The Van Buren press., 1875-08-03
Great Day at Michael's Grove.
A ADAY WITH THE CHANGERS.
Speeches, Dinner, Dancing, and general
Good Time.
[By a Special Repsrtsr.l

We write to-day was proposed by the Van Blu
rem Grange No. 3s about four weeks ago. in
the interest of the Patrons of Ilusbandry, and
II we are to judge of the interest felt by the
many and varied conversations we have re-
Gently heard on the subject, 1t is intense in
deed, and the grandest success msy be ex-
pected to crown the efforts of those who have
done SO much to make the occasion one Of
both pleasure and profit to the people.
This is the evening of the 26th, and, SO FAR
as my observations extend, every one has a
plan for tomorrow. The old people are dis
cussing in their familiar and friendly style
how the occasion may be made to conduce
most to the interest of the community and
most eflectually cement and strengthen the
bonds Of friendship and brothcrly love among
the people. Worthy thoughts, and God grant
that the most sanguine expectations of these
lovers Of mankind may be realized.
Others are discussing the best methods of
improving the stock Of the country and eleya-
ting its agricultural standing. Success, gen
tlenen, to your efforts.
But o ! the young people, God bless them),
'>s'J ''' "itehS iNNtlhi VI tHtii luleltst, VI
rather pleasure ~eshould say. They are lay
ing their plans for the coming occasion, with
as much care as the wary commander in de-
vising his schemes of battle for an approach
ing conflict, upon the result of which depend
not only the preservation of his life but the
security of his army and the freedom of his
country and II We may be allowed to judge
l,v thUa la, o,,I., II
and the joyous OUTLINES of mirth upon their
blooming countenances. dust will be kicked
up some where on Mays branch to- morrow. .
But the sable curtains of night are now be-
ing gathered around us, and We are gradual
ly yielding to the gentle wooing OF Morpheus
in whose sombre arms we hope soon to be
sweetly reposing, that we may be fresh and
vigorous for to morrow.
The sweet carol the fcathcred songster has just
reused me from tho gracious slumbers of the night,
rays of svery light can just be deserted tn art the
eastern horizon, and very soon all will be hurry and
confusion in preparing for the forts and pleasures
OF the day, scanty repast is hurredly dispatched
and the work of preparation is commenced in good
earnest. Horses are being harnesscd to wagons and
buggies, baskets packed with delicious and sayory
vlands. clean linen donned. and many other chores
performed too tedious to mention here. But wish
ing to he early on the ground to note the ngs
oil the day shall leave the people to mpete their
morning preparations and repair at once to the place
of meeting.
After pleasant walk of half an hour find myself
seated on the rapidly dscayng trunk of fallen oak
overlooking the ground selected for the occasion
eagerly watching the rapid influx of anxious people
from almost every direction, and the spirited propa-
rations of the morning.
The ground selected for the pic nic is beautiful
grove just across the road in front of the residence
OF Daniel Michael. and reflects credit On those who
selected the situation,
usual on such occasions the party begin after
an exchange Of general courtesies to form and dis
perse into groups. where social converse and faml
lar discussions may be heard on almost every cop
cevable topic
Quite early in the day word was received that the
members Of Prairie Grove Grange had approached
within short distance of the pic mic ground and
were waiting to be joined by the Patrons of Husband
ry already assembled, where = procession was soon
formed and all move forward with alaerity to the
oeautiuI grove selected for the occasion.
All quiet again, NJ. I, West. Marshal nf H. n-.-,
the programme Prayer, speaking din
ncr, general enjoyment.
After an appropriate prayer by the Rev. Mr.. Sc
ward Of Alma, Col. +. Locke was introduced n,
Orator Of the Day. The colonel, as usual wasp prac.
teal in his remarks and forciblc in delivery and
though taken somewhat by surprise, he seemed full
oi tho best sense in the world-cormon sense lie
'aihea lor half hour or more to largo and atten-
tive audience, dwelling mostly on tho necess,,v os
Worklhg the brain as well as muscle in the cult;ra
ion OF the soil the necessity ofprocurng and using
improved labor-savng implements of hu,b,ndrv
and the importance Of improving the stock of the
country by more feeding, better breeds and better
attention. The address was listened to throughout
with unabatcd interest
Col. tran Wilcox being ON the ground was next
called for and very soon told all he know about farm
ing. aud but for the timely action Of the marshal
would have been left lying between two corn rows
whero he had fallen the plow as the result ofhis
hrst and last effort in the agricultural line Educa-
tion having eocn announced by Col. Locke as car
dinal principle of the Grange Col Wilcox deIiver.d
lew practical remarks upon that subject evincing
the TACT that the theme one he well understood.
and one in which he felt great interest. Col. W ia
certainly one of the best informed speakers in Nortb
west Arkansas and is always listened to with inter
est and profit.
speaking over, the spreading of table linen nd the
anpaeking Of baskets were commenced in earnest
inu very soon dinner was announced and "A general
invitation given to approach and partake of the
'umptuous rspast The arrangement was good tho
ahher ABUNDANT IN quantity and excellent in auai-
", and universal satisfaction the result
Inc Van Buren Grange and the other brethren as |
'tng them deserve great credit for the energy and
oeraiiy with which they provided for the vast as
'smbiy' Upwards of four hundred persons were
present and partook of their lberalty and we heard
'f no one going away hungry or dissatisfied.
Dinner over we begin to stroll over the ground to
ascertain as near as possible who present. From
an Baren we see j. S. Durham and lady. Mrs. |
bearden, Mrs. Love. Mrs. Wilcox, Capt. Conradt
Ind lady, Mrs. William Shibley, Drs. Z. Wall and
lhruston and families, Mrs. Gen. Bowon Mrs Hi |
am Brodie, Mrs. Maxeey Edward 4. Scott, d. |
Dickson Judge B. ]. Brown, ct al. From Alma, |
jol' NJ. h. Locke and lady, Dr. Wynne and lady, |
ogether with other respected and honored citizens
From Jasper township, Mr.. John Matiock and Major I
!. ). Daniels Among those living near or within
wo or three miles Of the mic grounds and who |
ook an active part in providing for the occasion
noticed Daniel Michaels. the worthy Master of Van
Buren Grange, who toed from early morn till night
10 make the occasion pleasant and profitable to the
people, MIR. John Brodic and lady, NJ. 7. West and
lady, kimbrough and lady, A. Toole and lady |
Joseph Winters and lady. NJ. c. Lemley and the
Kew Mr.. Shibey, with others equally worthy of
mention--and indeed the entire community did ALI
they could to make the pic mic enjoyab and Visiting
friends from all points happy Nor viii We soon for
get the happy smiling faces Of those who provided
this occasion of enjoyment. But it is impossible to
ind room in this article for the names Of all the kind
ones present who deserve to be mentioned. tbsuuh
they may rest assured their names are written inde
liby in su hearts and memories
But histl what mean those soul stirring strains of
music which are falling in gentle u,or ,b