Growing up, Columbus Day was always a bit of a different holiday. Columbus is frowned upon today, but back in my childhood, he was just an historical character who happened to have a holiday named for him.

It wasn’t like Christmas or Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day because it wasn’t a day for gift giving or family gatherings.

I always remember it as Parade Day. Many towns – both large cities like New York and San Francisco and smaller places, too – held parades where families would turn out to view all the bands and organizations marching down a main street.

It was a fun time for everyone, but because it was October, the weather could be really nice and comfortable or a bit on the chilly side. All that meant was dressing appropriately.

Luckily for me, the parade marched right down Lexington Avenue in Passaic, New Jersey so all I had to do was walk half a block to the corner of my street where it met up with Lexington.

I don’t really have any memories of my parents taking me to the parade, but I do remember Nana and I walking down to watch. We never took any photos as far as I can remember.

Here’s a picture taken on 12 October 1912 of U.S. sailors marching. It’s in the public domain, but the city isn’t identified. The date reminded me that Columbus Day used to always be celebrated on October 12th. Now it’s a federal holiday always celebrated on a Monday to provide a 3-day holiday weekend.

Sadly, today, instead of fun parades, it’s mostly a day known for holiday shopping.