The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-05-25
For the anderson Intelligencer.
THE PIC MIC AT BELTON.

MEssRs. EDITORS: With your indulgence,
desire to occupy space in your columns
with description of the pic mic at Bolton,
on the occasion of the celebration of the
first anniversary of the Division of Sons of
Temperance at this place. Saturday, the
Goth instant, was the day set apart by them
for this celebration, and you may be sure
that it was looked forward to by the young
people with anticipations of much pleasure
and enjoyment.
From eight to ten o'clock in the morning
young people, and old ones, too, could be
seen coming from every direction, some on
their way to the Masonic Hall to unite in
the procession, which was to be formed
there, others on their way to the grove
around the Presbyterian Church, where the
pic mic was to be had, and in short time
the grove was resounding with the merry
voices of the happy youngsters. At about
ten o'clock, large procession, composed of
the members of the Order, marched from
the Masonic Hall to the grove, and increased
the already large crowd not little. They
took their position around the stand which
had been erected for the officers and speak.
ers. After short prayer by the Chaplain,
DR.. w. G. Brown, of Belton, was introduced
as the orator for the occosion. He chose
'The evils of intemperance" for his subject,
which he treated in the following order:
First, intemperanceis is an evil in our country,
because, in the first place, it robs our pockets,
it being one of the causes of high taxation
secondly, because it helps not little to fill
our poor houses, asylums and penitentiaries.
Second, intemperance affects US socially,
morally and religiously. He spoke at some
length of its effects in the home circle.
Third, if intemperance is such an evil, what
is the best method of correcting it? The
temperance societies the best method, and
sure to succeed if persevered in.
Mr.. Tolly, of Anderson, was next intro
duced, and delivered short address upon
the Temperance Society" He spoke of it,
first, as the stepping stone to the church;
secondly, traced its history from 1910 to the
present time, and spoke of the benefits it
has brought about; thirdly, that notwith-
standing the Order has accomplished much,
there is yet much to be accomplished, and
those enlisted under the banners of the tenn
perance cause should take new courage and
redouble their efforts fourthly, how the ad-
vocates of temperance are to conquer intem-
perance; first, by letting the world see that
they are in earnest, and live up TO what they
profess; secondly, by parents instilling the
principles of temperance in the minds of
their children; thirdly, by not only acting
on the defensive, but by invading the ranks
of the enemy, and persuading them to unite
with the Order. He concluded with the
hope that Bolton Division would be fore
most in the good work. The speeches were
well received, and did much credit to the
speakers.
A plentiful repast was now spread upon
the table, and all were invited to partake.
We need not occupy your space with de-
scription of the dinner, for it will suffice to
say that the good ladies of Bolton and sur
rounding country displayed their accus-
toned skill for which they are so much
noted in preparing it but in this connec-
ton we cannot forbear mentioning the con-
duct of our County Treasurer and of our
worthy townsman, A. ]. s., who, after
eating from one end of the table to the
other, came across quarter of goat,
cooled to suit their taste, and here they
halted until they had devoured the last
mouthful of meat on the bones. The con-
sequence was that s. was unable to at
tend church the next day, while our Treas
urer could be seen hobbling about with his
stick, scarcely able to get along at all.
Dinner being over, young couples might
be seen paired off in every direction and,
if we can judge from their countenances,
we would say many sweet words and tender
professions were interchanged. Those who
were so fortunate as to be thus paired off,
congregated in the school house to partici-
pate in game, called by church members
"Steal Partners" but by the world dancing.
Thus ended the day, long to be remem-
bered by our two esteemed townsmen, and
the young people Of Belton and adjoining
country
G. M. w