Los Angeles daily herald., 1874-08-12
THE CHANGERS ABROAD.
A Picnic I'm the WOOds-HOw They do
ia Gala Day Among the Comp
tOnites.

tOn1teS.
A cloudless sky, an effulgent sun,
spreading soft, silvery sheen upon a
scene of rural beauty; an immense
plain, dotted here and there with cosy
homes, groves of willows, huge fields
of corn with the bright green foliage
waved TO and fro by the soft breath of
the midsummer air; the tall peaks of
the Sierra Madre in the distance, half
veiled in the sluggish haze, forming a
picture of more than passing lovliness;
the sun diffusing seeming simmer
over the quiet scene; smooth road,
free from dust; good team, pleasant
companions, and select budget of
fun from which to choose for the graf
ification of the mental, the moral,
and the epicWean man ah! who
wouldn't be a Granger? Such, Mr..
Editor, were the musings of your cor
respondent as he was whirled rapidly
away by a Granger team to attend the
celebration of the anniversary Of
Compton Grange No. 81, P. of H.
PREPARATIONS, LOCALITY, ETC.
For some time past, preparations
have been quietly going forward to
commemorate by a grand picnic the
birthday of the aforementioned Or
der in this place. The committee to
whom the management of the affair
was intrusted, matured carefully con-
ceived plans and entered into the spirit
of the thing with a zest indicative of
their zeal and prognostic of success.
And, while the elite of Los Angeles
were sweltering under fiery canopy,
or calmly reposing upon the bosom of
the scorching sands or disporting in
the murky waters of the riotous Pa
citic at our various watering places,
deluded into the belief that those ques-
tionable enjoyments are a specific for
all the ills that flesh is heir to, these
hardy sons and daughters of "ye hon
est farmer were preparing for their
gala day of pleasure in manner con-
sistent with their desires. Among the
numerous environs of our embryo city
there is no spot more admirably suited
to picnics than what is known as
Peck's Grove. The trees are large,
tall, and covered with heavy foliage,
which completely excludes the rays of
the sun. The underground had been
carefully cleared away, speakers
stand erected, seats arranged, and last,
but not least, tables wound in and out
among the trees, their dainty white
coverings seeming to invite attention
from an already appreciative assem-
hn Of OWL
stand was hung the Granger banner,
Compton choir, lead by Prof. Charley
Lewis, were to be promptly in attend
ance, and Hon. Alfred Higbie was to
deliver the Grafton.
THE ARRANGEMENTS WERE COM
PLETE.
At 1880 A. NJ. Of the 9th instant, u
large assemblage from various parts
of the county had gathered upon the
ground and were called to order by
Judge j. e. McComas, Master of Cere-
monies, who in few terse and appro-
pirate remarks stated the objects of
the gathering, etc. Rev. G. w. Tar
then offered prayer, after which the
Farmers Declaration of Independ-
ence was read. Hon. Alfred Higbie
was then introduced, and addressed
the assemblage for over an hour upon
questions of interest to the Changers,
the issues of the day they are called
upon to meet, and eXhorting them to
stand firmly on the platform of reform
which they have adopted. Space will
not permit me to give synopsis Of
his able and eloquent appeal. AT the
close M. Wiley rendered an excel
lent original poem entitled "The
Granger Band" Several speakers
followed, among whom was the Rev.
G. w. Tar. The ceremonies were in
terspersed with appropriate music by
the choir, Miss Annie Brown presiding
at the ora1e and if am not trespass-
ing, Mr.. Ed1Gbr, permit me to say the
young lady acquitted herself in a
highly creditable manner. At the
close the audience were treated to a
feast in every respect worthy the or
der. In truth, sir, 1 think the highest
commentator that could be bestowed
upon it would be to say, it was a
Granger Feast.
When the busy threng around the
tables had begun to disperse, the loud
calls for music induced Prof. Lewis
and his talented lady to crafty their
friends with one of the most pleasant
musical entertainments to which it
has been my pleasure to listen in this
county. The Professor was in his
happiest mood, and rendered several
pieces with touching power and pa
thos. After the old folks had departed,
music and dancing was the order of
the day, and your correspondent not
being disciple of the mythical Terp-
sichore, left the young people to the
enjoyment of their seductive pleasure.
The utmost good order prevailed
throughout the day, and for the nonce
the "genus hoodlum" failed to put in
an appearance. On the whole it was
most enjoyable affair and will linger
long tn the memory Of J. Az