The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1873-05-31
FROM UTICA.
ChildrenS, PICNIC.
FIi,Es.

The children of this village and vicinity
had their May party and pic mic on Saturday
the 18th inst, which proved to be grand at
fair The day was warm and pleasant, and
everything seemed to favor the little folks.
The children commenced to assemble early
in the morning in Mr.. Mr.. j. b. Pcckham's
grove, on the bluff, which is indeed lovely
spot and where elaborate preparations had
been made for their accommodation; and ere
the sun had reached its meridian, hundreds of
children and adults were seen skipping through
the grove, and their merry laugh was heard
cchoing among the trees. \ sumptuous din
ncr was served at noon, some eating from
tables, and others spreading their repast upon
the green grass. Several kinds Of amusing
games were INDUCED in, such as croquet,
clisthenics, dancing, swinging, &c. At three
O'Clock p. NJ. the ceremony of browning the
May Queen came off, and very large num-
Der of people had congregated to witness
| this beautiful ceremony, which was taken
from Johnson Cratoro of the May Queen,
or Day Among the Roses" The grand cor
upon large platform which had been built
for the occasion, and which was beautifully
trimmed with flags, wrcaths, flowers, arches,
throne Nc and which was very beautiful to
behold. The May Queen was Miss Jennie
Taylor, who sustained her part admirably,
and in her beautiful robes, trimmed and fes-
tooncd with flowers, looked very much Ikea
queen Of the fairies, and one weEwould cheer
fully pay homage to. She was crowned with
crown of roses by Miss Lottie Clark, assist
ed by Misses Grace Peckham and Libbie
Holman, who presented the Queen with the
garland and scepter of flowers. Misses Minnie
Irwin, Mary Ray, Ella Briggs and Ephigenia
Irwin were maids of honor, and Misses Anna
Peckham and Louisa Sweet were the grand
marshals Then came the offerings of bou
quets and flowers to the queen by the little
girls, Miss May Halliday, Julia Peckham,
Allie Dunan, Earnestine Irwin, Glady Ames,
Nettie Irwin, Carry Hughes, Eta Collins,
Sarah Irwin and Louise Taylor
This part of the ceremony was lovely in
the extreme, in fact, all of it was very beauti-
full, and performed without single mistake
or hesitation. The girls were all beautifully
dressed, and as we gazed upon the scene we
could but imagine ourselves in Arcadia, or
the land of the fairies.
Next followed the May pole dance, which
was performed by the Misses Jennie Taylor,
Lottie Clark, Anna and Grace Peckham and
masters Gillie Lee, James Peckham and Tru-
man and George Clark Then followed
other dancings upon the green, and games
and other amusements ~. 6.
The Utica brass band and orchestra were
in attendance, and added greatly to the en-
joyment of those present performing many
excellent pieces of music, and aiding in the
ceremonies of the day.
1t was near nightfall before the little ones
could be induced to dispcrsc and all united
in saying that it was the most pleasant and
happy day of their lives. A nice stand had
fruit, nuts and candy were dispensed much
to the comfort of those present.
Many thanks are due to Mr. Peckham for
the able manner in which he conducted the
whole affair, and for the use of his beautiful
grove, ard alsoto the Utica Brass Band and
orchestra, who so kindly volunteered their
services for the amusement Of the children
We wish the dear little folks many happy
return of their joyous May Day Party,