Everything Old is New Again

History Wire continues to enjoy a sun-filled week at Martha's Vineyard, off the coast of Cape Cod.

Remember your grandparents telling you about community singalongs led by the local band or orchestra, that used to be held on the village green back in the day? And how the emcee would lead the group in rounds and silly, interactive musical games? And how the songs included such long ago classics as The Battle Hymn of the Republic, East Side, West Side; and Down by the Old Mill Stream? A page right out of Norman Rockwell.

Can you believe that History Wire attended such a gathering last night in the village of Oak Bluffs, which was in fact the 125th annual community singalong in that town? And that the capacious Tabernacle in the town center was not only filled to overflowing with more than 1,000 people but that more attendees stood outside looking in than those able to get seats? And, most surprisingly, that there was actually a good mix of kids (even teenagers), and the middle-aged as well as elderly folk in this racially-mixed crowd?

How does one account for the overwhelming turnout, in this Internet age, at an event more typical of the 19th and early 20th centuries than of the 21st? Can it be that the need for community feeling is genetically inbred? That going to a corny singalong gives us the same comforting feeling as going to Grandma's house for turkey and the fixins on Thanksgiving? Whatever it is, it's clear that the past is alive and well on Martha's Vineyard.