Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1898-09-08
FAMILY REUNION.
A Upiqas Gathering and Entertainment
In Williston.

In these days of picncs and parties in
doors and out. by seaside, lake side and
on the mountain tops none surpass, IL any
/ equals that of the Miller family In tho
woods of Norman and jackson Miller Of
Williston, Wednesday last. The way to
this gathering was unique and prepara-|
tive OF what was to be ut the end of the
way. 1t was in through the woods so
dense as to shut out the glare of the
lights and heat of the August sun. n way
prepared and to made to stretch out by
its wipdings and turnings about mile.
The drive In this way shut in and arched
over by n great variety of forest trees
with their green leaves, mottled especially
by light and shade and tho attendant
odors of the pine. spruce. hemlock maple,
beach and birch and many other kinds,
MOSES and flowers covering all the
ground. doors. sights and sounds noating
all grateful. healing upon all our senses,
healthful. delayed the drive in this way
that 1t might be longer enjoyed. Seldom
is a ride more enjoyable. But the ride
was only an introduction to the continued
and wider delight at the end of 1t. 1t
brought us to a place, stlll in the woods,
! prepared both by Divine and human art
for high entertainment. Here was a ia
BILE of ample dimensions. raised upon
carpet OF moss softer to the tread and
moro satisfying to the eye from the ming
ling of its colors than any that comes
forth from the looms of Lowell, Law
renee or any other carpet plant of the
country. The table was loaded with food,
substantial and satisfactory to hunger.
eight and taste. Meats. fruits and flow
crs were spread in order such as none but
those praCticed In the Kitchen and farm
life can collect and concoct. God was ac-
krowlcdgod as wo took Our places around
this board rs the author of all that now
greeted and eladdened us and the givcr
OF every good gift. Tho same handy work
and divine act that had decorated the way
here was now moro apparent in the tall
or trees that looked down upon us and
stood around as scntncls to guard our
! virtuous enjoyment. Tho charming ride,
the waiting and anticipate ton of tho repast
that had from time tn time caught our
eyes, had all sharpened appetite and
quickened taste both for the edible and
social part of this feast. Tho rcpast I'm
ishcd, the problem was, what shall he the
aftermath? How shall VIC keep up and
highten the interest already excited \
glance at the company and a little thought
OF its quality heightened hope. About ono
NTH Of our number had been college
J trained, two at our university, two at
; Yale College, and one at Elmira Female
College. And their training had not been
merely nominal as their present position
shows One was superintendent of the life
insurance agencies of Iowa and Nebras-
ka. another of the water works of Boston.
utation as a teacher In our best High
schools, had just returned from residence
and study of 4 year and a half in Paris
and Germany. Another had had four or
five years experience as teacher In the
kindergarten schools of Chicago to which
she was fastening her return. Two more.
mothers. had studied and practiced the
kindergarten system in the training Of the
children God had given them. of which
tho children gave illustration In their
songs and plays. Others had held high
and responsible positions in official and
public life. of which my pen hesitates In
write. And so the afternoon till near the
setting sun was passed, not in idle loung-
ing. but in varied exercises of extempore
speaking and high commentator of the
individual and collective excclencies
which mark the family, music and song.
Instrumental and vocal. taking many pho
Geographic pictures OF the collection group
cd and scattered among the trees We all
came away feeling how much better is
such n picnic of the family life than even
a boat or car ride, or n day spent At some
fashionable resort, by the sea or lake side.
as enjoyable as all these are. A. D. p.