The Republican journal., 1897-09-16
Cross and Jackson Family Reunion

Our Morrill, correspondent writes: "The
Cross and Jackson family reunion, held at
the Grange hall last Thursday, Sept. 9th
was a success. More than POO were present
Quite literary program was carried out and
the social feature was very much enjoyed, all
of which will be duly reported by their
special correspondent" The expected re-
port has not arrived but we have been re-
quested to publish the following letter,
which was received too late to be read at
the reunion.
GA E. 2Sth, ST, OAKLAND, CALF.
September l, 1887.
DEAR FRIENDS: In imagination am with
you at you at your reunion; | reach across
mountains and plains to clasp hands with
you; i gaze with far seeing eyes over all
| that is grand and beautiful between Cali
fornia and Maine | see familiar faces, and
hear familiar voices giving us a cordial
greeting.
Time has brought some changes to some
the day has been long and they have fallen
asleep like tired children. If we miss their
presence we would not awaken them for We
know that He giveth His beloved sleep +"
Others of US are waiting until the shadows
are little longer grown" when we. too,
| will feel the need of rest Indeed, we ali
/
neither distance nor time will separate us
a reunion unto eternity. The day may be
long to some, hut the night will surely come
and rest and peace to all His children.
| Had we the magiean's wand we would
have you all in Golden Gate Park in san
Francisco to celebrate this reunion. [ think
it is one of the most beautiful spots on earth
with its lawns and artistic flower beds In
our mild climate every plant and flower
will grow and thrive, and nature aud art
have both spared no means to make this
garden a veritable paradise. But failing the
| mystic power, you will not be with us
We would he so glad to be with YOU real
ly in person, but We did not think it best to
take such a long trip this summer We took
a shorter one during the month of July into
Oregon and Washington. The climate
there is quite different from that of Cal
iforna. 1t rains during the summer as it
does in Maine. When we picked wild ber-
ries and gathered hazel nuts and enjoyed
the sumner showers We felt as though We
were in Maine again.
Times are better here now than they have
been for the past few years Grain and hay
and other farm products are bringing better
prices; when the farmers make money the
country seems to go all right. The mining
eXcltements are taking a great many people
to Alaska from California; many others
have gone to the northern counties of this
State where there seems to be boom on az
Now, dear friends, hope the day will
be pleasant, and all who come will go away
feeling that the time was well spent. We
hope that when YOU gather around the able
to hold a pleasant conservation and to re-
call the days that are past, you will imagine
you are boys and girls again with Frank
and Sarah among you. You may be assured
that on that day we will not forget You. We
would so much like to see You all and spend
month on the Camp Ground. There never
will be any dearer spot to me than Maine. |
love its Hills. its grassy knobs, its. cool
spring water. How well [ remember the
spring we used to drink from on our way
home from gathering blackbrrries. No water
has ever tasted so pure and delicious. Hap
Ply days of childhood
The people who came from Maine hold a
picnic here every year and it is very pleas
ant to see with what loving remembrance
they esteem the land of their birth
With many kind and loving thoughts we
will say good bye. S. j Cross.