Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1916-09-06
HARVEST PICNIC AT FLORA.


set by the members of the North Bee
town Farmers club for their big har-
vest picnic
The place chosen was a pretty
grove in the Peterson pasture near the
mington-Lancaster road This
picnic spot is on the banks of Blake's
Fork, or the Bloomington Branch, as
it is sometimes called Across the
river in the Wilkerson pasture is an
ideal ball ground. The day was a
bright one and just cool enough
The people began to gather shortly
after 10 o'clock and before II o'clock
the ball teams were picked and the
game was on.
While others went ahead with the
construction of long table upon
which to serve the dinner
The club had extended it's picnic in
vitatiOn to all and by the time dinner
was spread some two hundred peo-
pie or more were gathered. Old time
nelghbOrs who had drifted to other
parts, years ago, socially inclined peo-
pie from distance, present neigh
bOrs and friends of all descriptions
gathered with us in this good home
circle to enjoy a day Of pleasure and
recreation. 1t was indeed happy
reunion. A plan to serve dinner in a
way to make least work and quickest
service had been planned. When all
was ready the people gathered were
called to order by the president of
the club and the plan explained. The
baskets had been opened and the din
ner all spread. Everyone was to pass
too and from the table as they pleased,
helping themselves in an orderly way,
all eating at once, and mingling as
they pleased.
After the plan was explained, J. G.
Edgington was called upon and he,
in his clear voice and pleasing man
ner said grace, and the dinner began.
Needless for us to go into details of
this feast, which our ladies spread be-
fore US. We couldn't do it justice.
After dinner the meeting was again
called to order to listen to a program
which had been prepared. In open
ing the program, HI. J. Starrett, the
president of the club, spoke for few
moments on Community and Patriot
&c Spirit George Peterson was
then called upon and addressed the
gathering on Community Social Cen
ter Work" Mr.. Peterson's talk was
what readers Of his writings would ex-
pect it would be-a common sense talk
of the good that might be accomplish
ed in country community. He spoke
from the standpoint of a man who
knew the limits within which we must
work At the close of his talk he re-
cited Longfellow's impressive old
poem, "The Psalm of Life" which was
much appreciated by ALL Mr.. Peter
son was followed by Miss Olive Hope,
whom so many of the younger element
knew as their teacher in past years.
1t was a great pleasure to all to
once more hear Miss Hopes ready wit
and funny stories, besides useful
hints which she gave for conducting
our social center work.
Two recitations by neighbor. ladies
followed Mrs. Mae Vogt and Mrs.
rGC1C6TS,
both accomplished speakers, and
much enjoyed by ALL
The last speaker was Henry Roberts
Of Bloomington, whose remarks on
neighborhood happenings of years ago
were pleasing to old settlers. Mr.
Roberts lived in this neighborhood as
boy forty or fifty years ago. The
program was concluded by singing
America"
After the program came the sports.
The ball game was concluded, the
score being 10 to Z in favor of Black
bourn's team, Lester Peterson being
captain Of the opposing team.
In the little tots" race, L. Schild-
gen was winner.
Boys under eight years, race, Rus
sell and Kenneth Snider tied.
Larger boys, race, Jack Joyce, win
ner.
Girls race, Virgil Heinrich, winner.
Ladies' race, Mrs. Minnie Edwards,
winner.
Mems race, Will Garthwaite, winner.
In a race between representatives
from Bloomington and Glen Haven,
Henry Roberts represented Blooming
ton, VIM. Forck, Glen Haven Glen
Haven won.
Leo Vogt, Lester Snider, Lewis Will
kinson and Paul Mclean entered
teams in the relay race. The contest
was close, Leo Vogt's team winning.
The tug Of war was very exciting.
Leo. VOgt and Raleigh Blackburn
chose up for the teams. For several
moments the advantage seemed first
with one side and then with another.
Blackbourn's team finally won.
By the sports were over the sun was
getting low and the gathering dis
persed all declaring the clubs first
annual picnic a success, and hoping
to make it still greater one next
year.
The most regrettable part of all was
that some of our most interested So
cial center workers were unable to