Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1880-09-17

Valley PioneerAssocistion performed their
iobors promptly and wtll. One hundred
invitations were sent out by tire local com.
miltee here, besides what were issued by the
officers Of the Association in Toledo. The
result was quite a number OF Pioneers
came in on the morning trains from the
south.
The day proved to be delightful one for
the gathering, and we were glad to see
once more revival Of the anniversary OF
Perry's Victory, which, prior to the late
war, was almost rs universally observed in
Ohio as the 4th Of July.
Soon after II o'clock the local commit
lee, accompanied by the Arion Cornet BanG,
coming on the Morning STIR from Toledo and
adjoining counties. The boat was delayed
for some time awaiting the will Of those
attending the draw bridge at Toledo, and
did not arrive here until near IL o'clock
The party, numbering about As Pioneers
from Lucas, Defiance, Henry, Ottawa, and
the eastern part Of Wood counties, were
e corted 10 the Walnut Street Church where
the exercises were opened soon after u
by prelude from the band.
The meeting was called to order by the
Senior Vice President, Henry Bennett,
ESQ OF Toledo, with Mr.. Phillip Loop
and Hon. Asher Cook on the platform.
Being unable to be present during the
meeting we adopt the Bees report, as fol
lows:
The minutes Of the last annual meeting,
held at the Wheeler Opera House, Febru-
airy 20, 1880, were read by the Secretary,
Hon. Thopas Dunlap. The minutes were
unanimously approved.
The President called for n report from
the Committee appointed to petition Con-
gress to make purchase of the site Of
Fort Meigs for National Park. Mr.. Dun
lap said that no action had yet been taken
by the Committee, and that 30 report was
due until the annual meeting in February
next.
At this juncture, Mr.. j. G. Holzworth
objected to nlemorializing Congress on the
subject ms we might all die before the OBJ
ject is accomplished through Congress. He
favored the Immediate raising of sub
scriplion Tor its purchase, by pioneers and
citizens, and set the example by going for.
ward and deposting bill in front of the
President.
Mr.. Dunlap here stated that he was mis-.
takeu about there being no report ready
from the Committee; that there was re.
port ON the subject and it weuld at once
be presented.
DR.. w. w. Jones, Chairman of the Com
mittee, thereupon introduced the following
preamble and resolution:
WHEREAs-This Society, at Its last annual meet
ing, appointed committee to memorialize Con
gress to purchase Fort Meigs for National Park,
aud that no action has been taken by the com
mittee toward the accomplishment of such re-
suit; therefore.
RKsoLvED-That, instead Of applying to Con-
gress to purchase the same, this Society recon-
mend that an effort be first made to induce the
t,wn corporation of Perrysburg, the State Legis-
lature and the people OF the Valley, TO purchase
the same, by taking vote Of the people of that
city In favor OF the proposition.
In support of this resolution DR.. Jones
made the following argument:
"There are many hundred battle fields
in our country. The wars of the Revou-
tion, the war of 1912 with Great Britain,
and that Of the Rebellion, swell the num-
ber to such proportions that one cannot
expect Congress will enter upon system
OF appropriation for making their sites ma
tiona property. The door once opened
for purchasing such places by the general
government would lead TO no end OF ap-
plication, (many of which would he worthy
of consideration) but few would believe
itexpedient to enter upon legislation which
would involve so great departure from
the ideas prevailing among the statesmen
and people of the country.
"The city Of Perrysburg ought 10 have
park. Fort Meigs can be purchased at
triAlng cost. The Municipal Code au-
thorzes the issuing of bonds for its pur-
chase by majority vote OF its people, and
the interest on Its cost need not exceed FIVE
orsi per cent. The State Legislature and
people of the Valley would contribute
TO make it ornamental, Nothing would
contribute more to make the city of Per-
rysburg desirable as the residence of peo-
pie OF wealth and culture, as the owner
ship OF park such as could he made Of
Fort Meigs and its surroundings, with
its historic recollections and traditions.
Perrysbnrg now has the best of school
facilities, and the means OF religious cul-
ture. This park would enable them to re-
alize the advantages belonging to the high
est civilization"
The resolution was ably seconded in a
vigorous speech by Judge Dunlap, who fully
cOncurred in the views expressed by DIR,
Jones, and it was passed without dis
senting voice.
The Pioneer Address was announced as
being next in order, when Vice President
Bennett introduced MajorCharles L Blivin
Ot Toledo, who gave most interesting ad-
dress, replete with historical interest and
pioneer "reminiscences, from which We make
the following extracts:
Extracts from MIR. BIIyin's Address
What time more fitting for those in the
autumn of life, than the Autumn of the
year, in which to meet and tell in song ol
story of the trials and hardships of early
years, and, as we thus relate the tale Of the
past, enjoy the satisfaction of a life vel
spent
And what day more sacred than the an
niversary of a victory snatched from the
jaws of defeat, and gloriously won the in
hnence OF which gave our country the con
troll OF the lakes, and opened up the Valley
of the Miami OF the Lake Erie, to the pi
oneers; whose memory and deeds we hold
IN grateful remembrance at each annual
meeting?
And what place more appropriate fol
such meeting, than that which was named
in honor of the gallant Perry, who gainet
that victory; and who sent to the equally
gallant and brave Harrison, then on almos
this very spot, the pithy aud ever memo
rahle dispatch, We have met the enemy
and they are ours"
WARS.
1t appears TO be fact that in the Valley
of the Miami of the Lakes, greater mum
ber Of battles have been fuught--and Will
greater results-certainly there have beer
greater number of bittles fought for iti
posSession--han any similar extent Of ter
ritory in the Union; aud we may add pa
renthetically, that the Valley has also, al
it appears furnished TO the country great
er number Of prominent public men than