Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-08-22
HARVEST HOME PICNIC.

though the morning was duh and quite
cool, the people in every conceivable
manner of conveyance began to arrive
early, so that by 10 o'clock, the hour set
for the speaking, very large crowd was
present, and this kept increasing until
near the middle of the afternoon.
The programme was opened by music
by well-trained glee club. Rev. Thos.
Balph invoked the Divine blessing and
was followed by another selection of mu-
sic by the choir President J. H. Den
ham, in short address, spoke of the
abundant harvest and the arduOus labor
of gathering it, and the pleasure and ben
eft to be derived from a meeting of this
kind, and bid all cordial welcome.
A quintet now furnished music, after
which Mr.. L. p. Myers was introduced,
and spoke upon the events of the past
year, the Importance of agricultural pro-
duce in the commercial world, and the
Divine promises to those who till the SOIL
His address was short and to the point.
The quintet again favored the audience
with music, and Mr.. E. d. Meek, of Glen
coe, followed, reciting "The White Spar
row." The moral of his defamation was
that early rising is the key to thrift and
success to farmers.
Mr. Erasmus Wilson, of the Pittsburgh
Commercial Gazette, was introduced, and
gave a short talk, and one character
istic of the "Quiet Observer" He confin-
ed himself chiefly to "reminiscences of his
boyhOOd days and the reasons why he
should be called a farmer. He discours-
ed upon the struggles and trials of a
farmers boy, and the tyranny he suffers
in always having to use the old hoe and
ride on a sheep skin, and get up so early in
the morning. A farmers boy has great
deal of fun, but he also has great many
trials and misfOrtunes. He welcomed the
advent of improved farming machinery
in tightening the labor of farmers Farm
ers should get more of pleasure, comfort
and entertainment, the things for which
we live. He stated that sometimes he
almost regretted that he left the hills of
"Capteen," as association with the world
brought loss of confidence in mankind
He advised farmers boys to marry farm
ers' girls, and closed with this expression:
81 sometimes wish l could strip to the
soul and jump into my grave as l used
to jump into the old swimming hole"
A male quartette here rendered Sc
lection of music, which was well received.
Rev. J. NJ. Fulton, of Allegheny, Pa,
was next presented, and spoke upon the
necessity of the rising generation of
country people being prepared to meet
and settle the great problems which must
be settled if they are settled in peace
Association moulds the character of men
and women, and nobody can be fully de-
velOped in level country without the
inspiration of majestic forests, lofty hills
and swiftly-fowing rivers. Every one
who has been brought up in the midst of
nature ought to thank God for his oppor-
tunities. He closed with an earnest plea
to live for purpose, and for mothers to
train up their sons to live not for self
alone
Prof. George Davis, of Mt. Olivet, led
the glee club, and Miss Jennie Mumma, of
Sewellsville, presided at the organ, to
whom is chiefly due the fine music fur
nished
All brought their dinners along, and
the display of chicken and pie and cake
spread out on the ground was simply
amazing.
AS usual, the politicians were out in
full force, and trying to impress on each
voter the fact that they were the person
al friends of each and and every one pres
ent, and that the life of the country de-
manded their nomination and election.
Even the immaculate Prohibitionists
were trying to get in their work, and
amused all by their singing and wild ges-
ticulations.
The Centerville Brass Band discoursed
music to the crowd both before and after
the OratOrical exercises.
There was quite an exhibit of creamery
fixtures by S. w. Lester, representing the
Vermont Farm Machine Company, and
also some other farming implements
Mr.. Lester made quite an instructive talk
in the afternoon, explaining the work
ings of the Cooley Creamery.
The candy butcher was present, and al
so the man with the shooting gallery
but such things as these do not improve
the morals or the financial condition of
farmers.
The crowd was variously estimated,
and probably 5000 people were on the
grounds. Every one seemed to enjoy
themselves, and doubtless all went home
feeling that it was good for them to be
there, and hoping for pleasant return
of the day next year.