The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-08-26
THE SMITHS OF PEAPACK.
THE WHOLE COUNTRYWIDE WENT TO
THEIR REUNION YESTERDAY.

President smith Made short work Or Then,
-, 600 MEN, women. and Rabies Enjoy
tho Hospitality OF the Head or the Family.
prApAcK, n. j., Aug. 25.-Three thousand peo-
ple enjoyed the Smith family and friends re-
union here to-day. Eight or ten persons didn't
enjoy II. They wero the peddlers, itinerant
photographers, and sholl.Rame men, who, de-
spite the announcement that they would not be
allowed within a mile Of the picnic grounds,
persisted in presenting themselves for expulsion.
From the time the cold light OF a clouded sunrise
nllcd up the cup in the Peapack hills, Of which
tho Smith homestead is the centre, Isaiah Smith,
patriarch Of the tribe, and Anderson Smith, his
nephew, were busy at tho crossroads fixing up
tho reunion grounds. They brought out the
great curved sign Welcome" and hung IL
above the gateway. They draped the band stand
and the speakers stand with American flags.
They hung two sixteen-foot flags from n
wire stretched between two trees near
tho Pcapack road. Over tho mound that
marks tho place OF the hearthBtone Of tho
first log cabin Of Peter z. and Mary Smith. tho
first Smiths OF Pcapack, they stretched the COM
memorative banner. 1t hears tho portraits Of
the ancestors. Between their faces is a picture
OF the high-pooped ship that brought them from
Holland. Underneath arc tho words. arrived
1856"
Then they brought boxes Of cake, fried
chicken and sandwiches out and piled Thorn up
In q shady corner. Anderson Smith and his
father. Abe Smith, undertake to feed all tho
special gu ests of tho family, including the brass
band.
The morning was dark. So threatening wero
the skies that at 0 o'clock not a single wagon
load Of neishborhood folks had arrived. At half
past 9, though, a procession OF teams came rat
Ting up tho shaded road beside tho Raritan
branch. These were the folks from the 0 o'clock
train. First OF all came o wagon gay with toy
balloons and laden with a hard-faced crew Of
hawkers. Isaiah Smith met them at the big gate.
Gentlemen" hc said with the utmost soft
ness and courtesy. you have made somo mis-
take. You shouldn't have brought these things
here to sell. 1t isn't allowed" -
The chief hawkers said he guessed that wal all
right and began to unload.
Now. here - said Isaiah Smith. 1t was APP
parent that the peddler had not been brought
knows that tho tone Of Voice which Isaiah
Smith used means that something Is to be done
SSsslIi S . m end M's smilea c Srsd@sG'i and n took out out
a bundle OF balloons. They wore snatched from
him and tossed into the WAGON. He was tossed
begged. and threatened. His only answer was
Just as Mr.. Smith showed q disposition to
lead the horse down the road Policeman Koch Of
Somervile appeared. armed with all tho author
II % va sF tSe ni Sind Of a's aut RSritpt that Mad the SsU ped dit,z;
understood, They went away. Then came two
travelling photographers with portable booths.
They, too. went away. when urged, but they only
went to the other side of tho bridge over the
Raritan branch. This property, ike all that
within . miles radius, was controlled y the
Smith went down to the photographers new
"You can't stay here" he said. The mon an
60 away. said Mr.. Smith.
Il will &C" said the man. " when get ready
Isaiah Smith leaned over and put his hand I'M
der the edge OF ths RortablH DARK room; He
crash. Of chemical bottles and plates, toppled
Into the brook.
Are you ready now asked Nr; smith softly.
Tho maj danced: He 9wore.. He waved his
arms. He was most amusing. A group OF little
Smiths stood band IN hand IN the middle OF the
sue MT. Smith.
All right" said the sturdy patriarch. cheer
fuly. but that won't DO for two or three days
yet Right now yoq must 60, away or l Will
throw you into the brook, too"
Tho phctoErapher went away; MT; Smith
up with more hestc taan care. Then NJ: Smith.
whose omcia. tLsse Il rresiosnt OF INC S51uu IN
babies and shook hands with their fathers and
Hotnsrs as IL tnere was NOT ieRir nearer tnon
Ns% 10Th All, ,.a,
carer nom thS Smlth plcnio mahe IL Lnis yea
EhatIt mas aiWayo psen.e Wnoissouiea care
iree. men-to-man meetine OF neiEhnors IN q ots
tllct twehty mnes souaro. Inc Sln AYE we're .ne
ppos'si tnoy Te.o nAtSto I'M.
nIs shet yesnt unLi ette. oain nn II ~ ie
ePlsoue OF tne mos1tnS tne sai IN : ~ \ =.
rived Anderson Smith look Leader Chanee one