Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1890-01-17
O,a Folks Gathering.

AulOuIueu.
0la Folks Gathering.
The annual winter treat rendered
by the citizens Of American Fork
TO the aged, blind, halt aud lame,
took place on "Wednesday last nj
Grants Hall in that city. The occa-
sion was one which exhibited the
generous disposition of the citizens
to the fullest extent. Those who
had teams and sleighs were busy
during the morning bringing in the
provisions and conveying those I'M
able TO walk. Nine different ma
lions had representatives in the
merry throng, the number Of
persons present being lbs, their
united ages exceeding 5000 years.
The eldest gentleman was Scotch
man ami the eldest lady n Scan
dinaviaDs
About two O'Clock dinner was an
nounced, put there was no "bill of
fare" The guests had neither time
nor inclination, indeed, to read
one, but went straight to business
after the blessing had been asked by
DIR. IsaacSOn.
Elders Goddard, Eddington, Dun
bar, and Savage, and ladies Of Salt
Lake City, arrived by the belated
Denver train, just in time TO witness
the commencement of the proceed
ings. Their arrival was greeted
with cheers of welcome. Bishop
Halliday was interchangeable in his
efforts to make the occasion one of
joy and gladness. The committee
of arrangements - consisting OF
Brothers Barrett, jackson, Tracy,
Dunkly, and Lee-worked as only
men work when inspired by the
lofty sentiment Of making Others
happy. They were well assisted by
n corps Of ladies'. Ten Of the young
er ones wore white caps and acted
Us Mattresses.
The inner man satisfied, there
followed the 'feast of reason and
the flow of sOul.o a group Of
pretty little children gave recita-
tons Of an interesting character,
and pithy and humorous speeches
were made by the visitors. Prizes
were given TO the most aged. Two
hours and a half of mirth, music
and good cheer quickly passed
away. The Rev. Mr.. Day, Pres
byterian minister Of this place, Of
fered some happy remarks, which
were received with applause by the
audience.
American Fork can boast Of the
presence Of Mr.. Robinson, the Oldest
railroad conductor now living. He
carries with great pride a watch
given to him by the directors Of the
Liverpool and Manchester railroad
in 1882. This was q recognition Of
his efficiency as such. The old
gentleman is quite feeble but, proud
OF his trophy, and today exhibited il
with much satisfaction.
The proceedings were cosmo-
politan in the truest sense. All
were welcome; and all classes
contributed TO make the gener-
Gus treat a success, and all
seemed to enjoy the privilege Of
being present. Amer the old folks
had been returned to their homes,
the widows, bachelors, and younger
folk who had been helping, con-
tinued the fun with dancing,
speeches and singing until a late
hour.
The following lines, composed by
Brother James Crystal, were read
&c the audience IN the afternoon:
Ye worthy danes and honored sires We
bring you out today
To share Gods common bounIies In our
good old-fashioned way,
And since you here have met to share our
need Of mirth and cheer,
We shake your hands, and warmly say, "a
happy. glad New Year"
Since lastwe met, as now We meei,no doubt
you've had your share
Ofc-amps and coughs and stiaened joints
you scarcely well could bear;
But, bless your dear old hearts and souls
itseenns when you are here
Your tickling coughs and sufened joints
ali strangely disappear.
Sure there must be some magic on the
shelves Of Brother Grant,
or other hidden powers 1t work the old
felix's TO enchani;
..,-. - -, hsars and fausrftQ and
brightness Of the eye,
That truly 'tis puzzle rare to tell the rea-
son why.
While thus VIC scan our aged guests a les
son ht we lean
That wnnkled cheeks and silvered hair
wIIlteach US ali IN turn;
That time whose faithful finger paints the
lily and the rose.
Is faithful also 10 his trust to see their
petals close.
Yet all is well that God ordains to age or
blossOming youth,
When mans ambition eenters right on
wisdom. love and truth;
The cheeks may lose thefr rosy iints, the
Jocks their raven hue,
But youth or age can always and some
pleasant work 10 do.
As years roll by We sadly miss some dear
fAmuiar face
Which used to grace a certain chair that
filed a certain place;
But Death, the Reape-." staiks abroad.
his sickle sharp to WELD.
And eulls the sheaves that suit him best
upon the harvest neld.
Old Time is drilling fresh recruits the va
cant ranks TO al
Prom those who've crossed IIfe's sunsets
and are sliding down the hill;
And e'en though death our dear ones take
we know that all Is we'll
They only go to labor still where love and
Kindness dwell.
Take courage, then &c aged ones, thsush
brief your LAHORE here,
The future, as the present. shall your hon
ored names revere;
You've raised your sons and daughters IN
the Lords appointed way.
And [ lecrfully have horne TIE heat and