Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1912-08-24

! The older element of Wapello coun-
ity held forth today In picnic outing
at Chautauqua park. A great number
of the pioneers and old soldiers Of the
county were present. Not only were
those present from this county, but
many from nearby counties came to
join their neighbors in a gala day
! where odd friends might meet again
and "reminiscences be INDUCED in
freely. Hundreds Of people old and
young, but more especially the latter
were present. and they were enjoying
the beautiful day and the spirit Of
auld lang syne to the utmost. The ideal
weather made 1t pleasant for the pion-
GERS and the convenient location of the
picnic grounds to the car line left little
absent. Nor were many of the settlers
and soldiers absent unless sickness or
infirmities of the increasing years
prevented, and this even was not an
excuse to many. It was a common
sight to see the men wearing the
bronze button and other pioneers
leaning on canes or unable to leave
their carriages but they were present
and would not miss the occasion for
worlds.
A program Of addresses that are
peculiar to the occasion are being de-
livered this afternoon. These started
with speech by Police Judge l.. Cass
Hendershott who carried his hearers
back to an early day in the county
and recalled many familiar figures in
the early history Of the community.
The program opened with the singing
Of Nearer My God to Thee" by the
entire audience led by Prof. J. H.
Rheem and his singers. Rev. J. c.
Kendrick led prayer and the audience
Joined with the choir In singing
"Sweet Bye and Bye The reading
of the roll OF departed since the last
outing was read by Secretary A. E.
McCue and the election Of the officers
OF the Old Settlers association fol-
lowed. -....
Tears and Laughter Prevail.
The tear apparent here and there
as some familiar name was read in the
roll of the departed, was countered by
ripples Of hearty laughter at another
time when someone in group of the
old settlers or soldiers recalled some
were many Surely the day was en-
joyed by the old folks if the pleasure
stamped on their countenances was
an evidence. Many quip and salley
was banded by the visitors who In
groups from two to half dozen
might be seen scattered about the
spacious grounds in the abundant
shade provided by the trees. A yarn
of the war times created laugh
among the old soldiers while with the
old settlers both men and women the
days of their youth was lived over
again and some prank Of the younger
days was made the source of amuse-
ment where old friends had gathered
together. In the flesh there were a
crowd Of old folks present, but In
spirit none we're old but the number
of youngsters was large. The woman
folk were just as much interested in
the gathering as the men, and the
young folks Of today might learn a
few things by observation Of how the
elders get the enjoyment out of life
when thrown together socially.
While lunch stands We're In evidence,
there were also a countless lot of bas-
kets that carried many good things to
SATISFY the inner man. PaTlleS SdlneFeu
about in the plentiful shade and par
took Of lunch after which many groups
of pioneer men and women might be
seen here and there talking over the
old days. In evidence from the first and
generous with their efforts, drum and
fife corps composed Of seven men, some
Of whom saw service with their musical
instruments during the stormy days
from 81 to '65 played numerous mar
shall airs. Noticeable during the playing
of the drum and fife corps, the Shout
ders bent with age were Strengthened
up and the erect poise Of the boys Of
81 CT used all to thrill with them at the
sound of the martial music. There has
been larger attended ptcnics Of the Ola
Settlers and Old Soldiers associations,
but none afforded more real pleasure to
those participating It would seem that
the waning of the numbers Of the
pioneers adds to the interest among
those remaining for they throw their
whole soul into such annual gather
fngs.
Take Warning.
Don't let stomach, liver nor kidney
trouble down you, when you can quick
" down them with Electric Bitters SOC