The Wichita city eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1872-1883, 1879-02-27

their friends, with their well filed baskets.
The day was . delightful one, and by ten
O'Clock old Eagle Hall was packed full with
~ happy and intelligent crowd Of men. wo-
men and children, az ever before assembled
there. We would take great pleasure In
dwelling at some length on this event-of the
many good things to be derived from this an
nual meeting. the interesting history which
this organization Is writing, social benefits,
etc., etc.-but are compelled, in order to
make room for the proceedings proper, and
TO publish the poems. songs and addresses
which filed up the programme during the
morning session. to omit any lengthy preface
OF remarks. review Of historical events, men,
| ton of individuals and time Of their arrival
| in this valley, that we might otherwise in
dulgc In. This we cannot refrain from say
ing, however: For real genuine, whole
souled time, where the many little society
tcchnicallities-which to q very great extent
are superfiuous, no matter where practiced-
are done away with, commend US to gather
ing of this kind, where all can meet on one
common level and enjoy the time in rounds
of pleasure. The EAGLE reporter and his
better half enjoyed 1t hugely, and only regret
that they did not emgrate to Sedgwick coun-
" few weeks earlier in order that they might
become members in full standing. However,
we are glad of the privilege Of attending these
annual reunions.
The following is the programme
ANNUAL kEuSIoN
of the
"oLD SETTLERS OF sEDGwICK COUNTY,
KANSAS.
At EAGLE HALL, FEBnu AIRY q, 1879.
ORDER OF EXERCISE;
1919 O'Clock, a. mall to order
Prayer by Rev J. r. Harsen
Song-'.Aul Lang Syne."
II a. m.ELitile speeches, by Odd settlers only.
Recess until 2 O'Clock, p. IN.
Recess.
Ball at O'Clock, p. m
As to the Little speeches, by old Settlers
only" We have this to say: They might have
been little SO far as length was concerned, but
they were big in meaning made up Of REM
insences of when aud how they came to this
valley; the impressions made on first behold
ing it; of the many trials, vicissitudes and
hardships undergone intcrmingled with wit
ana humor. Not one Of these, We dare say,
regret that they are one of the old settlers Of
the happy valley.
The President of the Society, W.T.Jewett,
in few well chosen, and pointed remarks,
intcrspcrsed with two or three good jokes,
got them all in splendid humor to listen to the
speeches and songs which followed.
First-Mrs. King, with "reminiscences, clos
ing with an original poem, which will be
found below.
Hon. II. c. Tucker was then called for, and
expressed himself glad of the privilege of be-
ing present; glad he was an old settler;
thinks the ARKANSAS Valley the finest he ever
saw; came all the way from Topeka to enjoy
this occasion. His hits were happy ones and
well received. He closed by presenting the
organization with a regular charter issued by
the Secretary of State.
W. Williams was then loudly called for.
He stepped forward and paid glowing trib-
ute to the great Arkansas Valley; also dwelt
at some length on the organization, the bene-
fits to be derived therefrom, rapid strides the
country had made in civilization, etc. since
he came to il.
=. II. Massey gave some interesting incl
dents which TRANSFERRED under his notice.
some of them very amusing.
Hon. W. c. Woodman was called for. His
speech speaks for itself
A request was made that the ladies be al
lowed to say something. Quite number
were called for. All but two or three declined.
Mn. Fitzgerald responded, however, and
gave some Of her early experience in her own
peculiar and interesting style, which all had
to admit was really interesting.
Miss Emma King also drew a comparison
between the Wichita of 20 and of to-day.
Capt. Vigus gave us an account Of the first
divine service ever held on the TOWNSHIP; how
after prayer the minister requested some one
to pitch tune and sing something, whercup-
on u member of the audience struck in on
..Old John Brown," and all joined in Justify
and sung it through. much to the chagrin OF
the minister, who was an eX-COnfederatc
army chaplain.
We publish an original song which was
written and sung by w. ii. Newton, to the
tune of John Anderson, My Joe john 1t
was well rendered and well received.
Hon. VIM. Ross thea read an original poem
in very acceptable manner. This poem we
also publish. and have no hesitancy i'm pro-
nouncing il good.
One of the interesting features Of the day
net on the programme was n defamation by
Floy simmons. said TO be the first girl born
ON the townsite. She is now about eight
years old. Little Floy is prccocious child,
showing n remarkable memory.
But we must stop. The following are the
speeches, poems and song, also the address of
W. G. Woodman:
TnE pInNEER