Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-09-30

SHALL FOREVER RE FULL OF PLEASANT
MEMORIES morning of Saturday
last dawned dark and threatening. The
dull, leaden clouds overhead and the damp
atmosphere indicated rain, and it seemed
as though the long-expected equinoxial
storm was about to burst. It carried a
chill to the hearts of many of those who
had looked forward to the day as one of
pleasure in celebrating the seventh annual
reunion of the veterans Of Centre county.
But, notwithstanding few persons were
deferred from joining the hundreds who
departed from this place TO the scene of
the picnic, many started on the early
train, and every seat in the twelve passen-
ger coaches which composed the special
train that started at 0 o'clock was filled
when it left this place. Some went armed
with umbrellas and gum coats. The scene
around the depot before the departure of
the special train was one of delightful an
imaton. Ladies were present in gay and
varied costumes, the Pleasant Gap band
Joined the throng, breathing delightful
melody, the drum and fife of the Spring
Mills delegation was pleasant variation,
and the squad of twenty from Company
| b, Bellefonte Fencibles, gave the scene
military air. Passengers were gathered
up all along the route, and when it reached
Unionville even standing room was at
premium. Nor did the scene around the
depot complete all that gave life and ami
nation TO Bellefonte in this pleasant oc-
currence. The Zion Band with their
| handsome wagon and eight horses passed
along Allegheny street playing a lively
air, while in front and behind them were
turnouts of every description, all en- route
| to McEwens Grove.
But as the train was whired along to its
destination what change came over the
face of nature. AS if ashamed of its
gloomy aspect in the presence of the sun
ny smiles of the picnicers, the clouds with
drew and Old Sol bcamed forth in all his
glory. The cool chill changed 10 a warm
glow. Never did "A more perfect day for a
picnic succeed such an unpleasant morning
For several days previous the good peo-
pie of [ Unionville had been vieing with
one another to do their utmost to make the
occasion, so far as they were concerned, a
glorious success. Beautiful arches OF spruce
and bunting spanned the streets, residences
were tastefully and elaborately decorated
with flags and evergreens, and, as will
afterwards appear, extensive preparations
were made 10 feed those who should come
unprovided. Thus, a scene of great beau
ty and activity greeted the eyes of those
who alighted from the train at L Unionvillc,
and as they mingled with the throngs who
had assembled from all portions of the
county, there was concourse of people,
which in numbers, animation and gsyety
has rarely IL ever been equalled in the an
nals Of Centre county pienics.
The military and musical organizations
formed in procession and took up line Of
march beneath the beautiful arches and
along the gaily ornamented thoroughfares.
Their course lay through Allegheny street
TO Union, thence TO Chestnut street, and
then to McEwen 5 beautiful grove. With
in this cool and shady retreat were more
evidences of the extreme care and fore
sight displayed by the people of Unionvil!e.
All underbrush and stones had been hauled
away, long tables erected and grand
stand constructed for the accommodation of
the speakers. When all had assembled,
Rev. j. A. Woodcock, of Milesburg, spoke
the words of welcome to the veterans and
their friends in behalf of the people of
Unionville, but ii needed not formal words
to tell what the ample preparations around
them so fully attested. Col. d. S. Keller,
the Secretary of the Club, responded in a
feeling manner. For the purpose Of orga-
nizstion, Colonel Keller nominated DIR. @.
+. Harris for presiding officer, and
prayer was offered by Rev. II. Lundy, of
Snow Shoe. President Harris appointed
committee of nine on place of next meet
ing, with Col Andrew Gregg chairman,
and similar committee on officers for the
ensuing year, of which Lieut.. John w.
Stewart was chairman. After the roll of
veterans was called recess was announced
until O'Clock z. NJ.
The people separated from the speakers
stand and hastened in all directions. Lunch
baskets and boxes were produced and soon
the ground was dotted with snowy table
cloths. Then came bread and biscuits,
celery and coldmeats, jellies and MARINA
ladies', pies and cakes and perhaps bottles
of sweet cream and cold coffee-nothing
stronger. Around these young ladies' and
Al