Name/Title
71st Annual Bull Family Picnic, August 31, 1938Entry/Object ID
002167Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
These documents outline the details and financial status of the 71st Annual Bull Picnic, organized by the William Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association in 1938.The documents provide a fascinating glimpse into the operations of a large American family association during the late Depression era. Here is a summary of the key information:Event Details: The 71st Annual Bull PicnicDate & Time: Wednesday, August 31, 1938. The basket luncheon was scheduled for 12:00 PM, with activities continuing into the evening.Location: The Stone House in Hamptonburgh, Orange County, NY (located on the "Sarah Wells Trail").Rain Plan: If it rained, the event would move to the Hamptonburgh Grange Hall.Activities: A family luncheon, dancing for the youth in the evening, card games for the older generation, and a dedicated entertainer for the children.Official Business: An annual meeting was set for 1:00 PM to elect three members to the Board of Managers.The "Stone House" StatusOccupancy: At the time, the house was occupied by Corinna Bull (great-niece of the late owner, Ebenezer Bull) and her husband Louis Brown.Improvements: A new coal-burning steam heat system was recently installed at a cost of approximately $860, funded by family contributions.Maintenance: The report notes that stonework pointing is needed but has been postponed due to more pressing financial needs.Association LogisticsMailing List: The association maintained a list of 1,500 cards, reaching between 5,000 and 6,000 descendants.Genealogy: Miss Dolly W. Booth was noted as the lead for family genealogical work, succeeding previous family historians.Historical Outreach: A copy of the will of Thomas (son of William Bull) was distributed with the notice because of its "human interest" and genealogical value.Financial Report (As of July 14, 1938)The Treasurer, Ernest M. Bull, reported on two primary funds:FundBalance/ReceiptsKey DetailsGeneral Fund$2,123.53Includes heating plant subscriptions, admission fees to the "Little House," and rents.Endowment Fund$3,372.20Held at Newburgh Savings Bank; grew via interest and a $15 bequest.Disbursements: The association spent $1,346.38 over the year, with the largest expense being $862.56 for the heating plant installation and incidental expenses.LeadershipPresident: Amy Bull CristTreasurer: Ernest M. BullSecretary: Robert McLeod JacksonAssistant Secretary: Margaret Dill Hallagan
