This DVD consists of many old silent film reels of parade footage from various locations. The reels have been digitized and converted to DVD format, making this a very unique collector?s item. The films in this collection range from 1912 to 1945. Included are two vintage Asian parades, two Mardi Gras parades, a firefighting parade and a New York parade.

Included Content:

Parade of the Wooden Soldiers

Length: 7 Minutes | Produced:1940s

This gem from the Stillman Fire Collection contains classic footage of old firefighters parading through the street as part of a large procession. Historic fire apparatus machines are on full display, making this an invaluably useful research tool to learning about vintage firefighting. A display of building climbing techniques caps off this great short film.

Mardi Gras: Parade of Nor

Length: 9 Minutes | Produced:1941

This extremely rare amateur footage of 1941s Mardi Gras shows a very different celebration than that of modern day. The footage includes the Krewe of Nor, a childrens krewe, and the Krewe of Venus, which are parade troupes that no longer exist (though the Krewe of Little Rascals currently performs). The elegantly decorated floats are hand-drawn, and usually have only a few people on board. There is no wanton flinging of cheap beads, as beads back then were made of glass and were given out more sparingly. Tantalizing footage of costumed revelers dressed as cowboys, pirates, and clowns dazzle on screen. All in all, this film provides a wonderful nostalgic view of a more elegant and civilized Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras: Parade of Krewe of Rex

Length: 9 Minutes | Produced:1941

This amateur footage of the Krewe of Rex parading in the 1941 Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans has spectacular color. It documents just how different the celebration of pre-World War II is from the modern ones. The spectators are all lavishly costumed as cowboys and Indians, characters from Gone with the Wind, and others. They participate with the parade instead of just standing on the sidelines. The floats emulate creativity and loving craftsmanship. There is also footage of a dance contest where the contestants throw themselves into the spirit of things with a reckless joy. This is valuable documentation of an early Mardi Gras, a jubilant and nostalgic film that captures the elegance and intimacy of earlier celebrations.

Parade Celebrating Chinese Republic

Length: 3 Minutes | Produced:1912

This is a short collection of footage from 1912 San Francisco, where people were celebrating the formation of the new Chinese Republic.

Chinese Lion Dance: Marysville, California

Length: 10 Minutes | Produced:1925

This is awesome footage from a Chinese New Year Bok Kai festival, with lots of footage of the parade dragon and fireworks. What an interesting slice of immigrant life in early 20th century California!