Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1871-05-30
A PEDAGOGICAL PICNIC.
NormaIs on the Rampage-'A Bill OF FaIr,,-
On the Mississippi-A Pic-nic-specht CITY
Dubuque and -, Paul x ailway-Prob.
able early OmpletiOn-HospitaIity.


Last Saturday, it will be remem-
bered, was a pleasant day, and a
warm. And it came to pass that
several carriage loads of Platteville
Normal students, and other members
OF the birch welding fraternity, en-
bryotic and full fedged, went to Po-
tosi. At the place where Specht's
steam ferry now lands they were
Joined by quartette from Lancaster,
comprising Prof. Chas. I'll. Allen, two
well known lady teachers, and yours
most respectfully. While waiting
for the boat To start, Prof A. made
out the following "Bil OF Fair !"
Eva Mills, Lydia Ruggles, Rose
Graham, Sarah Washburne, Clara
Rand, Miss Hutton, Miss Raft, Miss
McGregor, Miss Tracy, Abbie White,
Ada Kyle, vi. Hutchens, Libbie
Treganowan, and Phebe Grigsby, Of
Plattevile the Misses Jones of Lam
caster; Miss Seaton and Miss Mayne
Of Potosi."
The gentlemen Of the party were,
but TAO matter pho they were.
Hale fellows, all, is iChdt they were,
and THAT'S the truth
The ride on the General Harri-
son" was appreciated In the canal
ne heat was somewhat intense, and
the scenery not Of the most attract
iyo, but on the broad and glittering
Mississippi cooling breeze prevail
Ell, and everything was at once
grand aaiubrious and delightful.
When The ambitions little craft
nearcd the Iowa shore, two blasts
were fired by the workmen employed
in grading the Dubuque and st, Paul
railway, THIS was taken as Il salute
IN honor OF the distinguished party,
who were about TO honor a neigh
boring State by treading her produc-
tive soil, and pIc-nicing in the shade
Of her quiet groves The excursion.
lists were landed at Specht City.
The baskets, shawls, umbrellas and
"bill Of fair" were taken to cool,
shady glen some short distance in the
rear of the town In a delightful
spot, among messy rocks, on the
bank Of u gurgling brook the peda-
gogues sat down to eat, drink and
be merry. A plenteous repast had
been provided, and there was no ne
cessity for any one to "cloy the hun
cry edge of appetite by bare imagin-
alton OF feast"
After the banquet some OF the par
ty had a glorious swim in the Missis-
sppi The sudden coming up Of
shower made the whole party seek
shelter in the Specht City hotel, a
substantial stone structure, large
enough to garrison q brigade, and
now used as boarding place for the
laborers employed by the Dubuque
and ST. Paul railway company.
While waiting for the rain to cease
falling, the party were taken on
board tho "Milwaukee," that fine
and large old steamboat, whereof the
gentlcmanly Mr. Laughton Of Platte
VILE is Captain. The boats nozzle
was not "held agin' the bank" as
John Hay persists 10 stating; for
that is not the precise manner in
which steamboats, effect a landing
whom they have passengers and
freight to take on board and ga
loots" to put on shore.
Before tho summer closes, Dubuque
and St. Paul VIII be connected by
rail, This wal! necessitate the estab-
lshment Of stations at different
points along the route, and prove an
incalculable benefit to every Grant
county village located on the Mssis>
sippi The road is already graded
for many miles, and it is expected
that trains will run to Specht City,
opposite Potosi on or before the
coming Fourth Of July. The work
was begun some time lass Fail, and
has been steadily carrie d forward
ever since. Some thirty-fve men
are now employed by the company,
When once more on the soil of
Wisconsin, tho party separated with
much promiscuous embracing and
throwing Of kisses. Eight members
Of the wearied pic-nicers rode over
the hills to the hospilablo farm house
Of Mr.. Grigsby near Potosi. Here
kindness and many favors were
shown them by Mr.. G. and his gen.
orous-hoarted family, A supper
was provided which all enjoyed to
the full extent Of the law, or words to
that sage effect. The picnic was no
SLOUGH of an affair, say what you will.
And thus endeth our hasty report
Of a pedagogical picnic.
ROUNDABOUT