Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1868-09-02
THE 0LO SETTLERS PICNIC.
N.4TLD L.9.v'G Si.vE.'


I'll I AD AsHsv u - ~ ~
AGraad Rosniea.
We doubt exceedingly if there has ever
been 10 o'clock train going Eist. that
bore happier crowd than did The one
this msrning that conveyed the Old Set
tiers to the Island, there to enjoy one of
tn cir good old fsshionsd pie-nics. At pre-
cissly the hour named the numerous bas-
kets and bundles containing solid refresh
ments for the inner man, were saieiy
slowed in tie baggage car, and Elk coaches
we'll filed With "vstsrans'' and their fam
lily moved away.
Arriving At Rock Island three more cars
containing the Rock Island Society we're
taken on-and the train returned 10 the
Island and taking the side track when
extends to the govt works in The centre OF
the Islsnd set the party down within i'w
minutes walk Of their proposed "sncsmp.
msnt. The day was lovely-just cloudy
enough to prevent its being uneomfortaoly
warm-and the grounds selected were per-
fsctly bsautful-nobls old trees overshad
owing . pleasant green swafd with the
happy groups scattered ever ito face
formed picture no readily forgotten.
As soon % every one had become in
measure settled, some on the seats prevl-
dsd for that purposs-ons some on the
grass-Judge Grant, President Of the Scott
County Pioneers. made few remarks, in
which he said that thero would bs no form
ality observed d--evsryb body must enjoy
themselves as best they could, and - they
saw fit. lie announced the names Of those
members Of the Association who had pass
ed to the better land during the last year,
and paid . tribute Of respect to their
memory.
After . prayer by the clergyman Of the
Rock Island society, Judge Grant intro
duced Hon. John F. Dillon, who
proceeded to deliver the oration.-
II was one Of that gentlsman's happisst sf-
forts. Lingering with heartfelt emotions
among the recollsctions Of the past, he
dwelt upon the mingled joys and sorrows
that marked the advent Of the pioneer into
this far West Intsrspersed with graphic
description and touching incident, It
brought wildly before the minds of HE
hearers the blended trials and happy hosrs
Of their early frontier life; and - they
looked around on the band gathered to-
gether, they saw that some Of the "good
old gray heads were missing-who had
fought the good fght-and had departed to
70 join the assembly Of those who had gone
before. Long be their memories green.
The address was listened to with deep
attention throughout, and was - happy Z
blending, Of poetic idea, humor, and pathes
a. il has been our good lot to listen to
for these many months.
At the conclusion Of Judge Dillon's ad-
dress, the President announced dinner -
the next thing in order, and with that en-
ergy which has ever characterized the early
settlers Of both sides Of the river, . grand
charge was made on the satablss. Numer-
Gus tables had been erected for the purpose
of serving dinner thereon, but they we're
found to be insuf1icisnt-so the old folks.
returning ., once to first principles, camp
cd out under the trees, and partoek Of their
rspast with much zsst. The order Of the
day was for every one to bring their own
dinner in baskets, and such display ofths
culinary skill Of our pioneer moth
ers as was there witnessed will be long re-
membered.
After dinner-general convsrsation-
walking about and music by the Citizens
band, who, by the way, furnished excellent
music, was generally fellowed-groups
strolled over the luxuriant green. carpet,
here and there bevy Of young folks-lin-
cal decsndents Of the pioneers, and good
looking boys and girls they are too-mak-
ing tho air ring with their merliment.-
Farther on group Of the old folks"
talking ovsr-half laughingly and half re-
gretfully, the good old times" that have
gone to return no more, and yondsr may be
seen the portly form Of one Of the foremost
pioneers, telling choice story Of the BY
gone times to circle Of laughing listeners.
But the hearty greetings, the cordial shake
Of the hand. and the outwelling Of trust
full confidence, show that they are indeed,
if not in name, At least in heart band Of
brothers. Tho afternoon thus passed in
the pleasant interchange Of thought
aud feeling, varied with spesshss
songs and ether amusemsnts. To say that
those present enjoyed it, would Be feeble.
May they oil live to meet sgain next year,
and enjoy . similar occasion-apd % the
yssrs roll on, il 70 the wish Of al their
friends that time may gently touch them
toward the close Of their pilgrimage.