Rock Island Argus., 1894-06-20
WOODLAND JOYS.
Yesterdays NJ. w. A. Picnic in
Rural Township.
SUPERVISOR J. A. WILSON THE HOST,

An Event Loaded Down with Pleasure for
All Participating = Magnificent Hospi-
tality = Interesting Program Great
Dav.
RURAL, June 20.-The third annual
picnic of Rural Modern Woodmcn,
Camp No. 1856, occurred yesterday
in the beautiful and spacious grove
of Supervisor j. A. Wilson, of
Rural township. It would be vain
to even attempt to describe the pleas
ure that this yearly outing affords
the farmers and their friends from
neighboring towns and counties, and
yesterday was no exception to the
general rule. The weather was
superb, the giant trees of the grove
magnificent and the shade cool and
cxhiliarating.
As early as IL o'clock in the morn
ing scores Of wagons could be seen,
all heading for the same destination.
Entire families ceased for the day
their labor. and proceeded to par
ticipate in the festivities of this en-
| joyable occasion. 1t reminded one
to judge from the number of buggies,
| wagons and other vehicles upon the
ground at the time of calling of the
program-of a gala day of unusual
interest, as indeed it was.
Beginning of the Festivities.
After the assemblage, which num-
bered fully $50, including men,
women and children, had been called
to order, it was announced by Mas
ter of Ceremonies W. F. Wviie that
through some unfortunate circum-
stance several speakers who had been
engaged to edify the audience with
facts and eloquence, could not he
present, and that Mine Host Wilson,
who is always equal to any emer-
Sency, would make few remarks.
which he accordingly did, his intro
ductory utterances being as follows:
Words of Welcome.
1--WE are here to enjoy the company
of our friends and neighbors; to eat,
drink and be merry; to have what
our more unlucky friends, who are
constantly employed indoors in the
busy city. would call a day of outing,
the pleasure of which we country
folks are hardly capable of appre-
ciating, inasmuch as we are out OF
doors most Of our time, and are not
often short on fresh air. often
think we don't know Just how well of
we are with good health, fresh air,
beautiful sunshine and little shower
of rain mixed in occasionally, just
for variety's sake. We think YOU
ought to be glad that you have this
little camp of Modern Woodmen in
your midst, as it is the means of get
ting you away from your daily routine
Of drudgery once a year. at least,
and is about the only thing in the
country that takes time to rest lit.
tie while once every year"
The speaker then dwelt a mo-
ment upon the date of organization
OF Rural lodge, when the charter
members. Is in number. were accus.
toned to holding meetings under the
broad canopy of heaven, with the
moon for n lamp. and the twilight 8
cloak for their secret work. How,
since the organization of the lodge in
1856, the number had been magni
fled, charity, love and fraternity had
been inculcated in other noble minds,
and many other fraternal features OF
the order had been exemplitied. He
touched upon the charity of mutua
insurance and social orders, and ad
vised all young men to become one
OF the myriod of brotherly lodgcmer
OF our country and globe. He ther
= t,a .Al
indicated that the lodge was in a sta
bic and flourishing condition.
After Supervisor Wilson had fin
ished speaking, the following excel
. lent program was rendered, and the
proficiency of those taking part was
so highly approved, that enthusiasm
broke out unbounded, and encore
followed encore. The Woodmer
quartet can Justly be proud of the
voices and people who go to make
it up:
The Program.
Muse, 1--WE Meet Again BOys"...... "a larte
Muse. srhe Beacon Light" t".............. Quarte
Music, Interlude, "Ba, Black shce.''.. .Quarte
Song, They Wanted Me to Take His flace"..
Music, "Rockins on the Billows". "........ Quartz
Music, Call John" ............ o.. ....Quarte
After the rendition of the above
J the company proceeded to indulge il
many varied and entertaining amuse
mcnts.
The Decorations.
The platform, which had beel
temporarily arranged for the speak
crs, singers and instruments, wa
elevated several feet from tn
ground. On one end of the platform
was a floral design, IN
W. A." that was almost trans
ccndent in beauty. Besides thi
beautiful floral emblem, the star
and stripes were tastefully arranged
! and the organ and music stands wen
> to finish the attractive appearance
of the platform. Another uniqu
feature of the picnic was the adver
tising display Of The ARGUS. Lon
signs were stretched across the tai
trees, and string of sample copies
..-.:.ne Aufnc synrp hnnO I1u