Author: Manuel F. Simoes

Submitted by Fred Bodin

The Riverdale Horribles Parade originated in the agricultural Riverdale section of Gloucester in the late 1800’s. Riverdale farmers would bring their animals to march along with children dressed in strange costumes. The parade evolved over the past century to one of floats, fire engines, marching bands, and dignitaries waving from open convertibles. This photo was made from an 8×10 inch glass negative. It was probably taken about 1890, and the location is Washington Street and Cherry Reynard Street in Riverdale. The drum says “Riverdale” on top, and the second man from the left appears to be holding a horn instrument. The parade went from Riverdale Mills (Captain Hook’s and Richdale’s today) to the Fire Station on Stanwood Street. It now starts at Gloucester High School, loops thru Downtown, and ends back at the high school. It’s wildly popular, with scores of floats and thousands of cheering spectators along the route. I know, I marched the Horribles with the GMG crew last year. See http://www.fishtownhorribles.org/history.html for more information.