Name/Title
84th Annual Bull Family Picnic - August 29, 1951Entry/Object ID
002180Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
This is a summary of the program and newsletter for the 84th Annual Bull Picnic, held on Wednesday, August 29, 1951. The document serves as both an event invitation and a genealogical record for the descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells.
Historical & Genealogical Records
The pamphlet traces the lineage of the Bull family back to 17th-century England and details the first generation in America:
English Roots: Traced back to Dr. Peter Bull (1619–1646) of Wolverhampton.
The American Founders: William Bull married Sarah Wells on August 25, 1718. They had twelve children, all of whom are listed with their birth dates, spouses, and brief histories:
John, William II, Sarah, Thomas, Isaac, Esther, Mary, Margaret, Catherine, Ann, Richard, and Eleanor.
Notable Branch: The document mentions that Richard Bull and his family were Loyalists who moved to New Brunswick after the Revolutionary War, resulting in very few of his descendants remaining in the local area.
Property & Maintenance Updates
The "Stone House" (built in 1722 in Hamptonburgh, NY) is the central landmark for the family. Several updates regarding its upkeep were shared:
New Heating System: A new oil-burning hot water system was completed in late 1950 for $3,789.00.
New Flag Pole: A sturdier flagpole was constructed and donated by Louis E. Brown and Mr. Roe, topped with a custom-made metal bull.
Storm Damage: A heavy windstorm on November 25, 1950, damaged the slate roof and the garage, requiring upcoming repairs estimated at over $300.
Financial Status (Treasurer’s Report)
The William Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association, Inc. reported on its fiscal health for the year ending July 1, 1951:
Endowment Fund: Stood at $4,989.14 after a significant withdrawal of $2,300.23 to cover the deficit for the new heating plant.
Receipts: Totaled $5,363.81, including farm rent ($225), annual contributions, and special gifts from family members in New Mexico and Florida.
Expenses: Aside from the heating plant, the 1950 picnic cost $123.50, and taxes were $275.54.
Event Details & Leadership
The Picnic: Families were instructed to bring a "basket luncheon" to be opened at noon, with many staying for supper.
Business Meeting: Held at 2:00 PM to elect three managers for three-year terms.
Officers (1951):
President: Rev. Charles Beattie Thompson
Vice President: Sarah Wells Duffy
Treasurer: E. Myron Bull
Secretary: Robert McLeod Jackson
Family Genealogist: Miss Dolly W. Booth
Residents of the Stone House: Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Brown.
Calls to Action
The association requested volunteers to help correspond with people on the mailing list to keep genealogical data up to date. They also encouraged members to include the association in their wills to help build the Endowment Fund back up following the expensive infrastructure repairs.
