Glimpse history through old images of Dover, Delaware, in the United States of America.
Roads & Armed Forces Day 1957
This 16mm cine film from 1957 was recorded by the State Highway Department. Therefore, the footage focuses on major roads and complicated junctions in use.
However, you get glimpses of some Dover buildings, lots of cars, and the occasional pedestrian. No doubt the roads and junctions have changed considerably since 1957.
There’s also footage of a military parade taking place at Dover Air Force Base (DAFB). According to one of the YouTube comments, it was probably Armed Forces Day, discussed in an article in the Wilmington Morning News on May 13, 1957 and scheduled for the following Saturday.
The C-124 was normally stationed at DAFB, whereas the B-47 was only there for a short time.
There were more than a thousand Dover AFB officers and airmen taking part, joined by Army Reserve participants plus guards from the American Legion posts in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach.
Princess Anne College, which was by then renamed Maryland State College, (today called the University of Maryland Eastern Shore), provided the AFROTC marching band.
Although we don’t see them, fire companied from towns across Delaware were attending, and the Caesar Rodney HS band performed a concert.
We do get some nice clear shots of some of the adults and children standing in the crowd of spectators.
Dover, Delaware – 1957 – Delaware Public Archives on YouTube
Old Dover Days 1980
On May 3rd, 1980, crowds of spectators turned out to watch the parade in Dover, DE. Unfortunately the home movie is silent but it fascinating to watch.
Music and marching provided by Dover High School Senator Band, Central Middle School’s 7 & 8 Grade Band, William Henry Middle School band, and from Felton there’s the Lake Forest Spartan High School band.
After discharge of guns, there’s some jolly singing and dancing from a large group of costumed children, who then take part in Maypole dancing! At the end are some shots of an entertainer and a clown.
There are nice clear shots of many spectators (some of them probably passed in the last 40 years), and participants will almost certainly spot themselves. So it’s of interest to hundreds of people and their families.
Yet only 175 people had watched this video in the NINE YEARS it has been available on YouTube. That’s why I set up this website – these are hidden gems stuck at the bottom of a YouTube algorithm.
Old Dover Days 1980 – Dad’s Home Movies on YouTube
Home Movie clip 1980
The images from this home movie clip filmed in 1980 of east Dover aren’t crips and clear, but if you know the street they are driving along you may well spot changes in the location over the past 40 years.
1980 Easter Dover DE – Jennifer Ivy on YouTube
