The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1916-12-22
FARMERS MEETING
AT FESSENDEN
(Contributed)

At the last monthly meeting of the
Marion county Colored Farmers As
ISOLATION for 1916, which was held at
Fessenden Academy Wednesday, Dec.
20, the 500 in gold donated by Mrs. C.
Fl. Kittridge to farmers for the eff
cheney of their work was given.
Owing to the inclemency of the
weather there were not as many
present as had been anticipated, how
ever many considered this the best
meeting of the season. Because of
the illness of Mr.. ]. D. Rooney, thru
whose untiring efforts and liberal
donations the farmers were so Won
derfully helped, it was regretted by
all that he was unable to attend.
1t was indeed pleasure to the as
ISOLATION to have present Mrs. G. H.
Kittridge and her guest, Mr.. w. S.
Hilands, president of the Florida Soft
Phosphate and Lime Co., and his
father, Mr. w. J. Hilands, and Mrs.
Ketchum, all of Ocala.
Mr.. A. A. Turner, manager club
agent of Tallahassee arrived on Mon
day in order to visit the rural schools
prior to the meeting, for the purpose
Of selecting club leaders to attend the
farm makers club short course at
Tallahassee. Rev. III. S. Barnwell and
Rev. j. A. Ayers accompanied him to
eight schools in the leading farming
sections of the county. These men
also the committee of inspection, OPP
pointed by Mrs. Kittridge, to inspect
the work of the farmers, made their
final report in which prizes were
awarded as follows.
For the Men Who Competed
First prize, $50, to James Ayers.
Second prize, $25, to R. G. Gipson.
Third prize, $25, tie between S..
Ward and E. L. Brown, SO each.
For the Women Who Competed
First prize, SIS, to Mrs. j. Brown.
Second prize, So, to Mrs. S. More.
Third prize, So, to Mrs. S. A. Aid
ridge.
For Farm Makers Clubs
First prize, $3.50; second prize,
S1.5O; third prize, 81. To be award
ed to Marion county contestants at
the Florida A. e. M. College on Jan.
18th.
Those farmers who told of theif
success cited many ways they had
been benefited by carrying out the in
structions of the manager club agent
ard by putting into practice the many
points they gathered in the farmers
meetings held at Fessenden Academy
during the past season.
At this point the glee club render
ed selection which the audience en-
joyed, after which Mrs. G.. H. Kilt
names of the successful contestants.
Her encouraging advice and sincere
remarks, which seemed to come from
the very depths of her heart, touched
the heart of every one present.
A rising vote of thanks was given
in honor of Mr.. ]. D. Rooney for the
genuine interest he has manifested to-
ward the colored farmers of Marion
county, and at the same time Rev. J.
A. Ayers suggested prayer be offer
ed in behalf of his health on watch
meeting night. Thru his influence SUBJ
stantial aid has come to Fessenden
Academy and the colored farmers of
Marion county in the past
After the adjournment lunchean
was served at Carnegie Hall which
had been prepared by the girls of the
domestic science department. Every
thing was artistically decorated with
Christmas decorations and favors
which every one seemed to enjoy.
Marion county farmers have al
ready begun to plan their work for
next year and are looking forward to-
better results. An increased member
ship to the county organization has
already been assured.
Since Fessenden Academy is locat-
ed in the principal farming section Of
the county, and as its principal, Rev.
III. S. Barnwell has shown such de-
gree of enthusiasm along agricultural
lines and sacrificed In so many ways
to develop and maintain high stand
ard of farming among his fellow men,
it has been decided that this insti-
tuition will be the permanent meeting
place of the county organization. The
farm makers clubs will meet at the
various schools where they may be
organized throughout the county.