Putnam patriot., 1914-08-21
BALLARD REUNION
Held at Nichols Grove Wednesday
Report of Historian

Report of Historian
 The Ballard Reunion was held at Nichols Grove ,Wednesday, Aug 10, l 1914, with the smallest number 1 in attendance ever had. This was ow- ing in part to the very large numbt who have passed away to the reunion above and partly to the fact that one branch of the family was detained by the death of little one in their family and the funeral was held the same day.
 In fact our reunion this year was more like memorial service than the gay, light-hearted gathering we have been accustomed 10. We who were the children when these gatherings were started are today, with some few exceptions, the active part of the re. union.
 Aunt Elizabeth Bruce, who with the kindly assistance of Miss Hilda Hibackka, was able to attend, is the only one in her generation now living.
 A bountiful collation. was served at dinner and all who attended enjoyed a very pleasant time.
 Newton A. Ballard WAS appointed chairman of the day. Rev William E. Chase was appointed secretary. For the year ensuing Mrs. Bertha E., Ramdell historian, Frank B. Rams dell, Winthrop Ballard and C. Clark Pierce committee of arrangements, Miss Pearl Moves, Miss Grace Walker and Miss Ella Ballard committee on amusements.
 The History of the Ballards from 1903 to 1913 were distributed to all who came and additional copies may be ob- tained by any who wish them of the secretary, Rev. William k. Chase, or al Ballard X Clark's store.
 Meeting was adjourned to next year the Wednesday nearest the middle of August.
 The following Is the history:
 HISTORY
 A few weeks ago when the grocer came to our house for orders, we order. ed a package of self.raising flour, When il came we were surprised to find the name on the package was Ballard $. Il was pleasant to note among the vari ous things printed on the outside was "Always use Ballard's-it is pure, al, 4 d thing it is to have such a name, that even though it is only on A package of flour, it stands for that which is pure, clean and good, Again we are here at our Ballard Reunion Ii almost seems as though we should have to change the name to Ballard Memorial Day, so full are our hearts and minds of the memory of the dear ones whom we have been want to meet for so many years-here in this peaceful place un der these tall pines.
 And so today we go back in memory to our first gathering at Elliot's Grove when 1t was our great pride and joy to have with us Winthrop, Hilton, Val entine, Hamilton, Zaccheus and Salem Ballard and their sisters, Sarah Spald- ing and Elizabeth Bruce. The group picture of these seven brothers and sis. ters is one of my most treasured pos sessions. How much these lives have meant to us all--the lives of our vener- ated seven, for had it not been for them we would not be holding this gathering today. One by one they have been called home until but one l remains, Mrs. Elizabeth Bruce.
 Our motto adopted at that first gathering. "Keep your record clean, !" to our trust. Long since, it seemed best to change our meeting place To Nichols Grove, where we have met 1 for many years.
 l shut my eyes for moment and as the time approaches for the picnic din- ner can you not picture the form of Aunt Sarah Ballard with Aunt Julia and the other aunts busy in the prepa- ration of the food? The call to dinner sounds and after the abundant provi. sion is thoroughly enjoyed, order is called by the chairman, William Con- verse. stephen Ballard's able report as secretary and treasurer is read, then followed the historian's paper and best of all the speeches. How we have en- | loved the stories told by Cousin Clin- ton Nichols and Uncle stephen, yes, and those of Uncle Albertus, as well as the songs of his youth which he loved to sing though his voice was tremu- Ious with lage. And .then :there was Uncle Daniel Corey, who always re membered the young peoples fondness for gum. 1t certainly was pleasure to him as well as to the children 10 see that everyone had piece Of gum. 1 These are all treasured memories. Last year as we came up the hill 10 the gathering my attention was called to a patch of beautiful pond.liIies in | the water near the Nichols farm and remembered how years ago Aunt Frances Nichols told Ius that when l Clinton was boy off swimming where pond-lilies grew, he dove down and pulled up few roots and brought them home and put them down in the | pond near their land. They seemed to ! sh rfva ard UraA and u1uifiufr ruffI