The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-09-16
THE GRANGE PICNIC.

The picnic of Elkton Grange, No. 145,
P. of H., came off according to announce
ment, on Wednesday last. The grove
selected for this gathering is one of the
most delightful in the neighborhood; it is
known as "PierSon's Grove,' and is located
about one and half miles above town, on
the Cherry Hill road. 1t covers larger
extent of ground than any in this vicinity,
and the wonder is that it has not long since
been appropriated for picnic purposes. A
cOmmodious stand was erected about the
center of the grounds, facing south, decor
ated with the National colors, intertwned
with flowers, grasses and Indian corn, with
here and there intersperSed fruits of various
kinds. The arrangement was admirable,
and presented very pleasing effect. The
North East Cornet Band was in attendance,
and credibly performed their part. Organ-
cation was effected at II o'clock A. NJ, by
simple ceremony, after which the partici-
pants wandered at will about the grounds,
while the band discoursed sweet music,
until dinner time, when long line of smil-
ing faces was ranged upon each side of the
mammoth table. Now, to describe that
table and contents is almost beyond We
reporters ability. 1t, i. G. the table, was
1913 feet long, and from end to end not an
inch of its snowy cloth was unoccupied;
literally, it was huge cornucopia of good
things, just such as our Cecil county farm
ers' wives and daughters know how to
prepare. Over three hundred hearty appe-
titles were appeased and still no diminution
in the quantity of goodies was apparent,
for as fast as one dish was emptied another
took it's place. The coffee! twas simply
delicious, brewed by the hand of Mrs.
Booth; twas almost nectar to hungry
man. We stood at that table, until we
ceased the gastronomic process from sheer
want of further accommodating capacity.
After dinner, the company was summoned
to the seats facing the stand, the officers
Lewis T. Roberts, Esq, Master of the
Grange, President; and E. c. Collins, ESQ.,,
Secretary;-with a number of prominent
visitors, taking their places upon the plat
form. Prayer was offered by Geo. B. Clark,
Esq, of Newark, Del, after which Mr..
Collins read an original poem written for
the occasion by ]. II. Kimble, of Good
Intent Grange, No. SO. Eminent speakers
from distance were expected, but as they
did not arrive, NJ" C-"::. .fter a short
address, introduced Mr.. VIM. Leah, of
Newark Grange, as orator of the day. Mr..
Dean said "he did not profess to make
speeches. but generally INDUCED in random
talk. He was only farmer and was going
to talk about Oranges" This promise he
adhered to pretty strictly, and gave his
brother Changers some good advice. He
wound up by pitching into the lawyers as a
class, exhibiting in that. in our opinion,
exceedingly bad taste. He was followed by
Henry II. Kimble, Esq, of the 4th district,
in pithy, humorous little speech of fifteen
minutes. This closed the oratory for the
occasion. After a vote of thanks to Mrs.
Pearson for the use of the grove, the mem
bers of the Grange marched in procession
around the grounds, meanwhile singing the
Harvest Song" and the exercises closed.
Altogether, it was one of the most enjoy
able gatherings we ever attended, and we
are convinced that to be a Granger means
to be all that is generous and hospitable.
We are indebted to so many for hearty
welcome and unremittng attention that we
dare not undertake to name any.
Below we give the poem referred to.