The Ocala evening star., 1915-09-14
GREAT OCCASION AT THE
WISSAHICKON GROVE
Secretary Rooney Tells of Pleasant
and Profitable Day Near Sparr

At the personal request of Mr..
the famous Wissahickon Grove, / was
invited to attend the picnic at the
grove today. Leaving the city at 9
a. m. in Mr.. Britt Sanders famous
little Maxwell we were soon vending
our way out from Sparr through the
hammock and big trees, reaching the
grove in remarkably short time.
This being our first visit we were
greatly surprised at the splendid con-
ditions of the grove; buildings fresh
ly painted, grounds clean and tidy.
This grove is one of the best in the
state is well fruited and presents
high state of culture that speaks vol
umes for the manager.
Immediately upon our arrival, and
through the courtesy of Senator Car
ney, we met Mr.. Geo. C. Carlton, the
superintendent, together with many
of his neighbors and friends.
From Mr.. Carlton l learned that
was expected to take charge of the
ceremonies and arrange the speak
ers and look after the other exercises.
This honor l gratefully accepted, and
proceeded to make arrangements ac-
cordingly. AS representatives were
expected from the State University
and Experiment Station the program
carried out as follows:
Having been introduced by Sen
ator Carney, who made the duties so
much easier by his remarks, it was a
privilege to present in full the invita-
ton sent me by Mr.. Kendig, from his,
home in Philadelphia, it being such an
expression as can only come from the
heart of a true man, and which was as
follows:
September 3, 1915.
"My Neighbors and Friends:
"Some of the great expositions of
the country have been opened and the
machinery set in motion by the presi-
dent of the United States, sitting in
his chair at Washington, touching an
electric button.
"Great as the pleasure must be to
open an event of this kind in such an
easy way, it is nothing in compari-
son to the pleasure it would give me
to be present today and greet you with
a friendly pressure of the hand. Some
of you | have know for many years.
have warm friends in Marion coun-
ty. 1t would be a privilege to meet
ri o1I Of -,
"That being impossible, through the
written word, bid you all welcome to
this grove and to the feast of reason
and flow of soul provided for you.
have long desired just such an event
as my able and hospitable friend and
superintendent, George L. Carlton,
has planned and carried out. / want
to show my appreciation to the good
people of Marion county for their
kindly treatment of me during the al
most thirty years | have been a So
journer in their midst.
"On Mr.. Carlton will fall the duty
and privilege of making this day one
of pleasure and profit to you. He has
always stood for the right and the
best, and | honor him for his upright
life and the good he has done for our
community.
Il hope it is well with you and fam
lily, your interests. invoke upon you
all the blessings of Almighty God,
whose we are and to whom we are
indebted for all we have.
Sincerely yours,
"John Kendig."
Having read this sincere message
sent by Mr.. Kendig, l presented Miss
Burton, who has received her educa-
ton in the famous schools of Bos-
ton, and who is a pronounced pupil