The Mena weekly star., 1907-05-16
DECORATION DAY
 AT OWENS CHAPEL
A rhroug of Men, Women and Children Gather for the Big Annnal Event Program at Chapel and Gene
 tery, Then a Feast.


 ed large crowd, not only from the immediate vicinity, but from Meua and other points. Estimates of the number present varied from 700 to 1000. and a happy, prosperous looking throng 1t was. Every seat provided for the services at the chapel, which were held iu open air, was filled and all standing room within range of the voices of the speak. CTS was occupied, and many were unable to hear all the program. The shady spots in lanes and the woods around were occupied by wagons, carriages and buggies of those attending.
 The day was ideal for such an occasion, the skies being clear and the sun just warm enough to make the shade Of the forest trees welcome, and this, with the happy faces of all, little children and grown folks, was enough to warm the heart of even an in- different beholder, if such there could be.
 And 1t was prosperous look ing assemblage, as well as a happy one. There were none not we'll and comfortably dressed, and the children and young ladies, most in costumes of white, were as an attractive lot as could be gathered in any country. Rosy cheeks and bright eyes were the rule, and spirit of health, strength and love for God and humanity prevailed the gathering.
 And the hundreds of horses resting in the shade in the woods about told their story of prosper ity. There were many fine animals amoug them, and all showed that they were we'll fed aud well cared for.
 The custom of gathering for memorial services and to decorate the resting places of the departed loved ones whose ashes rest iu the cemetery at Owens chapel has long since been regarded as one of the important events of year,
 When MT. J. NJ. Owen gave the land for chapel and cemetery and constructed the building some hlteen years ago, he provided that it should De a place where good people of any religious or political belief could gather and freely hold discussions, aud under the guidance of strong men and women this has become the meet ing place where people for miles around can gather in true broth erhood and sisterhood and by social intercourse develop the spirit of love and faith in God ana m each other. It is beau 'iinl example that could we'll be followed by other communities.
 The decoration of the graves oi loved ones gone before is sweet and simple ceremony, and me strewing of flowers over the resting places of the ashes of the ueparted can but soften the hearts or those remaining and lead them 10 emulate the examples of right eOusuess of those gone before and o forgive the faults and errors oi those still with them.
 And the feast Long tables stacked high with good things meats and bread, salads and plckles, vegetables aud fruits. 'aSes and pies-aud in such p'nty as can only be seen in VOun'ry that is prosperous and "nere the people are even more aoSPl'able than prosperous-a and uesplte the hundreds gathered uere, there was no fear that the supply of good things would be AHdus'ed, And it is the proud OOaS' oi these good people that 1''er Tn the history of the event I'S any man, woman or child left "'ugry unless by their own fault,
 u alter the hundreds of healthy ppe'''es had been satisfied on ,u's occasion, there was enough b 'i' Tor many more.