Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1888-03-24
OLD SETTLERS.
Their Splendid Organization at
Collyer.
CoLLYER. KAN, March IL, 1883.

tlue western KANSAS grit, Set ASIDE Marcn
IL, 1888, as day in which they were to
celebrate their tenth anniversary upon
what has in former years been known as
''the Great American Desert" A call
was made by few of its citizens, and a
temporary organization was effected by
electing temporary president and secre-
tary and committees, who had rallied to
the call of what they then considered an
important work. It is said that 'large
bodies move slowly" but this, being of
the opposite nature, it was truly grand to
see the few men, women and children who
comprise the settlers of 70, '79 and 80 get
this work in motion. Committees assem-
bled promptly at every call. Hurried
consultations were held, and runners
were dispatched with electric speed all
over our beautiful prairies to the various
settlers homes, hen roosts, pig pens,
stock corrals, and even the old settlers
standby, the jack rabbit-all were re-
minded that writ of habeas corpus would
be served on them in the near future for
the benefit of the old settlers dinner that
was to be served on that day.
THE SEVENTEENTH CAME,
and with it one of the finest days of the
season. cloudless sky, warm sun and
scarcely breeze-a day fitted and pre-
pared by Nature, not to be excelled, Cat
least this was the expression of every one
presently by any of its sister days. By $50
A. M. the horny-fsted sons of toll could be
seen vending their way toward Collyer
from every direction, and the passenger
train due here at II A. M. brought many
of our old friends from Ogallah and Wa
Keeney, who, with US, claim the honor of
being old settlers. There were invited
guests from other parts of our county,
whom we recognize, not only as friends,
but friends of ten years standing in Trego
county.
At precisely 1:30 P. NJ, those who were
assigned to the duty of preparing the din
ner informed the president that the last
act was performed, and the
TABLES ALL READY
for the guests. The seating of those pres
ent occupied but few moments, as the
committee on seating were thoroughly
acquainted with their duties. Mr.. B. O.
Richards and his estimable wife were
given
THE POST OF HONOR,
at the head of the table. The officers of
the organization were seated at the oppo-
site side. The speakers, visiting friends
and old settlers were all assigned their
proper places; and, when all were seated,
they numbered 107.
We hesitate to give the bill of fare on
this occasion, from the fact that some who
were not here, in reading it over, (and be-
ing hungry at the same time,) might be
struck very forcibly nth the heart dis
ease. Our visiting friends can vouch for
us, but we will use very mild term, and
say it was good.
PROGRAM.
Music-Ame,Ica- Cartright.
Prayer,-J. @. Elliott.
Dinner.
Music-Instrumen tal.-Miss Ella Lab
man.
Letters of Regret Read
Opening Address. President j. W.
Burns.
Address of Welcomes. G. Robb.
Past, Present and Future of Trego
County.-W. s. Tilton.
Ladies of Trego County-Judge s. j.
Osborn.
Settlers of Collyer Township. John A.
Nelson.
Music-New Electric LigM.-C. A.
Cartright.
Our Trade.-J. G. Martin.
Address to the Young People.-Rev. J
Q. Elliott.
Benediction.-Rev. J. G. Elliott.
At the close of the exercises. the presi-
lent announced that the audience would
adjourn to the reception rooms, boule-
Yard and park; also that the city was at
he disposal Of our guests, and that he
hoped they would try to pass the time for
me hour The hope was expressed, that
n the meantime the old settlers would
egister at the secretary's desk, immedi-
Itely after which they would proceed to
orm permanent organization.
We would Like to give verbatim re-
,ort of those who addressed the organi-
alton, to show that Trego county has had
within her borders for the past ten years
men of ability, strength and force of mind
o cope with any othors Of our fair land;
mt our secretary had
EATEN SO MUCH DINNER