Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1906-09-07
PIONEERS HAVE BIC DAY
oldtimers Take Possession Of HansOOm Park
Tor One Whole Day, ,.. ~
EAT, TALK, VISIT AND MAKE SPEECHES
Martin Durham, In Absence OF
President Lake, Presides and
Governor is on the Pro- ...
gram of Orators.

The annual picnic of the Pioneer Asso-
citation of Douglas County was held
Thursday, at Hsnscom park, with a large
attendance. Little was done during the
forenoon other than the gathering of the
pioneers, nearly every part of Douglas
county being represented. In the absence
of President George b. Lake. First Vice
President Martin Durham acted as mas
ter Of ceremonies. The pioneers generally
gathered at a shady nook southwest of the
pavilion and a big banner swung across
the road near the pavilion indicated
what was going on. ... - ~
All the pioneers brought dinner bas-
kets we'll filled with them and at noon
the banquet OF the woods was held, some
in family and neighborhood groups and
others by combining long tables and
benches served a bounteous feast that
would tempt the appetites of the gods.
After dinner, which was prolonged as
much as possible in order that all might
enjoy a good visit, the tables were cleared
away and then more visiting followed.
Stories of the old days were told with
great gusto. Pioneers met others that
they had not met before for many years.
Promptly at o'clock the program at
the pavilion began, with A. N. Yost as
master of ceremonies. Mayor ]. c. Dphl-
l.. Miller and G. NJ. Hitchcock, speakers
Of the day, occupied seats on the pavilion
stage with Judge wakeIey and a dozen
or more Of the old pioneers. The proceed
ings were opened with several selections
by Colonel w. w. Eastman's fife and
drum corps.
Dahlman Welcomes Pioneers.
Chairman Yost in a brief Introductory
address told the object OF the meeting, and
introduced Mayor J. c. Dahlman, who de-
livered a short address OF welcome to the
pioneers He said that he was glad to
be present on such an occasion as that
and that he was given the honor of well
coming the venerable pioneers OF Douglas
county to the city of Omaha. not merely
In his official capacity as mayor of this
great city, but as citizen of a community
that had been made great by the achieve
ments of such men as were here present.
You men and women have buiided wiser
than you knew. 1t s you that have made
this great west and this great city, and the
stimulus of your energy will aid us that
have come here after you. to make the west
still greater and Omaha stlll more beau
tful and prosperous"
Chairman A. n. Yost responded to the
address OF welcome on behalf of the pio-.
neers. His address was chiefly reminis-
cent. He said: "Rontanelle was the
first agricultural settlement in this state
and was established in July. 1854 II as
pired to become the capital of the state,
but its aspirations were not realized. Here,
too. was established the first college or
school for higher education in the state.
which was in later years moved and be-
came Doane college at Crete. Saline
county. Mr.. Yost gave a number of In
teresting "reminiscences OF a historical
character. and then introduced Governor
John H. Mickey cH' -''' r. Y
Governor Mickey Talks.
Governor Mickey said Il am proud of
the fact that Irnfay be ciassed as a pio-
neer OF Nebraska, and it gives me kreat
pleasure to be. here today to talk with
you little I first Settled In Polk county
in 1863. where / homesteaded a quarter Sec
ton and then went back to Iowa and
brought out my wife TO endure with me
the privations of a pioneer life. My heart
fills with emotion when I think of. the
privations we endured, and what you pio-
neers OF earlier years endured in the early
days. But for the grand, loyal women
that stood by your sides in those days
you could have accomplished little and to
these women should every measure of
credit be given for their part in the build
ing of this great central west
.WhentI look around me 1t makes me sad
to- see some faces missing from this plat
form that only a few days ago we were
sure would be here. ] speak of a great
man who has just died in your city, Mr..
Edward Rosewater. He was one OF the
men who wrought great work for Ne
braska and for Omaha I am proud OF
Omaha All Nebraska is proud Of Omaha
and the men who made it,
Tribute to One who Has Gone.
Or. George L. Miller was the next
speaker. His opening remarks were a
beautiful and affeotionate tribute to the
late Edward Rosewater. whom, he char
acterized as zone of the great men OF the
west. and spoke feelingly, of Mr.. Rose
waters loyalty to Omaha sand Nebraska
and the great good he had accomplished
in the development of the west. DR.. Miller
then relapsed into the reminiscent mood
and told OF the early struggles of Omaha
and the young territory OF Nebraska.
"F1fty-two years ago there was but twelve