Arizona republican., 1922-03-03
SECOND PIONEER
REUNION To BE
HELD IN APRIL
All Old Timers In State
Asked To Join In Cele-
bration; Plans For Fies-
ia Are Well Under Way

The Arizona Republicans second
annual reunion Of Arizona Pioneers
will be held in Phoenix Tuesday and
wednesday, April II and IL. An in
vitation to attend this great gath
ering of "old timers has been ex-
tended to all persons who have re-
sided in the state 35 or more years.
With memory of the first reunion
still fresh in their minds, many Of
the pioneer settlers have already
made known their intentions of be
ing on hand" for the two-day meet.
The gathering last year was de-
clared the greatest assemblage of its
kind ever brought together. More
than 1000 OF the women and men who
braved the dangers of frontier life
TO help develop a new land came to
Phoenix last April to renew acquain-
tances with friends Of long ago and
to make new friends.
There existed between these old
timers an understanding that comes
of common peril and common danger.
Each knew what the other had ex-
perienced, and there was a friend
ship between them cemented with a
knowledge that they had come. had
seen and had conquered. This meet
ing of pioneers, all known to each
other through name or reputation,
was like the meeting OF an old COM
rade in a far away strange land.
Many met again for the first time in
a quarter of a century.
Old Stories Told
A certain portion OF the program
last year was given over to recount
ing ''old times" 1t was like one
great family reassembled again about
the hearthstone after years OF dis
association. They told their stories
of Indian battles: of dangers lurking
in the valley meadows; of surprise
attacks and of their own privations.
Then in little clan" circles they con-
trasted the today with the yesteryear.
Quite q few of the men and wom-
en- who gathered in Phoenix last
spring for the first reunion have since
passed on. To those who attended
the gathering, their faces will be
missed when the settlers gather for
the second reunion this spring. But
in their places will be countless new
faces; men and women who have en-
tered the pioneer rank by the pass
ing Of another year: men and women
who will come this year who were
unable to attend last.
The Arizona Republican has plans
for a greater and better reunion this
spring, If such a thing is possible.
Just where the program will be car
ried out has not been determined.
Through the courtesy of Richards and
Mace, the first program was held at
Riverside park and the Frolic dance
hall.
OF course, there's going to be a
barbecue this year. The one last
year was so much appreciated that it
could not be omitted. 1t was the one
big function that joined the today
with the yesterday.
Stories of the old timers win be
heard-they could not be dispensed
with on such an occasion. There will
be entertainment morning, noon and
night.
Form Association
Out of the first reunion came the
Arizona Pioneers association. This
association has decided that a person
must be a resident OF Arizona 35
years before being eligible to mem
bership. All persons residing in the
state IS years are requested TO be-
come members. A nominal menu
bership fee is charged. All applica-
tions should be addressed to Mel
Fickas, secretary, II North First ave-
nue.. John p. Orme of Maricopa
county is president of the associa-
tion and the executive committee is
composed Of one member from each
county.
Complete plans for the reunion will
be announced in plenty of time 10
give all pioneers ample notification,
so that they can make their plans
accordingly.