Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1874-09-04
). S. Picnic.
OTTEnvILLE, Aug. 2Sth 1874.

OTTERvILLE, Aug. 2Sth 1874.
Mn. EDIToR.--I send you an item of
news. Some weeks ago, Thursday, Aug.
9th, had been selected as the day for a
general picnic. At least eight schools
were expected to meet each other on that
day. The place of meeting was to be a
beautiful oak grove, owned by Mr. VIM
Hayes, about nine miles north of Indcpen-
dence. Allafrangements were made as
far Us necessary for a good time and we
looked forward with pleasant expecta-
tons. These were soon almost blighted
by a rain that set in, on the afternoon of
the Goth, which continued all night till
seven next morning. About this time
you may depend there was some sorry
looking faces, especially among the child
rem. Soon, however, it ceased raining
and we took courage, and after a time of
rallying we started with flying colors.
Others did the SANG, Littleton NJ. E. S. S,
being first on the ground, next came the
Ouerville, then the Sheridan, after while
the Hazelton Union, finally to bring up
the rear came the Hazelton Station, S. S,
Between -four and five hundred men,
women md children were thus assembled
altogether.
Banners and flags were soon beautifully
around the stand in front of the
audience. Our exercises at the stand
were necessarily short, but very pleasant
President ]. w Nssell OF Fayctte, and
Rev W. F. Paxton OF Waterloo, were fo
have been our principal speakers, but ow-
ing no doubt to the weather they were not
present. Under the circumstances 1.-THE
writer not daring to stand in the place of
these eloquent oratOrs) we were minus
speeches. Our organist, Mr.. Newton
White, of Fairbanks, was also absent, but
we all turned our Threats into practical
use, each one playing his own organ. The
effect was delightful; harmony, melody,
and volume were the principal features to
be noticed in these efforts. Tuning up
our vocal organs we sang together for our
opening song, ave praise Thee, 0 God, )"
after which Rev. NJ Dolphin offered an
appropriate prayer. Then followed a
few excellent songs from the different
schools. Next came bountiful dinner,
and hungry set we were, for it was then
about 2 P. NJ. The Hazleton township
schools preferred table picnic, and long
tables had been prepared. which were
soon covered with abundance to satisfy
he cravings of nature.
looked agein, and behold, this large
supply had mysteriously disappeared.
The rest of the schools took an humble
POSITION near the ground, spreading our
tablecloths on the seats and arranging in
S. NJ. for a grand feast, which we all en-
joyed hugely, soon PUTTING ourselves out
side of fine assortment of edibles Din
ner over, now for an hour of real social
enjoymsnt and innocent amusement
Three swings are soon in active use. A
good lemonade and confectionery stand
is soon surrounded by pleasant faces,
waiting their turn.
As the trumpet tour own vocal mouth
piece) sounded Attention" soon we were
quietly seated around the stand. First,
song by the Sheridan school, Pass me
not, o gentle Saviour" Then came an
acrostic by the Otterville school ON the
word Love, eight young ladies taking part
in the exercise. The result was the for
nation of the word Love" in the shape
of an arch out of small punches of flow
ers, very pleasing to the eye, also good
lesson to the heVrt; numerous texts of
scripture were used in its formution.-
Singing by the Hazleton Union school,
very appropriate song. Next motto cx-
ercise by the Otterville s. S., led by J. N.
Hovey, Assistant Supt This exercise
consisted in each class repeating scrip
tural mntto corresponding with their name
printed o. banners carried by the classes.
Singing by same school. Then came
very encouraging report from the Halle
ton Union S. s., given by its Secretary,
Mr.. E. Lewis. Such reports we love to
listen to. l suggest that if we ever meet
again for another picnic, let us all bring
similar reports. A few closing remarks
followed by the writer, then we all joined
in singing, shall we gather at the river"
Finally, in reply to question GLOW ma
ny feel they have had a good time?" a
multitude of hands went up, the bcnedic-
ton was pronounced, and thus pleasant
ly ended one of the best picnics ever at
tended. Such gatherings know have
wonderful influence in developing our soci-
al nature, bringing Is more closely together
IN the bonds of friendship and love, cheer
ing the hearts of the children, enlisting
our interest in the Sabbath School. Let
us have more such picnics.
j. DAWSON.