The Corvallis gazette. [volume] (Corvallis, Or.) 1862-1899, 1883-06-22
PIONEERS OF OREGON.
Eleventh Annual Reunion Of the State
Pioneers Association.

SALEM, Or, June 10th, 1858.
| From the Standard of the 10Th we take
| the following account of the Pioneers reun-
ion of Oregon: The morning opened bright
and beautiful; fresh sea breeze was blow
ing from the west, tempering the warm
sunshine and ladening the air with a per-
fume of pure roses, bringing pleasant and
invigorating feeling to the many actors in
that lively scene. The roads were lined
with conveyances of every description
bringing in the vigorous residents Of the
country from every direction to swell the
throng. The grayhaired veterans and mat
ronly women, who together conquered the
and have made it blossom like the roses;
men and women who have founded an
empire of civilization and enlightenment,
for the benefit of the generations to follow
after them; a monument more glorious and
enduring than those of marble or brass
To perpetuate the names and deeds of these
heroes and heroines is the purpose of the
Pioneers Association of Oregon. May they
US SulluSAGif SuSSSSSloi. AAoSS ASaAA"AAS
do much towards keeping alive the memo
ries of early days and perpetuating the
many thrilling "reminiscences incident to
the settlements of this country. Many of
the actors in the drama have passed off the
stage. But the survivors and their chill
lren will keep alive their memory. The
clcds of the valley still lie bare and brown
on the graves of some, while upon others
spring and summer with their magic fingers
have woven their garlands over the broken
earth above them. The flowers Of affection
and the evergreens of resurrectional hope
mingle above their chilly precincts, while
an invisible choir seems to breathe solemn
melody of encouragement and hope to their
living successors; that this life is not all of
existance, but that in the unknown beyond,
another reunion more glorious and lasting
will take place for Us and those who have
gone before.
The 1920 train brought large delegation
from the north to. help swell the rapidly
increasing tbrong. and Immediately after
which the fraternal ceremonies of the day
were inaugurated. The secretary's cfice
was opened in the old pavilion, and from
the throng around him it would seem that
the association 10 receiving larger access
ion to its membership than ever before.
The grand procession was formed in front
of the pavilion by L. S. Scott, grand mar
shall, assisted by J. j. Brigg and W. T. Bell,
as aids The procession, headed by the
marshals and the Salem brass band, marched
through the grounds to the grand stand,
the Pioneers carrying banners appropriately
inscribed, and it was by far the largest
procession we have ever before witnessed
on like occasions.
On arriving Mt the stand the assemblage
was called to order by the president of the
association, j.. w. Nesmith. Prayer was
offered by Rev. J. L. Parrish, invoking the
divine blessing upon the survivors of the
Pioneers of Oregon.
The president then delivered brief in
troductory address. alluding to the day
being celebrated as one to always be remem-
bered, it being the anniversary of the day
when Oregon was formally and finally ceded
to the possessions of the government of the
| United States; alluded to the long time ia.
ken up in transmitting the news to the few
settlers then living in this far-off country;
alluded feeling!y to the only true friends
of Oregon in the senate, Linn and Benton;
briefly described the rapid increase in i'm
migration which occurred from that date
forward to the present day, and our present
adyancement in all the enjoyments of a
civilized and enlightened community, to.
gether with our Frightening prospects of the
future.
| After all inspiring piece by the band,
Hon. w. Lair Hill was introduced and de.
livered the annual address, which was
listened to with marked attention through
out, and the speaker was frequently applau
ded during its delivery. At its close vote
of thanks was rendered to Mr.. Hill for hil
able effort.
The president announced the following
changes in the programme: Ex-Gov. Whit
taker, who was to have delivered the occa-
sional addres being absent, Judge Caples
of Portland, would act as substitute; thu
election of officers to occur at 8 P. M. in
stead of A. M. tomorrow. Also that th'
camp fire would be lighted at P. NJ. OF
Marion square, in the city, instead of on th'
fair grounds.
Mr.. Joseph Watt, who had been pre-
viously appointed to confer with the N. P
r. K. Co., concerning rates for an excursion
of pioneers to the Atlantic side, read let
ter from Mr.. Muir, superintendent of traffic
stating that the company would give suci
excursionists passage from Portland to St
Paul and return for S75 each, tor males
and 500 each for their female relations wht
might chauce to accompany the excursion
RECESS.
| At the close of the forenoon ceremonie
! the president announced a recess until :
P. M, when the crowd dispersed around tn
grounds and engaged in picnic DINNER ant
social reunion. Many were the greeting
| between old friends and acquaintance
making it one of the most enjoyable fea-
lures of the day. These social features d,
much toward keeping alive and fosterln,
The objects of the association, the preserva
tion of historical incidents pertaining to tn
settlement of this country, as well as tn
renewal of old friendship between the par
Elephants. All seemed to enjoy the occa
sion with zest, sharpened by the flow Q
good feeling and lively conversation exhib
| tied on every hand