Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1880-05-27
The I. o. o. F. Excursion.

The I. o. Q. r. Excursion.
Thursday last week had not q bright or
promising morning. The canopy above was
all clouds, not deep and dark, but hazy. An
occasional sprinkle Of rain fell and chilled
winds were blowing. The uninviting pros
pect deferred some from taking passage on
the Odd Fellows' excursion train to Montfort
From beyond four or five miles south and
west but few came. But there were enough
went for comfort. Only six cars were here.
Not many tickets were sold in advance and
the committees thought six cars would be
enough. But the six cara were full az an
omnibus with room for only one more. The
seats were all taken and large proportion
OF the party were obliged to stand. Thus
crowded at the start, we wondered how the
friends at Liberty Ridge, Sitter and FennI-
more would get on. They got on, however.
Wherever a handkerchief waved in the hands
of farmer in his SUNDAY clothes or lady
in her shawl the train stopped and let them
on. As the train approached the new vii
lage Of Sitter flag was seen floating at the
top Of high pole. A nearer view beheld to
US an arch of Odd Fellows links composed
of green twigs stretched across the track for
our train to pass under. In the links were
the large gilt letters I. o. o. F. Such
preparation and reception were an index to
the enterprising spirit Of tho people Of Stit-
| ger. At the Junction our coaches were left
while the engine ran up to Fennimore and
brought three more coaches to join the party.
The waiting ones improved the time by GET
ting off and taking little ranibles in the open
fields. The gentlemen gathered fints and
sheep sorrel; so did the ladies. On the
| train The latter had been too crowded to
pair off into their accustomed crowds. The
circulars, listers, busters and busters, in
these broad fields found room to arrange
themselves into "birds Of feather" They
aocked together back into the train and
there, to enlarge their circles and promote
hilarity some of the ladies made "Reckys" of
the men, etc. From the Junction to Mont
fort is rich and beautiful country. Many
were delighted with il and wished for homes
in that beautiful land. All along the way
the Mounds beyond Platteville, monuments
constructed when all this green and growing
surface was chaotic and submerged, before
Adam lived, were in plain sight Near them
dark columns of smoke climbed towards the
sky and spread out to look like great trees.
Mr.. Barlow and other enterprisng conduct
ors OF the excursion told US it was smoke of
the engines on the other road bringing Gen.
eral Grant and his party up from Galena TO
meet US. That was an amiable hoax We
diu not have Grant, but half way between
Sitter and Montfort a man and his party
were seen making motions to stop the train.
1t stopped and the man proved to be Jim
Blaine. The new passenger at once became
centsal figure and hero among us. As we
came in sight of Montfort flag on top of
the elevator told the readiness of the peo.
pie to receive us. The large lettering made |
1t easy to read upon the flag the word
WELCOME" and it gave every visitor the |
feeling that the word signifies. A crowd of
people were also in waiting. All went tos
gesher to the grounds. There the people of |
Wingville had made much more preparation
for the reception of the party than was ex>
pected. There was speakers stand with |
good seats. In front Of it was constructed |
platform for dancing party. Facing these |
were comfortable seats for large audience
The grove was thoroughly prepared. When
the party were gathered there our Band |
played suitable air and then Mr.. Fl. Buch- |
ner, who was master of ceremonies, told the |
people il was about dinner time and the |
best thing man can do fer living was TO
eat. Then the people divided into picnic
squads. The people of Montfort again
showed their good will. Their houses were
opened. fires blazing, and parties went in |
and made coffee. Nearly every house aps
peared to have acquaintance among the ex-
cursionists and these were pressed to seats
around tables. And the groves we're full of |
picnickers. Dinner over party of young
men went to an open field and had game
of foot ball. Others engaged in different
amusements Then the band filed the air
with its loud harmony and the people were
summoned together. Col. Clark was called
on for a speech. Those who could get seats
listened attentively for perhaps forty min.
utes. The writer got in from his dinner in
time to hear the rounds Of applause at the
conclusion of the speech The Band played
again Ut was our celebrated Harmonic Band,
of Lancaster and then Mr.. Buchner called
for the dancers. The Lancaster String Band
was along and made music for them. Dane.
ing did not seem to be the favorite amuse-
ment of many of the party. Yet all wanted
to see the exercises. To get a sight over
the crowd Devoe and the boys climbed trees
AS an interlude between the dances Austin
Taylor. young man from Ohio, sung a song
gracefully and well done.
Many came in carriages to meet the party.
There we're some from Muscoda, Platteville,
Boscobel, Dodgeville, Mineral Point and
Castle Rock. All found acquaintance and
friends and the party formed large social
reunion. The morning gave poor promise
but the day proved the most favorable. The
party left for home at four o'clock and had
ajollier ride coming than they had going.
Their frequent remarks complimentary of the
people of Montfort showed that every men,
Der of the party appreciated the considerate
treatment they received. Who to give the
credit to we know not We know j. A.
Thomas was an active leader but when so
much was done all must have had hand.
The excursionists intended to express them-
selves in speech and vote of thanks to the
people of Montfort, but they were called