The Athena press. [volume] (Athena, Umatilla County, Or.) 18??-1942, 1898-05-20
THE SCHOOL PICNIC.
Festivities Described BY One Who
Was a Pariic pant

Festivities Described BY One Who
Was Participant
Reference TO the school festivities on
Saturday was made in the issue OF the
Pass of that day. That so large a num-
Der of children were transported 10 and
from the grounds, IL miles away, with
out accident is matter Of congratulation
with the whole community. For the
children it was the day of the year Nor
were The little folks the only ones who
enjoyed the outing. Many of the adults
of the town and surrounding country
were there to see the children and wit
ness the exercises.
\ Prof. Reid had selected capital place
which afforded pleasant shade, carpet
of natures green and spring which
gave forth ample supply Of delightfully."-
pure, cold water.
1t was nearly 10 O'Clock before ali the
long procession OF vehicles reached the
grounds. Then it was the curtain rose
upon the first act of the picnic proper,
the exercises in the streets before leav
ing town being only preliminary
Every one agreed that it was time for
dinner, and those who saw the large
quantities Of edibles unload ed from each
vehicle must have concluded that the
ladies who provided them must have had
in mind an invading army. II any per.
son went hungry it must be attributed to
bashfulnesa. Quantities of provisions
were brought home untouched. Dinner
Tarties were organised, and it seemed
that every available spot In the grove was
the scene Of q sumptuous banquet.
Prof. Reid and Mr.. Huntington, or
u. B., as he is familiarly called, served
regulation cowboy dinner of camp
bread, baked beans apd coffee, the latter
being provided in Eve gallon lots to
which was added the contributions Of
their wives, and to which everybody
seemed to be welcomed. The coffee held
out we'll notwithstanding the fact that
Prof. Reid drank IS large .in cups empty.
From the time of arrival till the hour
for the exercises, two p. M, the crowd |
was in genuine ''go as you please"
AT the drum signal all assembled to wit |
ness the exercises. The May poe had
been erected and around it gathered the
happy children. the proud parents and
the admiring throng in all, at least, $50
people.
First came the May song b. the school.
DR.. Dell then delivered d very imprea-
sive address.
Then came the salute to the flag as
follows: Il pledge allegiance TO my flag
and to the Republic for which it stands
one Nation, indivisible, with Liberty and I
Justice for all"
The crowning of the May Queen, Miss
Eloise Huntington, who with her maids
Of honor Misses Maud Gholson, Virgie
Stamper, Georgia Smith, Stella Villa
by, Edith Mcbride and Ava Reeder,
all looGed charmingly sweet Earl
Saunders was in the role of prime
and his address to the queen II
was particularly we'll rendered and
slcited enthusiastic applause.
Then came the very pretty ceremony
of winding the May pole by 25 little girls
and boys.
Soon after this the crowd began TO thin
out and by o'clock all were on the way
nome, and all with the verdict upon their
ips that Prof. Reid, assisted by lis
,orps of teachers, had won for himself
he reputation Of beipg the chief 10
seneralizing May day picnic.
The children proved the truth OF the
school yell, "Razzle Dazzle We're ALI
Right, the Athena School Is Out of
Sight"
Since writing The above We learn that
! little SOC Of j, Dudley was thrown from
horse on his homeward trip. We did
earn the extent OF his injuries, but ex-
'ress the hope that they are not serious
j. B. II.