Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1889-06-12
The Fishing Party.


ed, and nicely cooked. was also taken
| along for fear the fish would not bite.
The party reached the Mills before II
| O'Clock, and while some busted them
selves about the camp. and some OF
the ladies began arrangements for din
ner, others, more enthusiastic and less
practical, started off to try their luck al
fishing. They all returned TO camp in
time for dinner, and several nice little
strings of fish were brought in. Two
young ladies, who had wandered of by
themselves, came in very much excited
calling for "a man." One was carrying
fifteen-fOot fishing pole, and the other
was carrying the hook, to which was
attached half-pound catfish. They
wanted "a mar" to get the hook out of
the horrid things mouth. When man
went to assist them, they begged him
not to hurt the fish. They said the fish
''acted so funny! Don't you think it
slipped up and swallawed the hook,
bait and all!''
Dinner was served at 1890, and it was
fine specimen of the culinary skill of
the combined host of ladies who pre-
pared it. Everything was good. and
there was an abundance Slxty-four
persons were seated at the tables at one
time. aud probably few were wander
ing around who were not counted.
After dinner there was vocal and in
strumental music. Hammocks had been
swung, and the crowd gradually scat
tered, each seeking the entertainment
most desired. Some went fishing: some
took maps in the hammocks and bug
gies, and quite number sat around and
snapped songs and jokes until about
five O'Clock, when camp was almost de-
serted. About fifteen ladies concluded
that their feet burned, and they went
off to the creek and-and-well, we can
not tell all they did, but they waded in
deep water we think, for we saw a doz-
en- little wads of very damp clothing hid
away in all sorts of places. We know
they had more fun than circus could
create. for we heard them screaming
with laughter, though they were half
a mile away.
The afternoon finally wore away. and
the ladies began making arrangements
about supper. The fishing parties be-
gan to come in, bringing their catch !;
the musicians struck up, and the camp
was soon full of life. Supper was soon
over, the dishes cleared, and everything
packed away securely to be guarded
against rain. The night was unusually
warm. and the moon shed a beautiful
light; though dark clouds lowered in
the west, and distant lightning occa-
slonally flashed warning, no one paid
any attention. Music struck up, and
a dance on the grass was temptation
but few could resist. This was kept I'D
till eleven O'Clock, when bedding was
spread under the trees, and all were
numbered and assigned positions. The
bed was about forty feet wide, and was
occupied by fifteen or twenty ladies.
Many sought rest and sleep in ham,
mocks, buggies and carriages, but no
sleep was found. Half dozen young
ladies organized themselves into a Wig
lance committee, and saw that no one
went to sleep. Songs, jokes, ghost and
snake stories were INDUCED in, and the
camp was wide awake. About twelve
O'Clock breeze sprung up, and few
drops OF rain fell. This put an end to
all hope for sleep in the open air, and .
scramble began. Bedding was hastily
tied up, and the ladies who feared to
stay out all night in buggies, fastened ,
TO the residence of Mr.. Coffman, nearly
a quarter of a mile away. They were
kindly received, and two large rooms
assigned to the party. They put down
their bedding on the floor. and were all
soon sound asleep.
ABOUT three-fourths Of the party re-
NAMED In camp, slowed away IN bug
gies and Wagons. Fortunately there
was no rain. and all passed the night
quite comfortably. About seven O'Clock
Saturday morning rain fell, interfering
with breakfast arrangements. but it
only lasted fifteen minutes. The rain
over, breakfast was soon served, and it
was greatly relished. In addition to the
regular bill OF fare, fine large catfish, |
weighing about eight pounds, caught
by Mrs. Ellis for her son Fred, was |
served hot. 1t was cooked by Mrs. |
Denton, who Ia an artist In that line.
After breakfast nearly everybody
went fishing. The wind. wh.,i,cb rose
win the sun, got stronger as the day |
advanced, and almost ruined the pros.
pect of catching any fish. A few we're
caught, however. Most of the crowd
continued at the sport, because they
could do nothing else. Miss Stella
Young was,in boat, fishing, with sew
eral others, when she fell out in ten feet
OF water. She was pulled up quite damp
and disguised, but not hunt.
Dinner was served a one O'Clock and
as soon as it was over preparations were
made for the return home. Some had
TO be home early, and others did not
want to start till night. At three o.
clock the last buggy left the ground.
and at $50 reached town. The whole
affair was as pleasant as it could be !:
even the rain helped to give true taste
OF camp life: not a harsh word was
spoken; but many friendships were
made stronger, and new friendships
formed which may ripen into bonds that |
only death can sever,
The party unanimously thank Mr.. |
and Mrs. Coffman for the manv priyi- |
leges enjoyed, and fer their hospitality |
IN receiving, at midnight, crowd such
as the one which invaded their home |
last Friday night.