The ABA, Ashland Boys Association, is the story of men who loved Ashland. The slogan "Welcome Home ABA" sparks fond memories for many current and former residents of the community.
The idea of returning home to Ashland is said to have originated at a state convention in Shamokin when several former residents happened to meet. The convention drifted to the time when they played together as boys in Ashalnd Talk turned to the "good old days" of swimming at the Bast Dam, playing baseball and other games and generally of good times spent together. Heratio Seeley is credited with making the remark, "Wouldn't it be great if we could ge the old gang together again?" Before the party broke up, J. Frank Hoover was assigned to write to all former Ashland residents whose addresses he could get, urging them to come to Ashland for the Labor Day weekend.
Exactly what year was the first ABA reunion held? According to Ashland
historian James Canfield, the question has long been a point of argument
for older residents of the town. But Canfield points to an article in the
Ashland (weekly) News to help settle the argument. The article was published
in 1901 and describes the love of home that was the heart of the organization.
***From the Evening Herald Commemerative Issue, Saturday, August 27, 1988.**
Today the annual parade still continues. It is held on the saturday before Labor Day. Bands from all over the country enter the different divisions and prizes are awarded for the best in the catagory. Natives from all over the country come back home. The community is bustling with activities. Visit the Pioneer Tunnel, The Anthracite Museum, The Mother's Memorial, and the annual parade.
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