Arizona republican., 1919-04-19
SUCKER STATE
 PRESIDENTS PICNIC TODAY
Annual Celebration Of H.
 inois Society In Phoenix
 Will Take Place at East lake Park Starting At Il

The day Arizona Illinoians celebrate has arrived and Eastlake park will be their mecca today. From all over the county will former Illinoisians Wend their way to the picnic grounds which have been profuSely decorated in green by good Mother Nature. Everything is in readiness and every one will be made welcome. The reception commit tee composed of past presidents of the society will be on hand early to see that everyone gets acquainted. The crowds will begin to gather about II o'clock, and from then on to the dinner hour which has been set for 1 o'clock in the afternoon the members will gather in groups to discuss the things that interest them most and bring back tender memories of the good old state. Everyone is expected to provide their own lunch, the society will see to it that those who like coffee will have all they want, for R. H. Greene will be on hand with his famous brew.> Sugar and cream will also be provided for those who want it. Plenty of ice water for those who prefer it straight
 Program Begins at 2 P. M.
 The program proper will commence at 2 o'clock in the afternoon with an address of welcome from the governor of Arizona to the former dWellers in the Sucker State. A number of inter- esting features are on the program, among which will be the first appear ance of the last Liberty loan shock unit under the command of Lieut. Col. k. P. Conway. Attorney General Jones will speak on his early "reminiscences of Illinois. MT. Jones was born in Sangammon county. His talk will prove most interesting. In addition the society is indebted to him fof his thoughtfulness in 3reparing for dis tribution tomorrow with his compli- ments, a brochure entitled, An His
 torical Resume of the State of Illinois, . This will prove a most valuable souve mir of this picnic, as it has been dedi- cated to the Illinois Society of Arizona Patriotic songs by the members are also on the program.
 After the business meeting and cleo tion of officers, the sports committee headed by F. N. Holmquist, will take charge. Some very unique events have been planned with suitable prizes for each A prize will be awarded to the member with the broadest smile. In this event, Vice President J. c. Phil lips, of the society, has been barred, though he may be asked to judge the affair. A beauty baby contest is also one of the events and all mothers are urged to bring their little ones and let them play on the grass. Needless to say that the sports as usual will furnish plenty of amusement for all. Anniversary Battle of Lexington The society has extended a special invitation to all civil war veterans, and the members will make 1t their busi- ness to see that they have a good time. The date selected is the anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, the first bat tie of the war for American freedom and 1t is highly proper that in this year of victory and peace that this event should be celebrated. Let every one who has ever had a residence in the grand old state of Illinois come to the picnic and make the day one long to be remembered. The officers and di- rectors of the society this year are as | follows: President, B. E. Marks; first vice president, John c. Phillips; sec ond vice president, James s. Griffin; 1 secretary, Nellie Wilkinson; treasurer | R, H. Green; directors, H. R. Patrick l Mrs. Emory Rays, Mrs. F. E. Jack | Mrs. Dwight B. Heard. Mrs. W. L l Pinney. .