The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1899-08-24
REUNION OF PIONEERS
Many Butte Old-Timers Going to
Virginia City.
A GRAND TIME IS PLANNED
Railroads Haven Made Reduced Rates-A
Banquet Will Be Given the Pio-
neers and Their Families
by the Elks.

Many old-timers of Butte are plan
ming to attend the reunion of Montana
Pioneers, to be held at Virginia City
next Tuesday, Aug. 90 At first it was
proposed to have a special train, but
the cost is too great, and all will be
left to suit their own wishes in getting
to the ancient capital. Railroads have
made a rate of fare and one-fifth for
the round trip. The stage fare from
Sappingston to Virginia city Will be
one fare, So, for the round trip, while
the round trip rate from Norris will be
49, The stage fare from Twin Bridges
to Virginia City will be one fare, SO,
for the round trip. Either of the stage
routes passes through very delightful
country and romantic scenery. The
Pioneers will, most of them probably,
take the Tuesday train to Twin Bridges
and will then arrive in Virginia City
in time for the evening session. 1t is
understood that a banquet, limited to
the Pioneers and their families will be
given by the Elks. The BOzeman cor
net band and orchestra have been en-
gagged to furnish music at all the gath
erings, and they will also play on the
street. There will be dance after the
banquet.
The Socity of Montana Pioneers was
organized Is years ago, and it is ex-
pected that this will be the most
memorable meeting of the association.
There are 1908 members of the society
on the rolls. OF that number 272 have
died, Sc have moved out of the state,
and the Whereabouts of $50 are not
known. A larger proportion than has
ever gathered together before will
lpSS NH a VIRGINIA
Guiding many who have never before
attended a meeting of the association.
Many Pioneers will go in their own
conveyances. 1t is 10 miles from Boze-
man to Virginia City. The nearest
railroad point to Virginia City is Twin
Bridges. which is 80 miles distant.
The dues of the association have NOM
inally been 50 a year. Many have, how
ever, been unable to pay, but none
have been suspended. One of the prop
ositions to be considered will be the
remission of all arrears and the reduc-
ton of dues in the future to 81 year,
with view to securing the payment
of a larger share, if possible. 1t is
desired to publish records and money
will be needed for this purpose.
The official roster has been complet-
ed by Secretary James L. Sanders. 1t
will contain brief sketches, some taken
from the records, which were in cha
otto condition, and some elaborated by
the addition of information gained by
personal correspondence. The money
for the printing gof the book has been
advanced by the executive committee.
The citizens of1Nirginia City are max
ing preparations in modest way for
the entertainment of the guests, and
will make them royalty welcome.
Assurances have been received that
Henry Edgar, a member of the Fair
weather party, which discovered gold
in Alder guch in 1863. will attend the
meeting of the association. Mr.. Edgar
resides at Plains. and is the only sur
vivng member of the Fairweather par
ty, so far as known by the officers OF
the society. William FairWeather,
leader of the party. died in Virginia
city 10 years ago. Col. w. F. Sanders
believes Barney Hughes is prospecting
at the head of the Bitter Root river,
Tom Coover is reported to be some
where in the northwestern part of Mex
leo, and nothing is known of the where
abouts of George Orr.