The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1876-09-14
Life Among the Mountains Of Western
North Carolina
vi

It was proposed to hold s. S. picnic on
the Fourth of July. Now it is d fact that
many of the people knew no distinction be-
tween the Fourth and airy other day of the
calendar, and as for picnic, they had
never heard OF such thing. But the inter-
eet grew Far and near the news was circu-
lated, and it became necessary to extend
the pre- partitions. It was finally thought
best to have regular old fashioned celebra-
ton. few of the more intelligent, both
loyal and ex-rebel, joined IN getting all
things in readiness. One committee cleared
g beautiful forest grove, by cutting away the
underbrrsh, and erected a rude speakers
stand. Another prepared the programme,
utilizing all available material, from natives,
recent settlers, and visitors, for speeches.,
music ETC. 1t was necessary to have the
national colors, but none could be found in
the vicinity. Finally bunting was provided
probably the remnant of some rebel flag,
the proper proportions were calculated, and
q very respectable flag was made, ten feet
| in length. True, the blue field was some
what out of proportion with the rest, and
the stars irregular, yet the sight of that flag
thrilled the hearts of many men present who
had not seen a union flag since the war.
A few of the ladies prepared s. g. banner,
trimming 1t with evergreen, and working
upon It appropriate notices from the same
material. The explanations of delight with
which this was greeted, was certainly sufi-
Gent to satisfy the most craving desire for
appreciation. There was the dinner COM
mittee also, to look after that unexplained
something, the picnic.
There were anxious hearts all through
that mountain district, as the weather for q
day or two previous, seemed to threaten
rainy Fourth. The day dawned, however,
hopefully. Long before the appointed hour,
the people began to gather from every direc-
ton. by wagon road or mountain trail, with
all conceivable modes of conveyance. though
many trudged along on foot. There were
several covered lumber wagons, drawn by
oxen, containing a crowded load CT old and
ter in lavish abundance. These wagons
were rather primitive. such all institution
as the substantial yet elegant "Bain Wagon"
would be like revelation from another
world to those people. Frequentlya caval-
cade of horsemen or horsewomen or both,
appeared, with a eprinkling of mules, whose
hoarse notes sometimes made the forests
ring for miles around. Here and there
dozen, more or less, of men came tramping
up. and all of them from Ave, ten, and even
twenty miles distant. One woman walked
seven miles, 'toting' q little child in her
arms. An old man of 70 years, who had
always lived here abouts, and had neither
attended q celebration inhis life nor heard of
one In these ports, walked nine miles with
tottsriDg steps, to zee the flag once more,
and hear the loyal speeches. He was q
union sympathizer during the war. At the
conclusion OF the celebration he said he
never enjoyed day so we'll in his life.
The men were mostly dressed in home
spun. Some had collars and few of the more
dandiIy inclined INDUCED in nsekties. Bro
gans were worn by both men and women.
The latter wore sun bonnets chiefly. though
q few had hats which would compare
favorably with Madame Demorest's patterns
of some years ago. The hair was worn in
styles to suit personal fancy. few of both
sexes presented really modern appearance.
Ofieers of the day were appointed. The
s. s. supt. who was also proprietor of the
country store. and postmaster, was made
President. The county sheriff was appoint