Semi-weekly herald., 1908-10-19

until all were present. Mr. Graden
recited some of the early experiences
Of the pioneers in connection with
his welcome. showing the way In which
mond next called on Dan e. Newcomb |
the newly-elected president, to tel the
people about La lara, where the as
sociation will meet next year; Judge
=. NJ. Taylor of Pagosa Springs was
next called on and he talked about
the splendid feeling between pioneers
and the benefits of the yearly gatner-
fpgs; State Senator John John J. Har-
rig of Dolores told something OF his
early experience. while Ezra Elliott OF
Del Norte kept the company In good
humor for ten minutes on early day
Incidents; Otto Mears. the San Juan
pathfinder, was called on but he duck
ed" Hon. Sam Hartzell, member
Of the state pioneers, was introduced
and he merely thanked the association
for making him guest. Mr.. Hart
zeIl came to the state in 1850. There
was another 1860 man present but wo
forget his name. Mrs. A. l.. Cotton,
one Of the pioneer women OF Silverton'
bowed acknowledgements to an intro
duction. Mrs. j. c. Copeland, grand
daughter Of Colonel Shevington,i who
was with the Baker party and who had
often heard the colonel tell Of the ex-
periences OF 1860. in a clear and elo-
quent manner, gave a short review OF
| the stirring events OF that time.
The speaking was entirely informal
and lasted three-quarters of an hour,
| Supper was then announced in the
dining room of the hotel. The music
also started and there was little inter
mission either in eating or dancing
until the hour of departure, o'clock,
The supper jam was simply immense
pioneers having splendid appetites,
There was seating capacity for seven
ty-six at time and 1t required the
fifth sitting to take care of the rem
nants. Mrs. Day, the hostess, had
pl divided literally, however, and there
was plenty for all. At ten minutes to
2 the Sweet Home" waltz was played
and at the largest gathering of pio-
neers in the history of the association
occupied seats in the cars waiting for
the train to pull out. The return triI
was slow in order to be on the safe
side.
The Herald feels justified in saying
that the meeting was the most sue
cessful and by far the largest attend
} ance recorded since the organization
was perfected fourteen years ago. Ant
. If we are to judge by the expressions
Of every one, the pioneers had the bes
time.
One thing is certain, there VIII nevel
be as large a gathering of San JuaI
pioneers assembled together on thil
: earth, but let US trust that all will
meet on the other shore to dwell II
!, eternal peace and happiness.
Among the pioneers taking advan
tage Of paying SIS and becoming III
: members were the following: Mrs
A. l.. Cotton of Silverton; Thos. L
Hamor, Durango, Mrs. Rebecca c
Shaw. South Fork, Rio Grande county
3 Mrs. Freda Barlow, Antonita, Mr.. an,
a Mrs. Ezra T. Elliott of Del Norte
e Several others announced their inten
e tion Of taking out life certificates be
t fore the close of the year.
. 1t may also be of interest to know
e that at the Durango meeting some
J. thing like $345 was received on ac
) count of initiation and dues, the tota
e funds now amounting to about $3.50
i In order to facilitate matters, w. N
!. Bagby. an old time pioneer, was Sc
: lected to remain at headquarters al
: the time from Tuesday morning unit
e Friday afternoon to receive money an,
give information. In conclusion, tn,
e reception and arrangement committee
under the craftsmanship of Chas. Naeg
r elm worked hard for the success of tn,
meeting, especially number of tn,
ladies'. The executive committee an
pointed by the fair directory, consist
, ing OF T. c. Graden. Geo. N. Raymond
A.P. Camp and John W. Wingate
worked in harmony and put in much
time looking after details.
III