This Saturday, August 31st, will mark Ashland's annual tradition of the ABA parade. Along with the parade, Ashland will also unveil a historical marker recognizing the Ashland Boys' Assocation. While this parade has changed over the years, Ashland borough residents have refused to let it die and are beginning to bring it back to life. This year's parade is expected to have over 70 units.One of the center pieces of the parade is Ashland's Mother's Memorial.
The memorial was erected in 1938 and the ABA raised the funds for the fabrication and erection of this monument.
The monument construction was first proposed at the 1933 ABA reunion. Members felt that such a memorial would represent the very foundation of the organization, because their motto "Come on home" and home evoked thoughts of one's mother.
Some ABA members, and borough residents, advocated the building of library instead, but the memorial was decided upon and gained the town's full support.
The statue itself is based off of the painting "Whister's Mother".
The statue was designed by Emil Siebern and sculpted by Julius Loester. Both were from New York.
The ABA will kick off at Noon this Saturday, August 31, will start at Hoffman Blvd and Walnut St. Travel to 21st street on Walnut, then back down Centre St. where the parade will end at the Mother's Memorial where the historical marker dedication will take place.
