Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1911-07-12
HORTICULTURAL PICNIC
Annual Summer Meeting Whine.
shiek County Horticultural
Society.
Members Enjoy Picnic Dinner. Hear
Speeches, Music, Etc, and
Have a Good Time.

The annual summer meeting OF
the Winneshiek County Horticultu-
raj Society, the fourteenth anniver-
sary of the society, was held on Sun
day at the residence of Alderman
and Mrs. w. T. Symonds of the De-
corah Greenhouses, on the west side.
There was a goodly number in at
tendance, and the day was very
pleasantly spent. After a picnic din
ner the program was carried out.
The principal address by Attorney ].
A. Nelson was listened to with close
attention, and was so interesting and
instructive that we print it below
as we'll as the address of President
Brakeman. Short speeches were
made by John Harter, Joseph Mel
son, Mr. Boo, w. T. Symonds and
others, and Uncle Phil Hustled sang
couple of songs. The next summer
meeting of the association will be
held at the residence of Ed. Blake
man west of the city.
President Blakeman's Address.
Another year has rolled around
and we are assembled again to pass
few hours in social intercourse.
This finds us assembled on the
grounds of one of our first members.
Here again you can behold what can
be done by firm determination to
overcome all obstacles. Mr.. Symonds
came to this country when a young
man, without means and started in
life by marrying a good helpmate
and the raising of the "Darkie's de-
light" You all know how we'll he
has succeeded. Behold the results
of his .handiwork The only mistake
| have known him to make was in
allowing himself to be elected to the
exalted office of councilman, with
it's many temptations and evil asso-
Citations. Let us hope that the in
fiuences and the teachings of horti-
culture will shield him from the
many evil influences which have led
to the downfall of so many who have
held this high position. The pros
poets for fruit are not as bright as
|
according to reports from all sour
ces, Winneshiek county is among the
best Let us be thankful to our ALL
wise Creator fer all the blessings we
enjoy. Let us try to be content with
the things that are melted out to us
in this life, remembering that all
things work together for good.
Death has again entered our ranks
and removed Mrs. Mary Rastetter, an
honored member. a kind and affec-
tionate mother and faithful friend.
With me the members of this society
all join in extending their sympats.y
to the bereaved husband and family
Let us not be discouraged in our
work. Let us continue to preach the
gospel of horticulture. Let US con-
tinue to plant trees. flowers and
seeds, thereby making our homes
more beautiful and enjoyable. Let
us rejoice that our lot has been cast
in the country where we can behold
the wonderful works of nature, the
trees, the flowers. the shade, the bab-
| bling brook with it's sparkling wa
tiers, the expansive rivers with their
water powers to drive the machinery
to light our homes, and the beautiful
lakes, surrounded with cottages and
pleasure resorts. where the people
from the congested cities flee for re-
lief during the hot season. Let us
try to make our homes more and
more pleasant and enticing, a refuge
and retreat from the cares and wor-
ries of this busy life. a place of rest
and peace from our daily labor.
sons why ! am an earnest horticul-
turist. 1t is in my opinion work
for the betterment of the conditions
and extending our knowledge to
others that they may be inspired to
follow our example and the whole
country receives the benefits of our