The Kenosha telegraph. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1860-1888, 1881-09-09

THEY PICNIC AND HAVE GOOD TIME AT BRIs-
Toll STATION.
Quite number of the early settlers of
Kenosha county and their descendants gath
cred on Thursday, September 1st, in the
beautiful grove of Mr.. A. H. Stevens, in the
village of Bristol The scene was animated
and pleasing. There was a conspicuous
number of old and venerable men and
women, gray-headed and often bowed with
the weight of years and toll, but every
countenance was beautiful with happy
smiles, and eyes beamed forth the Joy that
reigned within their hearts. The young people,
too, caught the inspiration of the hour, and
in the language of the poet, " all went merry
as the marriage bell" There were fittings to
and fro, and frequent hearty, joyous greet
ings. The outskirts of the grove was filled
with comfortable carriages and other vehi-
Giles, and fine horses, feature which did
not grace the gatherings of forty years ago
In convenient place a speakers stand
was erected. and facing it numerous benches
we're placed to seat the audience Then
there were long tables on which to spread
the dainty fare, o not unimportant concomit-
ant of a happy gathering. The scene and
the occasion was we'll fitted to augment the
happy thoughts which each brought with
them to fair.
Shortly before II o'clock the president, J.
NJ. Kellogg, Esq, made the before-dinner
speech. Mr.. John Mutter, with his clarion
cite, did what he could to make up for the
non appearance of the band. The picnic
dinner was most thoroughly enjoyed some
spreading their provisions on the table,
while others gathered in social knots and
discussed their dinners en- the benches.
After dinner the meeting was again called to
order by the president. A good number of
comfortable arm-chairs had been placed on
the platform, and by invitation of the presi.
dent the seats were occupied by large
number of old settlers. Among them were
some of the first men who set their feet on
the virgin soil of Kenosha county with the
intention of making it home for themselves
and loved ones. 1t WAS beautiful land
There were the broad, undulating prairies
covered with the luxuriant tall grasses, and
dotted here and there with grand old groves
Wild flowers grew in rich profusion, with
an abundance of nuts, wild fruits and game.
There was not dwelling, well, fence or
road not school house or church. 1t was
with pardonable pride that these pioneers
as they were prevailed upon by the presi-
dent, related few of the incidents of their
early settlement in this fair land. Conspicu-
Gus among the pioneers was Chas. M. Fow-
Ter, still bearing up with the aid of crutch
and cane under the weight of eighty-fve
years. A man of immense energy, accom-
plishiDg every day of his active life the work
Of two ordinary men, and, with the CO i.
operation of his family, none had done
more to develop the resources of this county
and build up its educational and religious
interests.
The gentlemen who spoke are as follows :
]. c. Roberts, S. Epson, H. A. Newbury. Mr..
Getting, now Of Richmond, Ill. G. NJ. Fow.
Ter, Col. NJ. Frank, H. s. Thorpe, s. Y.
Brande, D. A. Mahoney also Mrs. J NJ.
Kellogg, Capt. John futile and Rev. G. Par
sons.
The speeches were brief, and related chief
ly to the incidents of pioneer life in this
county, and were listened TO with great
interest by all present.
According to adjournment, the next meet
ing will be held ON Wednesday, Sept. 81,
at one O clock, of the second day of the fair,
in the upper part of the hall on the fair
grounds. The object of the meeting is the
election of officers, receiving new members
and the routine business.
The people of the village of Bristol are
entitled to much credit for the public spirit
manifested in so conveniently fitting up the
grounds for the occasion. 1t is surprising
that no photographer was on the ground to
catch the shadow of the group of old settlers
who occupied the platform before the sub.
stance fades. r. F. r..
Mr.. Lyman Dutton, with his characteristic
liberality, furnished free an abundant supply
of ice on the grounds at the old settlers pic
mic. 1t was luxury freely and thankfully
enjoyed by all.