Minnesota weekly times. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1854-1859, 1855-07-10
Correspondence the Times.
CHANHASSEN-pIC MIC ON THE FOURTH
PLEASURE GATHERING.

CHANHA8SEN-pIC MIC On THE FOOh40-
PLEASURE GATHERING.
CHANuAssEN, MINI. July S, 1866.
Mr. EDIroR,-Have you ever visited our
township? 1t lies on the opposite side Of the
Minnesota river back of Shakopee, and extends
nearly to Lake Minnetonka. 1t was first set
tied about three years ago. 1t consists Of beau
tiful openings, broken by silver lakes, green
meadows, and shady tamarac thickets. We
have about $50 or 300 inhabitants: from New
York, Ohio, Massachusetts,, Pennsylvania, Old
England and Germany.
In order that we might all become acquaint-
ed with each other, we had picnic on the
"Fourth." A committee Of ladies and gentle
men were appointed to make arrangements
The gents selected place for the meeting, on
the shores Of one OF our little lakes. The trees
over head made very good shade, and the
ground sloped so gradually that the seats rose
one above another like an amphitheatre. In
front there was set table about fifty feet long,
and rostrum for the speakers. The ladies'
took it upon themselves TO provide the eatables,
and we'll indeed did they perform their duty.
The tables We're full as they could be, and ma
ny baskets were sent lack home unopened.
About twelve o'clock the assembly was call
ed to order by the Marshal, Mr.. Bingham, an
impressive prayer was then read by Deacon
Judd, after which several singers volunteered
from the crowd and under Mr.. Bingham lead
ing, sang an appropriate National Hymn. The
Declaration Of independence was then read by
Mr. Adams, from Shakopee; which was fol-
after which the dinner was discussed. Between
three and four hundred persons We're present.
There were large delegations from Carver,
Chaska, and Lake Mnneonka. We had ex-
pected Rev. Mr. Chamberlain, from St. An.
thony, to give an Grafton, but were disap-
pointed. Mr.. Thos B. Hunt, Of Chaska, was
then called on by the audience and was found
to be prepared with good speech. He gave
us a glowing account OF the trials Washington
had during his Presidency in l776. He also
cautioned US against dishonoring the memory
of De kalb, Kosciusko, Stcuben and La Fay.
cite. He then ntimated that it would be bet.
ter for Americans to rule America, and con-
Guided by some remarks in regard to the 'des-
tnation'' Of the country. The Speaker was
loudly cheered as he took his seat. We then
sang the "Star Spangled Banner" after which
all iormality was thrown aside, and various
amusing speeches, toasts, Sc, were made. Mr..
Hobson sung one or two comic songs in very
good style, one was the married mans rejoicing,
which produced quite sensation among some
OF the guests, who are unfortunately alone in
their cabins We don't know why they are so,
for certainly all the fair ones we saw were not
already ''mortgaged," and there were plenty of
them, so that it seemed to us that a man might |
be suited among them.
Some of the party joined in dance on the
green. Mr.. Judd was on hand with his da-
guerrian apparatus, catching shadows Of the
many groups.
About an hour before sun down the party
broke up; all left for their homes apparently
happy, and well pleased with their entertain
ment. We wish you Lad been with us, Mr.
Editor Truly yours, w.
10 We regret we could not he present, but
hope 10 meet our Chanllassen friends Oh some
future occasion.---ED.