The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1906-06-21
|QLD SETTLERS ON
NO MANS LAND
Three Hundred Old Settlers of Ward County
and Their Children Gather at Beautiful
Picnic Grounds Near Burlington.

l(lll( OTOuIlUS
The first annual reunion of the
old settlers of Ward, those who
came here prior to Dec. 81, 1886,
as held at No Mans Land near
the James johnson home at
Burlington June Is, 16, and IT,.
More than three hundred of the
old settlers and children, attend
ed the pleasant affair. About
ten O'Clock on the morning OF the
10th the people began to arrive
from various parts OF the coun-
ty and pitched their tents. At
four o'clock, James johnson, the
president Of the association, call
ed the meeting to order and all
Joined in singing my Country,
IT'S of Thee,'' after which E. b.
Skinner of Sawyer. made the
opening address. Mr.. Skinner
referred to the time when he first
arrived in Ward county, and
spoke of the houses along the
river only, being small and far
between. Sometimes the food
was extremely plain, but what
was given of it at the time was
relished much more than it is
now when one is taken thru the
elegantly furnished parlors in
the new and modern homes into
the dining room whose table is
laden with the best of things.
The platform was then turned
over to the young people who
enjoyed dancing during the even
ing. Rudd's orchestra was out
from Minot Friday night and
played for the dancers. During
the evening the older people lay
about their camp fires relating
tales OF bygone days. the old
scenes being very fresh in their
memories yet. Some rather
thrilling tales were told form the
days when the nearest place one
could buy plug Of tobacco or a
calico dress was Bismarck, and
that place could only be reached
with wagon; luxuries were scarce
indeed and hardships many.
The next morning the foreman
called the roll to which many re-
sponded. During the day the
races were run by the old men.
and the young people, and some
very exciting horse races took
place. During the day the
grounds were decorated with the
stars and stripes, a flag floating
over each tent. Friday evening
the young people engaged in
dancing while the older ones
made pleasant calls from one
tent to another with nothing
stronger for refreshments than
the water from the Dec Lacs
river which flowed close by.
Saturday night a heavy rain
storm occurred which dampened
a good many OF the people, but
they were used to hardships and
this was just a little reminder OF
what they had gone thru in the
early days.
Sunday, the day OF rest, was
observed in fitting manner.
During the forenoon the old set
tiers communed with nature be-
heath the beautiful forest OF ash,
elm and box elders and at high
twelve, the assembly was again
called to order for divine wor-
ship. Fitting sermons were
preached by Rev. w. c. Hunter
and Rev. Mr.. Jones. Mr.. Hunter
took pains to remark that the
women deserved just as much
credit as the men for settling
this country in the early days,
for they had to endure Just as
many hardships. Photographer
Skirvseth from Minot was on the
grounds and took a number OF
interesting pictures. About
three o'clock in the afternoon all
Of the old settlers gathered on
the platform and a Jolly good
time was had. They all voted
to meet at No Mans Land next
June for a three days picnic.
The plan to have meals served
on the ground was discouraged,
as it was thought best for every
one who attends to provide food
for himself. and special efforts
should be made for all to bring
tents. The proposition for the
association to take possession of
No Mans Land and reserve it
for it's reunions, was favorably
considered. The land consists
OF about twenty acres, and a