Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1888-09-05
Old Settlers, Pic-N,c.

Settlers Association OF BARBER county
The day was pleasant, being cool and
clear, and while the attendance wa:
larger than any other picnic in the his
tory of the ASSOCIATION. the absence OF
many of the pioneers of Barber county
was noticeable. 1t was also remarked
that the citizens of Medicine Lodge did
did not turn out as 1t was expected they
would. Either the majority of the peo-
pie of Barber county do not think they
are eligible to membership in the asso,
citation or they do not expect to live
here, and with their children and grand.
children, enjoy the meetings to be held
in after years. But those present Sat.
urday were the very best people of the
county and they came in and had a
good time.
The silver band led the procession to
the grove from the court house at II
O'Clock, the old soldiers and G. A. r.,
occupying ithe position of honor, fol-
lowed by citizens in carriages, OH horse.
back and on foot.
Arriving at the grove, and after sew
eral selections were rendered by the
band, the assmblage was called to order
by the president of the association. DR..
l. w. Stout who called on Mr.. Garrison
of Sharon to lead in prayer.
There was more music and then a
cordial welcome was extended to the
assemblage by DR.. Stout in.the shape.of
an original poem written by his wife,
Mrs. f. II. Stout, as follows:
WELCOME.
Welcome, to the staunch Old Settler,
Granger, Cattleman and all,
Who have stood the frontier hardships,
And have titled the frontier soil.
Welcome to the wives and children.
Who made our lowly homes so bright,
While we toiled from morn till evening,
Battling for settlers right.
welcome to those brave old veterans
Who have hOnored us this day,
Freedoms banner still floats DER us,
Still, through them, holds glorious sway.
Blue and Gray perhaps may meet here,
Meet on friendly terms, we know,
North and South are still united
Who would crush a vanquished foe?
Welcome to the festive Cow Boy,
With his broncho, spurs and quirt,
Now, hardly think you'd know him,
With his dude hat and boiled shirt.
Let US tell our stories over,
How we fought the Red Man brave,
Show the scars we now do carry,
And will carry to the grave.
Let ms feast our souls on music,
Sung by seraphs here on earth,
Let our minds be filled with logic,
And our hearts with joy and mirth.
Neighbors, fix up that Old racket,
Lies too short To spend in strife,
And kind word fifty spoken,
Often guides to a better life.
Lovers, pop that awful question
Struggling on your lips so long,
Now the time will prove propitious,
When the seraphs sing the last song.
Here's the best modus operandi,
Take her by her hand So white.
Tell her that you long have loved her,
That you seek a nearer right.
Tell her the "dugout' is ready,
But you hope to build next year,
y mansion that is far more fitting,
For "a treasure that's so dear.
And now, maiden. let me warn YOU,
Do not venture, at your cost,
To commence in that old dugout,
If you do, your mansions lost
should you venture you'll regret 1t,
On the very first rainy day,
When the water comes pouring down
Through the mud and rails and hay
Your sweet temper then you'll lose,
And some bad words you may saw,
Concerning that old, nasty dug.out
And nasty, rainy day.
But, of course, you will not heed me
Not single word say
Go ahead, young man, and win her,
Loves as blind as bat" they say.
Changers. think not Of ruined crops;
Build up castles for the morrow;
Enjoy the present, too soon twill pass,
Leaving time for care and sorrow.
Here beneath the shady elm,
On the banks of the waters clear,
Let us feast our eyes on beauty
Till the dinner call we hear.
well-filled baskets here you'll find,
And when seated to partake,
Do it justice; get your fill;
But don't forget Old johnny-cake.
Bacon and beans should have a thought
They stood by us in days gone by,
When luxuries could not be bought,
And cow-chips wouldn't bake good pie.
Again we welcome all who answered
The ''Old Settlers Picnic" call.
Strangers, brothers, babies and lovers,
Thrice welcome TO you All!
This etfusion was eagerly listened t.
and at its close many were the compll
mentS paid its author. 1t will be pre-
served in the archives of the associa
ton for future reference and no doub
generations yet unborn will read it anC
refer to the poetry of Our Grand
fathers Days"
The historical sketch of the early
organization of Barber county was theI
read by the historian for the year, Hon
L. y. McNeal, and it was pronounced
by every one who heard it a master
piece of research and composition
lThis address Will be published il
the INDEX next week
The dinner hour was then announc
ed and baskets were spread on ever,
hand and every family provided feast
fit for the gods. From the amount anC
quality of the good things in sight, on,
could not refrain from thinking O.
Barber county as the" Land of Plenty.