Name/Title
Old Settlers ClubScope and Content
OLD SETTLERS' CLUB.
Fond du Laic Co. History. pp. 714-16.
On the 8th day of February, 1875, many citizens of Waupun and vicinity who had long been residents of the state, met together for the purpose of organizing an Old Settlers' Club. A Club was formed and a committee appointed to draft rules for its government. A resolution was also adopted, that all citizens of Waupun and vicinity, who had been twenty-five years residents of the State, should be entitled to membership. The meeting adjourned to February 15, 1875, for the purpose of perfecting a permanent organization.
On the last mentioned day, rules for the government of the Club were presented and adopted. The Club permanently organized by the election of James McElroy, President; John Bryce, Treasurer, and W. H. Taylor Secretary. A resolution was adopted that the Old Settlers' Club hold their first meeting on March 2, 1875; that a picnic dinner be furnished, and that members of the Club only participate.
Before the meeting appointed for March 2 convened, the following maned residents of Wisconsin became members, giving the date of their entrance into the State; (Here follow the names of 114 men) These names comprise those who settled in the State previous to the year 1850, yet all who came in that year, were admitted to participation, together with their families.
On the second of March, 1875, pursuant to notice and invitations, the old settlers met in Waupun. A large company was present. An old-fashioned dinner of pork, beans and brown bread was served in abundance. Men and women partook of it with a relish. OLD TIMES AND OLD SCENES WERE TALKED OVER. The evening was spent in social enjoyment. All were pleased with the first Old Settlers' Club meeting.
On the 25th of November, 1875, the Executive Committee of the Club appointed December 4, 1875, as the time for the election of officers. On the day named the first officers were reelected. A resolution was then adopted that the Club hold its annual meeting on Dec. 21, 1875. Accordingly, on that day, the second annual meeting of the Club was held in Waupun. Another success. The banquet was enjoyed by about 650 old settlers and their guests. The evening was spent in social intercourse; music and literary entertainments. This meeting, though held in 1875 was really the meeting for 1876.
Owing to the inclement season of 1877, and other reasons, no annual meeting was held. The Executive Committee having previously called a meeting, for the election of officers, on the 6th day of Feb. 1878, all of the past officers were re-elected. A resolution was adopted that the Club hold its annual meeting for 1878 on Feb. 15 and that all who had been residents of Waupun or vicinity for twenty years, be entitled to membership. On the day last named, the Club held, its third annual meeting. The gathering was large. Old men and women with their families, met and exchanged congratulations. A banquet was served, and many partook of the repast. The afternoon and evening was spent, by those present, in pleasant intercourse. All were pleased and all voted the meeting a success.
At this time, it was determined that the Club should not hold its annual meetings in the winter; that the next one should be held in the open air. Consequently, on the 15th of June, 1879, the fourth annual meeting of the Club was held in a grove one mile from the city, invitations to all old settlers having been extended. The novelty of an out-door meeting, the season of the year, and the pleasure of meeting old friends and faces, brought out a large assembly. A long table had been prepared and was spread, loaded with the good things of life, generously furnished by the old settlers. It was estimated that at least 1,200 partook of the ample bounty. This meeting as a success, and will be remembered by all present with pleasure. The day was beautiful and was enlivened by music and addresses.
(Look up the program for this last meeting in the first issue of the local paper after June 15,.1879.)
At the 1908 Homecoming - some survivors of that old club met and had a picture taken.Acquisition
Accession
2016.0083Source or Donor
Waupun Historical SocietyAcquisition Method
Collected by Staff
