The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1889-06-06
Old Settlers Society.

Old Settlers Society.
Below will be found the historical
sketch of the old settlers organiza-
ton of this county, referred to else
where in this paper, furnished for
/ publication by Daniel B. Benedict,
Secretary for many years of the
society:
To the old settlers of Wilmot.
Bristol and vicinity credit is due for
the organization of the Club, which
took place during the year 1877.
The first meeting held was in 1878,
at which time sixty-three member
SHY certificates had been issued at
IS each, giving the Club working
capital of $315. With this money
property was bought on Fox Lake,
/ just over the line in Illinois, and
building erected for the accommo
dation of the Club, The grounds
on Fox Lake were all that could be
desired when once upon the grounds,
but the difficulty in getting there
proved serious drawback. Mem
bers living at the eastern limits and
northern boundary of the county
were too remote from the grounds of
the Club, necessitating hard days
drive for teams to Wilmot and trip
on the boat of J. w. Voak & Sons
down to Fox River to the Club
grounds. Many. of our members
whose age deprived them Of the
privilege of attending our annual re-
unions at SO great distance from
their homes began to question the
advisability of retaining the grounds
on Fox Lake and the propriety of
disposing of the property of the
Club and locating in Kenosha Coun-
ty in some central location was free
ly discussed and particularly among
the older members were found advo-
Gates for a change in location.
At the meeting of the Club at
Wilmot June 9, 1882, the question
came before the meeting and it was
decided that it was advisable to sell
the Fox Lake property if the same
could be disposed of advantageous
ly and the President authorized to
advertise the property in Chicago
papers, and that the Club by it's
proper officers be authorized to dis
pose of the property in their dis
erection in the interest of the Club
The President, S. Y. Brande, act
ing upon the instructions given, adj
vertised the said property, and as a
result received communication
from Asa B. Paddock, offering s425
for the property The offer was &C
cepted and the grounds of the Club
and buildings thereon situate were
conveyed to him, the condition be-
ing cash on delivery of deed, S225,
and mortgage for balance of pur-
chase money of $500, due in one
and two years at E per cent. interest.
The property of the Club being
disposed of, at the meeting of the
| Club held Sept. 9TH, 1882, commit
tee on location of site for a perma-
ment location for our meetings was
appointed, consulting of Messrs. H.
S. Thorp, 7. P. Runkel, F. Robinson
and S. Y. Brande.
After mature deliberation the
committee purchased for the use Of
the Old Settlers Club 3 acres, now
owned by the association, for which
the sum of 5000 was paid, fences
built, plank for speakers stand and
seating-the expenses covering all
the surplus funds of the Club.
From a membership of sixty-three
with which our association started we
have issued membership certificates
until now we number 100 members.
We are at this time solvent in a
financial point of view, with no
debts but what can be liquidated at
any moment and leave small sur
plus in the treasury of the Club.
But when we look upon our grounds
beautiful with it's majestic oaks, and
placid waters of the lake, encircled
by a bold shore and hard, pebbly
beach, one can but observe that
some improvements are imperatively
demanded in order that the comfort
and protection of those who partici-
pate in Our annual gatherings may
be assured. To this end suitable
buildings should be erected to shell
ter US in case of storms, suitable
sheds should be erected to accom-
modate teams where they can be fed;
seats and tables and many other
needed permanent improvements
made in order to secure attendance
upon our annual gatherings.
Woman's Discovery.
| UAnotbor wopdnrfnl dicnouarv hoe haan