Bismarck tri-weekly tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, D.T. [N.D.]) 1875-1881, 1877-10-31
The Brrleigh County Pionesrs.'

!. K
p The Burleigh County PionesrA
+ One OF the most crednsbie sssocis-
tions that Bismarck has ever had is
the old "Pionser Association organ
lied Dec. Sd, 1873. And it is greatly
to be regretted that Its meetings have
been discontinued.
The original "roll Of members" IS in
my possession, and it numbers seventy
eight names; the best names in the
county; and includes all, o: nearly all
Of the old settlers. Most Of these still
reside here, though number have gone
away. A wbave been carried to their
long homes in the cemetery, and two
met sad and sudden death, G.. j. MiI>
ler and G. II. Mccarthy. vice president
of the society. I've nobler hearts than.
theirs never perished IN the line of du>
ty. @
The association had its origin in that
strong .treemasonry of feeling that a.
ways exists among honorable men of
the same profession, or with kindred
aims and which is found in more than
usual strength on the frontier, where
they are united with q common bond Of
interest and work with . common mo-
tive, isolated from the outer world, aud
mutually dependent upon each other.
1t was a Historical and Agricultural
Society, "devoted to the social and bus
mess interests Of Bismarck and vicini-
ty." For several years it kept its own
anniversary with grand ball that
would have done honor to any E.stern
city. One of Its objective points wasa
literary and free reading room. Quite
anumber of books and pamphlets were
accumulated; and number Of newspa-
pers were subscribed for; while its Sec
retary was kept busy answering letters
of inquiry in regard to the town and
country, which used to come in showers
to the Bismarck postofice. "
As the population of the town in-
creased, the Pioneers lot their .ndivi- ;
duality and the meetings Of the society
were gradually discontinued. - -,
Many of us hope to see this valuable
institution resumed. This will be COM
paratively easy, since-43 Of its officers
and members are still here, distinguish.
ed, as. of old for public spirit and busi-
ness enterprise. The society has new
er been disbanded, and the spirit in
which it found its. origin is yet alive
Tbs association. il 1..dlHizln did much ah,,l valuable
work for the county. but its work is
not finished, although the days ofpio-
neering g are ended, Its organisation
should be maintained. not merely. to
keep alive the memory Of the old days
and departed comrades, but fer solid
work. The historical records of the
county should be put in proper form
and preserved, and we ought to have
an agricultural fair next year: since.
both the, population and the products
Of the country now warrant it. A. cab
met of. the; Mineralogical, Botanical,
chronological and OrnithologicaI spec
linens Of the country should be collect.
ed and prepared; with Indian relics
and other curiosities of the, country.
In years to come these would possess
an almost priceless value; and if the as.
sociation will carry out its original
plan. Of a library and public reading
IOOu, ~ " lA uO "oIc " plOuOIS suo
morals of the city than an extra board
Of policemen could do.
Then those of us who like to dance
would be glad to see the anniversary
ball resumed. ..-..
There is 90 need to stop work just
because one point has been gained. AS
a Bureau of immigration" it is no
longer needed since the prosperity of
the new city, which then hung in the
balance has been assured and people
now immigrate here ofthemselves. But
for the reasons nave given, and 9th
ers quite as weighty, which could be
I trust to see this most ex-
ceItant society revived. ~
TIere is danger that in the material
ist,c issues of business and politics,
1oe more enduring and aesthetic inter-
,sts ofmind and science may be over.
ooked. ~ LINDA W. SLAUeHTEB,
V,lluls, Oct. 2stb,. 1877.
A Pioneer Housewtfe's Sport.
Winnipeg Free Press.
One afternoon in the latter part Of
asst month. the wife of W. g.. Living