Old Fashion Clambake ~ Eating Under the Pines

On the last Saturday in July since I can remember my little town celebrates Old Home Day with an old-fashion clambake.  It's a time when all Carverites "come home" to Carver to share a feast under the pines in Shurtleff Park.  The Park is in the middle of Carver, across the street from the Town Hall, Library, Fire and Police Stations.






 Early in the morn, all the "workers" assemble at the park and start washing the clams and preparing the vegetables.  A huge bonfire of used lumber and logs are criss-cossed in a log cabin style.

























Over under a tree, Mrs. Dunham is washing the clams.


















Meanwhile, the volunteer firemen are preparing the vegetables.




Corn needs to be husked.


Onions peeled.  This is Michael Harriman.  Michael was in Papa's Webelo's group long ago.  Behind Michael in the dark sunglasses is Craig Weston.  Craig, our Fire Chief, was in my fourth grade class many years ago.  When our house burnt down in 2002, it was Craig who was first on the scene.



Eric Weston, cousin of Craig, was in Will's class.  I remember the year when the two of them wrestled with Latin with Mrs. Kispet.



Helping Craig prepare the potatos is Ricky Weeden, another classmate of Will's.  That's what was really strange this year.  When I was little, it was Craig and Eric's grandfather that organized Old Home Day.  Then in the 70's, Craig's father, Gary (who was a year older then me) and Mark (who was a year younger) ran the day.  This year, the torch passed on to the next generation....Gary and Mark merely stood around watching the young perform and offering suggestions.

"Hey, Gary, how come you passed the torch on to Craig?" I asked.

"Getting too old, Bob.  Takes a lot of muscle to heave those crates.  It's time for the young to take over."

"We're not old, Gary.  Your just a year older then I.  I don't consider myself old."

"Then you can tell Craig your ready to work.  He'll give you something to do."

"No, I think I will pass.  I'll be the photographer.  I'll record for posterity Old Home Day."

As I walked off, I managed to snap a picture of onions all set for the bake.


Nearby was the truck carrying the seaweed.  When the fire burns down, the crates of clams and vegetables are put on the hot coals and then covered with seaweed and for the next four hours, they will bake.


Meanwhile much is happening under the pines.  There are many booths selling all sorts of things including Presidents.  Come along with me and explore the fair grounds....


Down Memory Lane is the Old Mill Stone where you can sign the guest book.


At the Historical Table one can view pictures of the past.  Hey wait a minute....is that my second grade class picture?  Am I that old to be included among all the old pictures.  Ummm.




Can you tell which one is me?  I will give you a hint.  I am wearing a skirt with suspenders and have a bow on my blouse.  Funny thing is I can name everyone in this picture...and for the most part I see them around town all the time. 


Continueing on our journey, we come to the Democratic Party Table.  I chose not to do the same for the Republicans....although they have a large following in our town.


Go Obama!




There are tables offering scarves and jewelry...and crafts and games too.







Baked goods....knitted goods....












Old Home Day even has its own Art Show.  I remember the year Zach got a First Prize when he was in second or third grade.






Meanwhile, the smell of the clambake permeates the air.  All too soon, Craig says its time to eat....and all gather under the tall pines in anticipation for the best meal of the summer.























The wooden crates are lifted out of the steaming, burning coals.



Soon enough, everyone is enjoying the feast....once again, residents in a small New England town come together to remember the past and create memories for the future.











Thanks for coming by and experiencing my home town.