The Somerset reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1868-1909, 1895-08-15
Skowhegan Grange I'm the Field

SkOwhegan Grange In the Field.
In compliance with the annual pro-
gram skowhegan Grange observed
Field day Wednesday, Aug. II, at
/ the home farm of +. o. Harris on the
river road to Norridgewock, south side
Mr.. Harris farm stretches from the
river back one mile and quarter en-
bracing one hundred acres.
With the beautiful kennebec in near
view with orchard and field surround
ing the buildings, and the elcctries pass
ing and re-passing at frequent intervals
this location is one of the most favored
Of this favored section.
The morning was bright and beautiful
and before clouds obscured the sky.
patrons began to gather, accompanied
by friends outside the order until large
number filled the spacious yards sur
rounding the house and began the social
exercises of the day. At the noon hour
groups comprising single families in
some instances and more than one in
others, were seen under the shade trees
enjoying basket picnic, with the
baskets full of the rarest products of the
farm. Then came the ice cream in no
stinted measure but in abundance and
patrons of Skowhegan Grange we'll know
what abundance means on such an oc-
casion rs this. After this came the eX-
ercises prepared in advance. Worthy
Master Holway of SkOWhegan Grange.
calling to order. First upon the scene
was song by choir organized for the
occasion. Next reading IL selection by
Mrs. George Tobey subject ''Ihe cater
piler and the Bishop" Next recita-
tion by 5. F. Emerson, subject AN
tetam," followed by another recitation
by Mrs. May Lawrence, subject The
Yankee Then still another recitation
by \. +. Jewett, subject The old
soldier" Mr.. Jewett gave second re-
citation in response to call AlOnzo
Smith next came upon the area with one
Of his characteristic speeches which was
we'll received After him DR.. 5. A.
I'atten was introduced and opened up
his speech in honor of the Grange and
its principles. He believes it is not only
the right but the absolute duty of the
farmers to organize for their best good
and to make The best of this life. He
was always in sympathy with the
Grange and has had desire to belong TO
it. He wishes it the highest prosperity.
DR.. Patten here repeated one of O'Reilly's
poems entitled, The days gone by"
also repeated second poem by J. e..
Sake, subject "Sleep." \ loud applause
followed the conclusion of DR.. Patterns
remarks. The choir gave another song
and Rev. II. G.. Hardway was the next
speaker. Mr.. Hardway touched upon
the wide extent of our country, the room
we all have for Work in a true direction.
The independence of farm life he looks
upon with the greatest favor and in com
menting upon the Grange he considered
it potent factor in bridging over the
chasm between the North and the South.
1t being national organization it has
created loyalty in the South that would
not perhaps come so quickly in any
other way. Worthy Master Holway
closed the speaking in commencing those
who had aided so highly in the exercises
of the hour
As final conclusion of this festival
the friends were permitted to witness
some special exercises consisting of
trained dog riding a pony, also lady
exercising in horsemanship and young
man riding with trained skill equaling
the best even in Barnum's big show.
After vote of thanks rendered Mr..
Harris for his kind entertainment also to
the speakers and gentleman and lady
riders the friends returned to their sew
eral homes TO take up again the active
duties of life.
ST