The Chipley banner. (Chipley, Washington County, Fla.) 1893-1943, 1897-08-07
COMMUNICATED.
Oak Hill, July 2sth 1870,

Mr. EDITOR:
We will proceed to tell you about a
royal entertainment, or a pleasant day
spent at Oak Hill.
We refer to Saturday, July o4th, where
the writer. through courtesies OF Mr. j.
A. Matthias and wife, in company with
friends and relatives, spent day long to
be remembered.
Mr. Matthias few days previous to the
day referred to, invited some of his neigh
bOrs to basket picnic to be given in hon
or Of the presence of Mr.. Watson and his
estimable wife, and the son and daughter
Of Mr.. lobe Jackson, formerly residents
Of Oak Hill, but now of Linwood, Ala.
Mr.. Mathis had selected a place near
his spring, under the branches of grand
old oak which had withstood the storms
of many centuries, and witnessed the
changes since the days when the Red man
with bow and arrow, CULVER and toma-
hawk slung at his side, chased the wild
deer and turkeys, and brOiled his meat on
hre-coals or dried it in the sun, and drank
his draught of clear, pure water from the
fountain which gurgled forth from be-
meath its roots, until now when he is no
more seen. and his place is occupied by
those claiming higher degree OF civili-
cation. But must not say more of the
''old oak tree" for others stood nearby to
add comforth by giving the benefit Of
their shade, along with the cedars and
sycamores..
The ground was nicely carpeted with
clean strap and leaves and Mr.. Matthias
had arranged seats and brought chairs
TO supply all present with comfortable
seats. Watermelons were furnished with
out stint, and served at will. The fore
noon was spent by the young people in
laughing, joking and eating melons; while
the older people discussed things of a gra
yer nature, perhaps talking of crops, etc.
Twill say just here that the crops | saw
of Mr.. Matthias are the best have seem
especially his cotton.
Finally the crowd began to talk of want
ing something of more solid substance
than watermelon, and preparation were
made for dinner, and Uncle Alex. as usu-
al, being equal to the occasion, had the
table all ready, and nothing to do but to
spread the linen and empty the contents
of the baskets thereon. And 1t was brot
forth in profusion, and laid out In differ
ent varieties: meats, fruits and pics, until
there was scarcely room for another thing
to be laid When all was deity arranged
by the skllful hands OF Aunt Martha and
Miss Emma, assisted 10y Mrs. Gamer, Miss
Marie Scarlett and Others, Uncle Alex an
nounccd dinner ready and invited all IL
the table; when all had gotten to theiI
places, Mr.. Watson returned thanks for
the blessings placed before us. and as q
good appetite is always coed sauce fol
such dinners. IL certainly was In place
that day. for all ate until they were quite
hard to satisfy. They seemed to think il
was a day Of feasting and ease. q day in
/ which to eat drink and be merry Blu,
! dinner was over at last and there could
be seen lot of empty dishes as the result,
of hearty meal. ,.....
So dinner was over, each began TO Sc.
lect seats In the shades of the magniticen,
trees, after having taken fresh drink o.
water from the spring, which, had Ponc,
de Leon been lucky enough to find, wei
might he have thought he had reached
the Fountain of Youth" With sucf
pure water. wholesome food. and fresh
air, laden with the fragrance OF flowers
as uncle Alex enjoys, should think on,
would want To live always. Nature Ger.
tainly lavlshcd her gifts upon this spot.
Tho afternoon was spent a good deal "a.
the forenoon, In relating stories of past
events. passing jokes, laughing, etc, IN.
I'll we realized that tho shadows wer,
growing long and that the sun would soor
sink behind the western horizon. and W,
mast wend cur way hWnCwar.
After regular hand shaking and man,
wishes for the interest OF all present. ant
special thanks to uncle Alex and aunt
Martha, for their kindness and hospital
ity, we left feeling wiser and better fol
aving attended the picnic.