both parents and children. Chairmanships are filled by volunteering, or being called by the chairman of the May Fair. It's a nice way to meet the other parents in the school. And it gives your child an extra special feeling that his parents are involved. Children like to show off their parents! Back to Table of Contents Chadds Ford's Fiftieth year The fiftieth year of the May Fair was celebrated on May 15, 1999. Click on a thumbnail to open the image .

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