Come Show Off Your Progeny in the Baby Parade!

Following up on our childcare blog a few weeks ago, (Childcare in the Early 20th Century) this week we’d like to highlight baby parades from years past. These parades were historically a popular event in Monmouth County New Jersey. The first baby parade was held in 1890 where 200 children participated to compete for the grand prize of a baby carriage. In 1910, Asbury Park’s Baby Parade became the most popular event, drawing thousands of spectators. Baby parades have spread throughout the country, making every stage mom’s dream come true!

Image with heading "Figures in Asbury Park's Baby Parade" shows images of people involved in the baby parade.

Image above, featured in August 26, 1914 Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser, shows famous figures in Asbury Park’s Baby Parade including Queen Titania XIV, queen of the baby parade.

Image with heading "Some of the Entrants for Prizes in Baby Parade at Orange Valley Fair" shows images of babies who entered in the contest.

The image above, featured in November 24, 1911 Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser, shows some of the future contestants in the Orange Valley Fair’s Baby Parade. The contestants will compete in three classes, good looks, appearance, and fancy costumes.

Image with heading "Newark and Kerny Tots for Asbury Park Parade" shows first contestants in Asbury Park's Baby Parade.

The image above, featured in July 08, 1910 Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser, shows Nina and Philip Stevenson who are the first contestants to enter in the Baby Parade in Asbury Park Carnival. Entries pour from all over state in the hope to compete for luxurious prizes.

Image with caption "Miss Helen Van Pelt, Baby Queen Last Year" shows the queen of last year's baby parade in South Amboy.

Miss Helen Van Pelt, show in the image above, featured in August 13, 1915 Perth Amboy Evening News, was Baby Queen in last year’s baby parade in South Amboy. I wonder how long it took for her to stay still for this photo?

Image with heading "Queen Titania, Some of the Contesting Children, and Their Floats" shows Queen Titania and contestants with their floats.

Image above, featured in August 27, 1913 Newark Evening Star and Newark Advertiser, shows some of the contestants and their floats. Do not let these cute faces fool you, they mean business!

(Contributed by Kristi Chanda)

Source:

Guide to the Asbury Park Baby Parade photos 1911-1920 MG 1564. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://jerseyhistory.org/guide-to-the-asbury-park-baby-parade-photos1911-1920/

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