New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-07-10
THE FIRST TRIBUNE DAY EACtRSION
MORE THAN EIGHT HUNDRED PEOPLE OLD AND
YOUNG. ENJOY AN OUTING AT EX-
CEI.SIOR GROVE.


CELsIOR GROVE
The pier at the foot of East Thrd-st. was liter
ally swarming early Yesterday morning with chill
dren. whose faces expressed eager expectancy. and
tired WORKOUT mothers, looking only little less
pleased than the children. and holding in their
arms poor. sickly babies. The occasion OF their
gathering was the first Of the day excursions 10
Excelsior Grove, OF which venty-tour more VIII
be given this year. In charge Of The Tribune Fresh
Air Fund. Ii Is probably well known that those
taken on these excursions are mothers and chill
dren who cannot get away from the city TO enjoy
a fortnight OF Coos free country air at one OF the
fresh-air farms. The day excursion yesterday was
gotten up for the benefit of the Stanton Street Hep
ing Hand Society. which is supported by Mrs Fred
erick W. Vanderbilt. The barge Warren Will carry
most OF these parties this season. as 1t did las,
season. 1t was in her. with the Blackbird a
tugboat. that yesterdays excursion party "A'
taken. . =. $3.50.
$50 children over three years old. and S55 mothers
and grown peop.e who had gene TO take care OF
the little ones. The party started at s:l5 a. m ana
gayly steamed down East River, under the bridge
around the Ba nd g saa S i tn the groSe
Yonkers. Eight cans OF mix and 20 pounds 81 o,
soon disappeared The band played merriy every
quarter hour ard mothers who for one day had
put away. danced on the deck with the chill
At 1880 the barge reached Excelsior Grove and and
the Jolly policeman. Nelson, orcered everybody oui
TO play on the grass-an invitation which needed
repetition except for one BOY. VINO expressel a
had landed before the boys had found the swim
ming place and were enjoying themselves along the
muddy banks The band PLAYED on ne pavilion N
at intervals and the eXcursioIISts ate their iuhch
at the tables under the The cherry trees IN the
grove were stripped Of the cherries remaining
On them and apple were robbed OF their green
fruit. Soon after 3 o'clock the crowd returned 10
the boat and the return trip was az pleasant as
what had gone before.
TO the tune of Home. Sweet Home" by the band
the barge reached East Third-st. at $50 O'Clock.
and the tired, but happy faces expressed more
eloquently no doubt than then words coulo Inc
gratitude OF the party to the unknown Tlend at
whose expense one day of happiness came to cheer
many days OF trouble. -, -.
one OF the most interesting features OF the party
which went 10 Canastota. y. Y. the first part OF
the week was a little band OF eight colored emil
dren who were invited to spend two weeks IN the
country. The colored race Is proverbiaiiy happy
one and no better proof Of this fact could be asked
than a sight Of the eight dusky faces which were ere
continually wreathed In smiles. Invitations ioI
coored children are extremely rare but wneh ,ney
10 come great is the Joy In the fortunate house-
hold while elaborate preparations are maze u
send the lucky child away in good shape ,,,
Yesterdays parties all started in me cOndltion
There were five companies aggregatng S1i emil
dren This makes the total sent out during me
first two DAYS OF this week 5Ss. Two parties VIII
20 to-day Callicoon. n Y. VIII receive Iour'evn
Children, and Binghamton. y T.. will welcome III
third band OF ten These parties VIII De accom-
panied by few specials