Year: 1871

The long deferred picnic of the jackson
Railroad Mutual Benevolent Association
took place ON Sunday, and although there
was rain part of the day, in consequence
of which some few of the sports were omit
ted, yet on the whole the affair was a very
pleasant success.


The train from the depot at Magnolia
street made three trips, heavily laden each
time, so that there was a large assemblage
of pleasure seekers together, prepared to
enjoy anything in the shape of sport that
could be brought forward.


The picnic was given on the extensive
lawn belonging to the plantation of Mr..
Hodges, the place known formerly as the
plantation of Minor Kenner. The place is
well adapted for the purpose, being studded
with shade trees, although the long con-
tinued rain had had its effect. Under
clump of shade trees a large platform was
extemporized, with seats and music stand.
Here the dancers enjoyed themselves with
a zest that could not be exceeded. There
were swings for the youngsters, enjoyed as
well, however, by the oldsters; there was
rope jumping by all ages and sizes of both
sexes, and to our mind. this was the most
enjoyable of all. The Empire Base Ball
Club and the " Summer Gang" played
game for beautiful silver cup, which be-
came the prize of the Empire club.


There were several foot races run for
different prizes; but the funniest of all was
a sack race Of sixty yards distance. This
Occasioned the most uproarious merriment.
Owing to the softness OF the ground there
was no horse racing; but nobody seemed to
regret this, the time was so pleasantly oc-
cupied with other sports.


The dancing, which was going on so
merrily, would no doubt have continued to
late hour had not the weather began to
look threatening. A considerable number
of the visitors from New Orleans had scat
tered abroad for the purpose of seeing the
town. The approaching shower brought
them flying in all directions toward the
shelter of the station, anxious for the
safety of bonnet and dress. At the same
time, those who had remained on the lawn
came focking out, equally anxious to find
place of safety from the rain. The
rush, splashing and crowding only
seemed to increase the general hi
larity and good humOr; and as
it is an i'll wind that blows nobody good
so nine host at the main coffeehOuse was
kept busy by throng such as he is not in
the habit of seeing every day. Soon after
the train arrived, and there was another
hustle to get aboard, although there was no
hurry and plenty of room. Once started,
the excitement of the young fellows in the
company expanded itself in song, and a
concert arose most remarkable for its od
hbitum quality, every one singing different
| song.


1t was about nine o'clock when the train
arrived at the New Orleans depot and dis
charged its lively freight, there having been
nothing to mar the pleasure of the day, ex-
| cept the showers, which added to, rather
| than diminished the fun.


This picnic was given to celebrate the
fourth anniversary, and the arrangements
were very creditable to the committee,
Messrs. F. Fuller, A. B. Somers, d. A. Null
lane and ?. L. O'Brien. Our reporter takes
occasion to express his thanks to these gen.
tlemen for many courtesies.