This collection consists of 8 scrapbooks documenting the Ontario All States Picnic and Parade, held annually in Ontario each July. The scrapbooks were created by the All States Picnic, Inc., which was responsible for planning the event. The scrapbooks consist of newspaper clippings, correspondence, photographs, and ephemera from each annual event.

The idea for an All-States Picnic was taken from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce annual chamber dinner when diners were seated in state groups. From 1916-1939 the Federation of All States held a picnic in John Galvin Park during the summer. In 1939 the picnic was moved to Euclid Avenue’s parkway. The All States Picnic was incorporated in 1949 and by 1951 was a permanent community event held on the 4th of July. Attendance peaked in 1948 and again in 1961 at 120,000. Interest waned until the event was discontinued in 1981. It was revived in 1991 for Ontario’s Centennial and continues to this day on a much smaller scale.

3 linear feet

Collection is open for research.

The collecion is available during the regular operating hours of the Model Colony History Room or by appointment.