The Big Stone Gap post. [volume] (Big Stone Gap, Wise County, Va.) 1892-1928, 1893-08-31
..ooncy Creek Picnic.

LtSC cdtuludt was q Icu ict eci
day for the people of Looney Creek
and vicinity The occasion was the
grand picnic given by the Looney
Greek Sabbath schnol in union with
the Presbyterian school OF Big Stone
Gap. Quite Il large crowd went up
to the Looney Greek mine on the
dummy, where they were met by the
local school and escorted to the pic
mic grounds. The place selected was
in every way suitable for the occas-
ION, and at first sight inspired the
visitors with wonder and admiration.
On either side lowered lofty
mountains, densely covered with
green foliage and here and there
were studded giant poplars and oaks,
lifting their heads toward the stars.
Water gushcd from the mountains
sides in abundance. and to supple
rnent nature, some cnterprising young
men bad erected 4 lemonade stand,
where the weary picnicer might sa-
tiate his thirst
The morning hours went rapidly
by and the sun was just crossing
mid heaven when the people were
seen TO scatter. with baskets in hands
and TO seat them themselves in group
on the ground. Then the fun began
in earnest lloyd outlaws Of laughter
were heard mingling with the crack
ing of chicken bones, and soon the
rich viands which had been spread
upon the white table cloths were
seen no more.
Dinner hour over, Superintendent
johns. Of the l.. C. school, called the
people in front Of the grand stand,
and then the program for the day
was carried out. Muse WAS rcnder>
ci BY tie b. S. G. cornet band. Ow-
ing to the absence of two or three
Of its members, the band played at a
disadvantage. The music, however,
was good and added much to the
pleasure Of the day.
After few ronditions from the
band, the Looney Creek chorus club
favored the audience with a song,
which was well received
Then, Superintendent Johns, the
master Of ceremonies, introduced the
first speaker Of the day, Mr.. Kilbourn.
Nh Kilbourn spoke Of the Sabbath
school, its mission and wholesome
influence, and pointed with pride to
what had been accomplished in the
Loonev Creek neighborhood, In hts
course of remarks he sounded the
praises Of Mr.. Johns for his earnest
ard efficient labors among them, and
babe him Gol-speed in his well-di
rectod efforts. Gen'l Hardin, one of
the blue Grass States" silver
tongued orators, was then introduced
and thrilled the audience with his
eloquence.
Gen'l Hardin preIfaced his speech
by saying he was always ready to
add to the interest and instruction Of
any company in which he VIVA ppea-
ent. He spoke at length upon the
possibilities Of the American youth
low ii was possible for the funniest
to rise, and exempliii::11 the truth of
The statement by cxampi..s in actual
iiiiff life. "Goa,' y SAID he, ''lias given no
man, nor set Of men, a monopoly Oh
intellect" Every man war the Gar
chitcct of his own fortune" and en-
ergy, perseverance, noble ambl-
ton, are the stepping stonoa to
greatness. He thanked God that Il Q
humblest Of Americas youths, even
those Of foreign birth, could vie with
those of better blood perchance, and
greater advantages, in the struggle
for supremacy. He appealed to those
present to scorn selfshness, to be
generous and tellder-hearted. cit is
not what YOU do for self" said he,
that is lasting, but that which you
do for your fellcwmen. F."
The speech was very appropriate
and well received.
After the speaking the athletic
contests began, consisting of sack
| race, potato race, jumping etc, all OF
which furnished great amusement to
the crowd.
The people were looking forward
with a great deal Of pleasure to the
feature Of the day-the climbing OF
the GREASY poll''-when rain came
up and prevented that performance
Indeed it put "a finish to the picnic
| and the crowd, before the day was
far spent, was compelled to beat a re-
treat homeward. There was spent
a verv pleasant and we trust very
profitable day. Great credit is due
Supt. Johns, of the L. c. school, and
Supt. McElwee of the B. S. q.
school, for the magnificent arrange
ments and success of the day.
w. r. ?.
The silver currency of the world