The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1885-09-17
sanford and Atwater Family
IL q m m nm.


Time with its varied and relentless
changes ever passes on, leaving its inn
press upon all things earthly. We
note the changes wrought in nature,
the expansion of the bud into the
perfect flower, the changing hue of
the autumnal leaf, all speaking of de-
cay and death, and forcibly remind us
that there is existing in our lives the
same great series of change. The
transition from infancy to youth and
manhood, and from the strength OF
manhood to the feeblen .ss Of old age,
is fine illustration OF the beautiful
flower life. The years pass on, and AS
we see dear friends, one after another,
pass away, we more and more fully
realize the frailty of the bark upon
which our lives are launched, and
more highly prize the privilege of en-.
joying the society of dear friends
spared to us, and feel il to be a sacred
duty to improve every opportunity of
holding intercaur-e with our friends
here, especially our own kindred,
One year ago, the 9th day of August
1884, the descendants of Samuel San.
ford and Judge Amzi Atwater b Id
their tirst annual reunion at the resi-
dence of w. II. Bowen, Mantua Sta:
A year has passed away with its event
full changes a year fIaughC with the
lights and shadows of life, and a second
reunion was held at the residence of
day, Sept. End. 1885 The day was
propitious, being bright and sunny.
with a cool. exhilerating air, and M
we were cordially welcomed hy our
host and hostess Into their pleasant
and well arranged home, and received
the kindly greeting of many friends.
we felt it indeed privilege to be there
The grounds were beautifully arranged
no pains being spared by MIR. and Mrs
Sanford, with y hammock here and
there. a swing for the younger portion,
and with the sweet strains of enliven.
ing music by the Mantus Cornet Band
u
gala day. The music was delightful.
greatly enhancing the pleasures of the
day and in behalf of all present, we
extend Gus most heartfelt thanks. A
cOmmodlOus tent was spread upon the
lawn, underneath which were long
extension tables, beautifully arranged
and laden with - choice variety OF
eatables. The floral decorations de-
serve special mention, their arrange
ment denOting much skill! aud taste.
Beautiful flowers, Gods gifts-tO man,
Of no especial value in themselves, but
they delight The eye and brighten our
pathway. After time of social en-
jOymeDt we repaired 10 the tables.
The benediclion being pronounced by
Rev. y. e.. Atwater, we proceeded to
do Justice to the ample feast before us.
After another season of social inter-
course We repaired to the parlor aud
listened to the reading OF the report OF
the Secretary, o. q. Atwater. Next in
order was the reading of regrets OF
friends unable to meet with us, among
whom were DIR. aud Mrs. Hayes, Chi
cago; Mrs. B. w. Atwater, Union
City, Ind Mr.. q. w Haven, Bloom
ingdale, Mich; Mr.. Amzi Atwater,
Bloomington, Ind; Miss PhIonie Ha-
ven, Chicago, and Mrs. Mary Granger,
Phillipsburg, Kas. Mr.. Atwater then
proceeded to speak at some length o,
our ancestors. relating anecdotes OF
pioneer life, all of which was listened
to with interest. Mr.. Sanford, of Wis.
cousin, was then called upon for re
marks, to which he responded in a
pleasing manner, relating some geanO
logical facts of Interest. after which a
vote was taken to decide whether We
have reunion the coming year, which
was decided In the affirmative. The
time appointed being the third Thurs
day in August. An invitation being
extended by our President, samuel
Sanford and wife TO make their home
our next meeting place. We then
proce. ded to the election of officers for
the ensuing year, viz: M. b. Sanford,
Pres, and II. b. Coe, Secretary. After
vote of thanks to Mr.. and Mrs. San.
ford for their kind entertainment, We
adjourned, feeling happy in the pleas
ant anticipation of meeting our friends
a year hence.
AMELIA GOODELL.