River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1911-10-26
Meeting of the Old
Settlers Association

Wednesday, the 18th, was g
gloomy, stormy day, so much sc
that very many predicted that the
meeting of the Old Settlers would
be a failure, but the sun rose
brightly on Thursday and at an
early hour many were coming from
the country around, while the train
from Hudson brought a goodly
number from the north and east.
The meeting was called to order
al eleven o'clock, the time prior to
that hour having been taken up
with greetings between friends,
some of whom had not met for
years, and who recalled with pleas
ure the days of pioneer life.
After a very brief attention to
business the regular program was
taken up, Rev. Vim. ]. Gray giving
an address of welcome, which was
responded to by Hon. James John
son of New Richmond. The Nor
NAL Orchestra gave selection in a
very acceptable manner, after which
Mayor Howe of Prescott gave some
interesting sketches of men who
have helped build Pierce county.
Another selection by the orches-
ira followed and then Mr.. Cornell
son of Ellsworth gave a few re.
marks, Mr.. Cornelison is probably
the oldest settler now living in this
county, not in the matter of age, as
he seems young, but he came to
this county with his fathers family
in 1874.
After a short attention to bust
ness recess was taken until two
O'Clock p. m.
Arrangements had been made for
a picnic dinner in the dining room
of the l. O. 0. F. hall, and one hun.
dred gathered there to visit and
dine. At about a quarter to one
O'Clock several autos drew up in
front of the hall and gave rides to
those who desired to take advantage
of this part of the program. This
feature seemed to be much appreci-
ated by many of the old settlers,
some having their first ride in these
modern means of locomotion.
Promptly at two o'clock President
Stiles called the meeting to order
and the committee on nomination
of officers made their report, the
officers chosen being John w. Cor
nelson of Ellsworth, president; G.
E. Pratt of River Falls, secretary;
James Andrews of Hudson, treas
urer; Chas. Staples of Osceola, Jas.
Johnson Of New Richmond, Mayor
Howe of Prescott, vice presidents.
The meeting in the afternoon was
opened by "Auld Lang Syne," sung
by a select choir, the audience join
ing in the chorus.
Mrs. Duncan McGregor, who has
the distinction of being the first
white woman to settle in the vicin-
ity of River Falls, was invited to
take a place upon the platform and
"reminiscences of the early days.
Mrs. McGregor came to this section
bride and passed her first winter
of married life in log cabin in
Fosters grove.
An old-time song was sung by
Mr.. G. E. Pratt and Mrs. O. S.
Powell. S. S. Beebe of New Rich
mond spoke of the old times in his
locality, and c. G. Knowles read an
interesting paper on 4th Of July in
1857, being followed by song by
Miss Willett of the Normal faculty.
Speeches were made by Messrs.
Frear, Bradford and Weld, after
which America" was sung by the
audience and the meeting adjourn
ed. There seemed to be feeling
of friendliness and good cheer dur
ing the entire day and the meeting
was probably one of the most en-
ioyable events ever held in the city.