River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1905-06-08
The Annual Meeting of the Old
Settlers Association of the !
St. Croix Valley.

In accordance with it's usual Gus.
tom the Association of the Old Set.
tiers of the St, Croix Valley met
for its fourth annual meeting at
Prescott on Thursday last. Ar
rangements had been made by
which all who so desired could go
to Hudson by train and from thence
by boat to Prescott. The officers OF
the Association had secured the
splendid boat Purchase, which, with
its roomy barge, afforded accommo-
dations sufficient for 300 people.
About 80 from Ellsworth and River
Falls took advantage of this ar
rangement for steamboat excur-
sion, while quite a number were
present from New Richmond, Ham
mond, and other places north and
east of Hudson, the latter city also
contributing about $50 people.
There were about 800 boat tickets
sold. The boat left Hudson at a
little past nine o'clock aud steamed
slowly down the lake as it was felt
that all desired to have as much
time as possible to view the beauti-
full scenery along the route and with
many it was source of keen enjoy
ment to review the scenes which
they had seen many years ago when
first coming to locate in the St.
Croix Valley.
A picnic dinner was served about
eleven O'Clock and the number be-
ing comparatively small all were
able to obtain seats at the first
tables which were spread on the low
er deck of the barge.
Quite number of the excursion
lists took advantage of there being
an orchestra present and INDUCED
in the maZes of the festive dance,
but most seemed to take quiet en-
joyment in viewing the scenery or
in visiting friends whom they had
not seen for many years. AS Ilwaco
was reached all gathered at the
sides of the boat to view this pleas
ant pleasure resort, receiving friend
ly greetings from those who were
there. The big bridge at Prescott
was sighted at about eleven o'clock
and from that time all were on the
qui vive to catch the first glimpse of
the beautiful city of Prescott, lying
along the shores of the lake and
river. At half past eleven the boat
drew up at the landing, the people
of the city being out in full force to
welcome by waving of handkerchiefs
and flags and by music of bands
and cheering voices the long-expect-
ed excursion. As some time would
elapse before rhe regular program
was to be taken up the people were
invited to. come aboard and take a
short ride for purpose of pleasure
and visiting. The boat then took a
short trip of about an hours dura-
ton up the Mississippi river return
ing al one o'clock p. m. Upon ar
irving at Prescott the party pro-
ceeded at once to the beautiful hall
belonging to the l. 0. Q. F. at which
the following exercises were had:
Welcome by Band; Hymn, "Ameri-
ca" led by the Band; Prayer by
Rev. Herzog; Children's Welcome
A song by children of the Prescott
schools; Young Girls Welcome-A
flower drill; a Song by the Young
Mems Quartette; Address of We'll
come by ]. w. Howes; Response by
the President of the Association.
A short business meeting was then
held at which the officers for the en-
suing year were elected. Resuming
the regular program Mrs. Otto Arm
quist of Hudson gave finely rend-
cred solo and Miss Emma Muncy of
Hudson gave recitation; Old Lang
Syne was then sung by the audience,
after which 7 C. RnttOn. formerly
of Prescott, made few remarks
and announced that a telegram had
been received stating that Mr.. ]. S.
White had passed away. Unfor-
tunately a shower came up at this
time making the audience quite un-
easy as it was for a few moments
especially threatening. This in some
measure broke up the meeting but a
benediction was given and the peo-
pie found their way to the boat.
Before the gang plank was drawn
in however the clouds broke away,
the sun came out and the return
home was one of unal1oyed enjoy
ment.
The following is list of the Of
ficers chosen: President-Merton
Herrick, Hudson; secretary j.
Egbert, Hudson; treasurer-Orin
Lord Ellsworth. 1St vice president