OLD SETTLERS - 1894 - Putnam

Last night in Kerr’s gallery room a novel and interesting event transpired.  It was, as advertised an old settler’s picnic imitation.  A large crowd attended and ten cents was charged as a gate fee. The Daughter of Rebekah managed the function and everything went pleasantly.  Some ludicrous characters were taken by some present.  Charles Meikel represented an old country farmer and Miss Della Moore, his wife; their 13 children were all attired in true country style.  Miss Lizzie Meikel was the couple’s eldest daughter and was dressed in gay colors.  In her perambulations she met Jimmy Kelly who represented a dude and a case of love at first sight was the result, the rest of the family being awestruck with plenty of awe.  After this acting, games were played, interspersed by good music by Tom L. Moore, Charles Gray and Delmer Ernest, colored, a fine trio of voices.  Then dinner was spread on the green (floor) in which almost every one attending participated at ten cents per participate.  The baby show was called off for the reason that very necessary article for such a display – the babies – were not there.  The prizes were therefor given to Jimmie Kelly and Miss Lizzie Meikel as the best acting pair of “babies” on the grounds, they capturing respectively a rattle boy and toy wagon.  At the close of the evening, after much genuine fun and enjoyment the picnic closed after the singing by the entire crowd, “Home Sweet Home.”   --kbz