The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1893-10-12
DEPARTMENT OF CALIFORNIA.
Encampments and Reunions Enjoyed by the
Grand Army and Relief Corps.

| Encampments and Reunions Enjoyed by the
Grand Army and Relief Corps.
DEAR TRIBUNE: The sixth annual gather
| ing of the Southern California G.A.R Encamp
ment Association was held at Santa Barbara
| The object of these annual meetings is K
| gather all old veterans of both army and navy
with their families. members of the GAR.
| W.R.C.. and Sons of Veterans, and have grand
| family Reunion and good social time.
| The members believe that much good has
been accomplished by these gatherings, frater.
nal feeling has been strengthened, and patriot
ism is at high tide. About 175 tents were pitched
| and over 400 veterans were enrolled. Some
| days 1000 people were on the grounds The
society owns a tent % by 100 feet, which will
accommodate aboht 200 people, and with the
sides up about as many more. This was in use
every evening. fine program of music, reci-
tatiOns. aud speeches were rendered. The com
handing officer was Frank Hobart of Ventura,
for the GAR. and his wife represented the
W.R.C. They proved themselves ideal officers
and entertainers.
On dress parade there were about $50 vet
Grams in line, representing regiments from %
different States, Illinois, Iowa, and Ohio in the
lead as to membership One veteran drove
800 miles to meet his old comrades.
Burton Mound is a delightful camping
ground; it is mostly covered with large trees,
under whose grateful shade one can dream the
hours away to the lullaby of the ocean waves as
they lap the sunlit shore. Bathing IS delight
full sea-shells and marine fora are in album
dance, and nature is altogether charming.
Capt. Dill, of San Diego, "conqueror of Chile
and hero of the 1tata," so called from his con-
nection with the seizure of that vessel, is the
Puuchinello of the camp, and makes fun for
all.
Another noted figure is Mrs. Tibbets, aged
90, who had husband, four children, and IL
doh l1ran in, ha mar Sha 10 nat of
the camp, and enjoys it all thoroughly.
Sunday was devoted to memorial service
for the % comrades members of Posts in
southern California, who had answered to the
roll call from on high since the last Encamp-
ment. The most interesting event of the camp
the arrival and reception of the now Past
Commanderin -Chief, A. G. Weissert. He was
presented with a gold headed cane. Two
members of his regiment present gave him a
beautiful souvenir spoon. Starr King Corps,
wishing to be remembered, also presented him
with a souvenir spoon. In company with
others Gen. Weissert visited the Soldiers Home
at Santa Monica. and gladdened the old vet
Grams hearts with his CHEEKY words. At the
Los Angeles reception Gen. Morrill, welcomed
him on behalf of the GAR, and Mary Z.
Hartwell, Department Secretary, on behalf of
the W.RC.
Alameda County northern California, can
boast of just as pleasant a Reunion as the
south, only on a smaller scale Admission
Day was celebrated by the Posts and Corps,
Sons of Veterans, and families, and friends of
these organizations, by grand rally at Trestle
Glen, beautiful park few miles from Oak
land. About 1000 people were on the grounds.
A fine musical and literary program was rem
dered. Maj. Woodruff and Col. Babcock made
eloquent addresses and Mrs. Borland spoke
for the W.R.C. Table were spread under the
trees, and bOuntiful lunch was enjoyed. The
Fifth Regiment Band gave a very fine concert,
and there were games, races, and dancing.
Appomattox Corps, 5, Oakland, entertained
Lyon Corps, 6, of the same city. After the
regular business session a fine program was
given. refreshments were served, and pleasant
social hour followed, forging ono more link in
the fraternal chain. This Corps is making
elaborate preparations for dinner, the pro-
ceeds to replenish the Relief fund for the
Winter.
San Jacinto Corps reports an ice cream social,
at which $25 was realized for their relief
fund. The chief feature of the evening was
address by Rev. f. L. Morril upon the
Worlds Fair.
Sarah c. Borland. Department Corresponding
Secretary, San Francisco Cal.