Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1899-04-27
,ween two points and they profted by

tween two points and they profited by
it.
We like the Old Settlers Reunion
1t will help to keep the old landmarks
in view and firmly connect the past
with the present, and as the links in
the chain become time worn, Others
may be forged to fill their place.
Mrs. Stebbings says, memory is a
modest flower, the seeds of which
should be nourished and protected,
that in later years it may be caught
up in the vanishing phase of existence
for the coming boys and girls of Wood
county: stories they will never tire of
hearing OF of telling to future genera
tions TO De perpetuated to posterity
either for their usefulness or pleasure.
We have, today, societies of the
Sons and Daughters of the Revolution.
They are not only patriotic, but fra
ternal links bind them together
intellectually and morally and their
influence will be felt in coming time.
Why cannot the sons and daughters
of the pioneers of Wood county
organize like society to perpetuate
the old and become a staff to support
their fathers and mothers in their
decline. A volume could be written
about the inception and growth of
commercial interests in the valley and
such record could be kept in the
archives of the society of Old Settlers.
l would like to hear by letter from
my old associates | think it would
improve my health if 1 could respond
to good crusty toast at your banquet
tonight. I will venture to offer one.
May the reunions continue and your
star of existence grow brighter as days
multiply and reflect a light for those
who come after. Mrs. Stebbings and
Frank join me in fraternal salutation
DIR. P. STEBBINGs.
From II. W. Remington.
Remington, Wis, Feb. IL, 1S99 To
the Old Settlers Club of Wood County
Dear Friends: Your kind invita-
tiOn to me, per your secretary, Mrs.
Canning, to be present at your annual
reunion received. Nothing transient
could please me more than to meet
with you at the cheerful home which,
| am informed. has been constructed
by my friend Dixon for the weary
wayfarer, and exchange greetings with
those whose united efforts will be to
make all surroundings contribute to
produce pleasing converse and social
pleasures long to be remembered. But
for nearly three years 1 have been an
invalid, and am now held close pris-
Oner by winters king, which makes it
impossible for me to comply with your
invitations; yet it affords me great
pleasure to know that I am not wholly
forgot.
When | wrote to you year ago, |
but little expected to see this day, but
the Scythe of time has missed me thus
far and prospects are more tiattering
than when you last met, so far as my
health is concerned. At that time |,
to some extent, prophesicd in regard
to things to transpire during the next
century. Some of my friends thought
me too visionary but the rapid pro-
gress of events during the year just
passed indicates that all | foreshad-
owed and much more in the same di-
rection, will be accomplished before
the next century begins. 1t is already
demonstrated that the seat of empire
is in the new world, the United States,
the greatest, most powerful and inde-
pendent nation upon this sphere and
her influence and ability to direct the
affairs of the world supreme.
The events of the year have thrown
great light upon existing but unknown
facts and furnish many lessons that
require much study and careful think
ing, and has opened up interesting
fields for all minds to play upon and
make life worth living. Our county
has made great progress: our cities
and towns are stretching out in every
direction, looking forward and upward
for better things, which must interest
us old settlers enough to keep us from
committing suicide.
But l wish not to occupy much of
your valuable time, time which flies
with the speed of the wind. 1t is the
part of wisdom to spend as small a
portion of it as possible with the
corners of our mouths dropping down
ware, on with the pleasures and social
converse for which you have met.
Encouraging and hopeful words and
smiling faces will chase away a thous-
and pains and a recollection of the
pleasures your combined efforts today
bring to each other will greatly assist
in dispelling any unpleasant clouds
that may chance to overshadow you
hereafter.
Hoping that the Old Settlers club
will continue to flourish and eniOv
many more reunions whatever may be
my lot, and hoping that I may yet be
of sufficient use to prevent being
wholly forgotten. l remain yours
truly, II. W. REMINGTON.
P. S. am just in receipt of letter
from E. P. Arpin asking for COM