The Russellville Democrat., 1882-05-11
X HOLIDAY.

md recrealion, but the climax was reached last Friday, the occasion being ,he grand picnic in which the Sunday schools of the town and neighborhood About 8 50 q. In., of the lay above mentioned, the bells Of the several churches rang forth their mer- " peals, and soon from every direction could be seen the children, parents and friends vending their way to the ap- pointed rendezvous, each clad in tue brightest of holiday attire and in thoir happiest mood The hour of nine soon rolled round, when the procession formed i'll front of the NJ. k. Church (Suuth) Tn the following order: Rus sellville cornet band under the leader ship of Mir. J. F. Settle; NJ. E. Sunday school, Mr. George Reed, marshal; ; M. E. (Soutl) Sunday school, Nil. lien ry Garden, marshal 1; Cumberland Pres byterian Sunday school, Capt. w. C.. Renfrow, maj shal, Al the word of the procession moved and the line of march was taken through the principal streets, the bard discours- ing sweet music and each one keeping step to the measured drum-beats. New CT has there been a larger or more at tractiye procession seen in this place, and the numerous and handsome ban ners, large and small, added to the beauty Of the scene. Near the school house, a large delegation from the Cove Sunday school joined the procession, which was already very large, extcnd- ing from the point where the wagon road crosses the railroad track to the college, and several gentlemen posi- lively assert that there were over five hundred persons in line by actual count. With banners flying, the pro- cession moved on until it arrived at Il beautiful grove near tue residence Of Mir. James Potts, when halt was made and the ranks opened. The Potts Station school, which had formed in line on the prairie, marched between the ranks of the town schools and were accorded the post of honor, the other schools forming in reverse order to that in which they left town. The band had taken position near the speaker $ stand, and while spirited music was discoursed, the schools marched into the grove and formed three sides of q hollow square around tine place desig- mated for the foraal exercises of the day. The following programme was then executed:
 l. Music by the band
 2 Prayer by Rev. E. NJ. Roach.
 3. Song by members of the Cove school.
 I. Address of welcome by Mr. Law renee Russell.
 3. Music by the band.
 6. Response to address Of welcome by Rev. J. T. IIendrickson, pastor of the Nj. E. Church.
 :. Music by the band.
 S.. Song by the Russellvil!e schools.
 Never has it been our good fortune to hear more accurate an spirited sing ing than that furnished by the ladies and gentlemen 0f the Cove school, and their effort showed what can be done by close application and drill. Words are inadequate to convey an idea to our readers of the able address of welcome by our talented young friend, Mr. Law renee Russell, whose tinely-rounded sentences, brilliant rhetrical flights and matchless oratory and elOquence caus- ed Il thrill of pride to pervade the vast audience. It was truly an effort wor- thy the occasion and credit to the speaker. Rev. J. T. lIendrickson, Pas tor of the NJ. E. Church at this place, eXcelled himself in his beautiful reply to the address of welcome. The schools of Russellville then sang a pretty song under the able direction of Mir. James Miller, and the blending of the fresh, young voices of the boys and girls as they warbIed their praises to the Giver of all good carried us along back through the seldom-trod halls of mem ory and brought before us childhood's s happy days. At intervals, the cornet band favored the audience with choice selections of music most admirably rem dered, and this feature of the pro- gramme added much to the pleasures of the day.
 The programme having been render ed, the picnickers gave themselves up to the usual sports. Swings were quick ly arranged and in every direction could be heard the shouts of delight of the little ones as they were swung to and fro. Croquet sets were brought and, of course, one soon heard the usu- al good-natured quarreling of the play e:s as one would chance to make a bet ter play than his or her neighbor. Grace hoops were numerous and many participated in the healthiui exercise. Here and there could be seen the beaux and bellies paired of, and apparently whispering soft nothings" to each other, but of this feature of the day we do not write advisedly. as we never had any personal experience. About l2 :3o, however, transpired THE event of the day, the dinner. Baskets, filled to oyertlowing, were brought forth, families clubbed together, spread the cloths here and there over the grounds, and then was displayed feast that would have tempted the most exacting epicu:e. Such q profusion of roast tur- key, chicken, duck, boiled ham and cold cooked meats of all kinds, flanked with huge loaves of light bread, rolls that almost melted in one's mouth, pickles, sardines, jellies, salads and and-and-well, we must stop, for we can't do the subject justice. It is enough to say that the good housewives of Rus. sellville outdid themselves and provid- ed dinner that WAS superb in quality and liberal in quantity. There was enough to feed the vast concOurse of people and many basketsful were taken up after all had heartily eaten. The remainder Of the day was spent in the most pleasant manner and as best suit ed each one, and toward sunset all went to their several homes feeling that it did them good to have been at the union picnlc. Great credit Is due the mar shals of The respective Sunday schools Tor the excellent manner in which they formed and conducted the procession, ana to the ladies and citizens, general EN.. |.