The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1906-08-16
ORPHANS PICNIC
VERY SUCCESSFUL
LARGE SUM OF MONEY CLEARED
AT THE ANIMAL PICNIC AND
BARBECUE GIVEN YESTERDAY
AT SMITHS PARK.

From the time the gates of smith $
park were thrown open yesterday MORN
ing until the lights were extinguished at
II O'Clock last night, the various attrae-
lions offered by the jefferson County Or
phans' association at their annual picnic
and barbecue for the benefit of the or
phans, were crowded to their utmost ca-
paeity.
1t is estimated that several thousand
tickets were sold, and that hundreds of
people We're in attendance. 1t was i'm
possible to ascertain the exact financial
outcome of the day but it is thought
that something between 1920 and 1880
was cleared
The gates We're opened at 10 O'Clock,
and the crowds began to gather. BY T.
every attraction WAS in full blast, and
the shekels were rolling in for the sup
port of the countys orphan children. The
programmes as announced was followed
closely. AT l o'clock, the orphans ar
rived from the home in special cars, ac-
companied by Menloli's band. From ,
until $3.50 there were horse races which
were exciting enough for anybody. Then
there was singing by the orphans, and all
sorts of games
At the conclusion of the races and 9TH
er events on the track, everybody re-
rounding attractions. Harness orchestra
furnished the music for the dancers, ana
a large number of couples trpped the
light fantastic on floor which had just
been laid free of charge. by the union
norlmen OF course they got hungry,
and had to go to the country store and
buy something for the refreshment. There
were ice cream, salads of all sorts, water
melon and cool drinks, To say nothing of
the barbecue and "Mulligans stew"
Late in the evening, one of the COM
mite in charge auetioned off to the high
est bidders numerous articles which had
been presented for this purpose by the
various merchants of the town. A neat
little sum is said to have been realized
from this source.
But the feature of the entire day was
pete Houpperts animal show. Mr..
Iouppert is the proud possessor of a
young lion, which was presented to him
last year by Cole Bros. when their show
was here. Pete" as the young animal
Is called. has a very nnsociable DISPOSE
tion, and evidences a strong dislike to. he
entrance of anyone into his cage Yes
terday, however, Barney Keys, a profess
sonal animal trainer, had engaged to
enter the cage twice and, according to
his promise. attempted 1t. When he
opened the door Pete sprang upon him
with an angry snarl. and was not sub
dued until he had made an ugly cash IN
the back of one of Mr.. Keys hands with
his claws. The second time Mr.. Keys
entered the cage he received an ugly cut
on his lower hip from the brutes claws,
and it was found necessary to give him
assistance in getting out. as the lion
took up his stand in front of the door
and refused to move thereby keeping
MIR. Keys captive until he received
help. The act was very exciting, and
was witnessed by large crowds
When nipht parpa IN eavora1 aro lfol,tS
were used to illuminate the scene. With
the strains of the orchestra in the dis
tance, the white dresses of the girls NOV
ing to and fro. and the rhythmic scraping
OF the dancers feet, the place was truly
a picturesque one. and it was with signs
and regrets that the people took them
selves homeward near the hour of mid
night.
The committee in charge of the affair
Is we'll satisfied at the outcome. They
STATED last night that they were sincerely
grateful to all who had contributed, and
especially to the women who gave of
their time and labor to make. the day a
success.