The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1871-06-10
Glorious Picnic.

Iron Bridge across the Vermillion river at Lowell
in this county, took place on the Sth inst The
day was beautiful for the occasion, and the occa-
sion beautified for the day.
AT an early hour the crowd began to assemble
in the grove on the bluff near the north end of
the bridge. The farmers had decided to make
this 3 dag OF rest and pleasure. and accordingly
brought their families, and baskets of good
things Tor the inner man. Young men turned
out in masses with their "June bugs" las Bow
man would say Citizens of all ages, from all
parts of the county, joined in the picnic celebra-
ton over the completion of the long needed
bridge over the rapids of the Vermillion Many a
farmer had been disappointed at not being able to
cross this stream to get to mill times without
humber Many young man had disappo n,ed his
sweetheart Sunday night. because he could not
cross the ' Nerm;llion TO fill an engagement
These troubles were now past, and day of
general rejoicing shaking of hands, congratula-
tions, and eating and drinking, the lat'er was
lemonade and cold tea, from glass packages. We
know it was cold tea because we tasted a quart
of it,
At noon the picnic formally opened by
the appointment Of Saml. r. Lewis, ESQ, to the
chair, and Lyman CALDWELL, ESQ, as secretary
After which the meeting adjourned for refresh
| ments, which, by tho way, refreshes US at the
mention.
Tables by the dozen, Of all rizes, esuld be seen
for q half mile around through the grove. The
| tables Srosned with loads of good things, and
after an hour or two the .roaning seemed to be
changed from the tables to individuals who sat
around them; it was humiliating to publicly ac.
knowledge ones incapsci'y TO obey the Scripture
injunction which says, Eat all that is set before
you, asking favors for DDS sake" lif the quo
taton is nat correct, il is because there WAS no
Bible at the pic-nic)
At ? =. NJ the Utica Brass Band summoned the
| crowd TO the speaker stand, which was tas.eily
and substantially built, and over which hung
large American flag
Mr.. s. r. Lewis made the opening address,
which, though brief. was appropriate, pointed
and interesting, especially 10 the older portion Of
the audience, who could well remember state.
eats as TO the early settlers troubles and trials
in crossing the river now spaRned by the sub
stantial bridge, the completion of which we were
celebrating. Elmer Baldwin, Esq, then followed
with speech Of considerable length, of which
your correspondent WAS deprived hearing.
Several old settlers made brief speeches. the
names OF whom We arc not in possession of at
this writing. Capt Cogswell made the closing
speech, which was full Of 'cast iron asd humor.
Gus anecdotes
The Utica Brass Brand enlivexed tho occasion
with some Of the best music it has been our priv.
elege to hear in long time.
Bowman, the ubiquitous photographer, was on
hand at an early hour with his view coach, and
could be seen taking the bridge, scenery. groups
OF people, and dinner tables, latter we think
he did ample justice to, at any rate we think we
could prove by DR.. Paul, VIM. Palmer Caldwell
Grey, and several others, who won't insist on
the pbotist's taking their tables any more thus
Summer, rs it seemed to satisfy them that it was
no wonder the Clifton hotel did not declare divi.
dends to its stockholders
At =. u the crowd--which must have mum.
bered 100 acres well packed with people and
teams--began TO leave, having had one of tho
best and largest picnic days ever enjoyed in the
county, and probably will not be excelled until
the annual old settlers picnic, in Judge Cations
park in August.