Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1901-06-19
Old Settlers Day at Atwater.

AN 1ueal Jay, large representative
gathering Of old settlers-with wives,
families and friends, and the generous
hospitality OF the people of Atwater,
combined to make the fourth annual
reunion of the Old Settlers Associa-
tlon of Kandiyohi County an event
long to be remembered.
Ample and effective arrangements
had been made for the entertainment
OF the old settlers. The lodge rooms
above the town hall were thrown open
to the visitors and here they gathered
to renew acquaintance and exchange
"reminiscences of the old pioneer DAYS.
At one o'clock the president of the
association, Mr.. Hugh Blakely, of
Roseville, called the business meeting
to order. The secretary and treasu-
rer made their reports, and the elec-
tlon of officers for the ensuing year
took place, with the following results:
"A. II. Sperry, president; p. Fl. Par
sons, Sr., first vice president; Robert
TAFT, second vice president; Henry
telg, secretary; E. p. Wicklunl,
treasurer. These officers, with two
more members to be appointed by the
president, will constitute the executive
committee. At this juncture in the
proceedings, Mr.. Peter Larson, presi-
dent of the Village of Atwater, ap-
peared and extended a hearty welcome
to the old settlers in behalf of the citi-
zens of Atwater. President Blakelv
responded. On the resumption of bus
mess, a committee on obituaries was
appointed, consisting of the following:
Hon. Andrew Railson, II. E. Sperry,
Hon: Henry Feig, DR.. J. S. Gibson
and Thomas Wheeler. Section V of
the bylaws of the association was
amended to read in substance as fol-
lows: Members of the families of elig-
lble old settlers, over 2l years of age,
shall be eligible and may become mem
bers by paying dues and signing the
constitution and bylaws. The execu-
tive committee was authorized to
make draft for provision to change
the time limit so as to admit to mem
bership early settlers who came at q
later date than 1862. 1t was decided
to have the next annual reunion at
Green Lake.
At the close of the business session,
the old settlers were invited to dinner.
which was spread in the hall below.
A double row of tables extended
through the hall and one across the
end at which the officials were seated.
Considerable delay was occasioned by
the failure of the east bound train to
arrive, on which were expected num-
ber of old settlers. When at last those
present were seated their keen appe-
tites did ample justice to the good
things the ladies of Atwater had so
liberally supplied. After the repast,
several of those present we're called
for short speeches, and the following
responded: DR.. Gibson; Mr.. J. II.
Gates, of Olivia, who enjoys the dis
tinction of having turned the first sod
in Kandiyohi county in the summer of
1857; Hon. Henry Feig and r. E. Sper-
ry. Attorneys A. F. Nordin, Martin
E. Tew and J. M. Downes arrived Ia
ter and were called upon for speeches.
They responded with happy remarks,
full of good stories, bright wit and
sentiment, which were thoroughly. en-
joyed by all present. Resolutions
were adopted thanking the citizens of
Atwater for their hospitality, the Ia
dies for the splendid dinner and the
b Ind for the excellent music furnished.
At the close, photographer took
a picture of the Assem- bled members of
the association.
Those who were present commend
the Atwater people as royal entertain
ers.