The Telegraph-courier. [volume] (Kenosha, Wis.) 1888-1946, 1899-06-29
THE ANNUALREUNION
HON. z. G. SIMMONS ENTERTAINS
IN HONOR OF G. A. R.
FIFTY VETERANS ARE PRESENT
Evening is Spent in Recalling the Old
Days of Confict-Music and Reminds
cence Makes the Evening Pass Toe
Fast for the Happy Soldiers.

The most enjoyable entertainments
ever given il the city was given Friday
evening at the beautiful residence of
Hon. z. @. Simmons on Prairie avenue
when Mr.. Simmons threw open his
home for the annual reception and re-
union of the old soldiers of Kenosha
county. For many years it has been
the habit of Mr.. Simmons to give a.
reception in honor of the old boys in
blue. but last year on account of illness
the meeting was not held, and on this
account the meeting Friday evening
was more pleasant than any held in the
past. Mr. Simmons always has stood
as firm friend of the old soldier and
the annual reception to the veterans
has always given him exceedingly
great pleasure. In honor of the event
the home of Mr.. Simmons was elabo-
rately decorated Ali about the lawn
were hung myriad of Chinese Ian
terms, and in the different rooms of the
house flowers af all descriptions were
placed in endless profusion.
The members of the Post gathered at
the mess room and marched in body
to the home on Prairie avenue. Here
they were received at the door by Mr..
Simmons, assisted by Mr.. and Mrs. A.
II. Lance, Mr.. and Mrs. A. r. Towne,
of Evanston, Mr.. and Mrs. G. C. Brown
and Mr. and Mrs. z. G.. Simmons, Jr.
The old boys we're given such hearty
greeting that they at once recognized
that they we're welcome. They turned
tne residence of their host into tenn
porary mess room and all made them
selves at home in thoroughly delight
full manner. Cigars were lighted and
the next few hours were spent in the
way of reunion. All the old stories
of the past we're re- old.again. Many
exciting and interesting incidents of
soldier life were recalled by the gather
ing of many of the comrades who had
not been together for many months and
the old festival of "Reminiscences was in
full sway. All the battles were fought
over again and seemed to inspire new
love among the comrades for each
other and the common country. Former
receptions at the home of the host also
proved an interesting topic and here
and there a tear was visible when the
name of some comrade was mentioned
who attended the last reunion with Mr..
Simmons, but whom today is sleeping
in the city cemetery.
Music ruled the f1eeting hours. Old
soldiers are always glad to hear the
songs which inspired them on the field
of battle, and for this purpose Mr..
Simmons had invited Miss Lily Runals
who sung many of the old songs so
dear to the hearts of the boys in other
days. Music and Renaissance ruled
until 1870, when the guests were in
vited to partake of sumptuoUs COLA
ton. After supper the music began
again and belated pedestrians going
home at midnight were stopped by the
songs of the old soldiers who were still
singing the refrains of the old songs
heard at the home of MIR. Simmons. 1t
is true that many of the voices were
cracked and harsh, but the music that
they made was filled with such a
fervor that it seemed the sweetest
music ever heard. At midnight the
old soldiers Did Mr.. Simmons farewell
and with three times three hearty
cheers for the host they returned to the
barracks with hearts full of gratitude
to Mr.. Simmons for the pleasant even
ing's entertainment.