Name/Title
87th Annual Bull Family Picnic - August 25, 1954Entry/Object ID
002183Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
This is a detailed summary of the brochure for the 87th Annual Bull Picnic, held on Wednesday, August 25, 1954. The document serves as both an event invitation and an annual report for the William Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association.
Page 1: Heritage and Home Improvements
The cover features an illustration of the Bull Stone House, built in 1722 in Hamptonburgh, Orange County, NY.
Interior Redecoration: The "Stone House" underwent significant interior updates in 1954. Changes included "pure white" halls, "Williamsburg blue" in the living rooms, and a striking blue fireplace wall in the master bedroom.
Modernization: The text reflects on the transition of the 200-year-old ancestral home from a house without plumbing, central heating, or electricity to a modern residence. The goal was to keep it a "center of family life" rather than a "lifeless museum."
Lineage of Occupancy: It traces the house ownership from the builder, William Bull I (died 1755), through his son John, grandson Daniel, and great-grandson Ebenezer (who lived there until 1927).
The Association: Formed in 1920, the Association acquired the house as a memorial to family members who served in WWI and to ensure its preservation within the family.
Page 2: Residency and Records
Current Residents: Since 1937, Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Brown (descendants of the builders) have lived in the house. The text notes that since 1950, a new heating system and a new double-basin kitchen sink have made the home much more comfortable.
Mailing List Challenges: The Association maintains a list of about 2,000 cards, representing thousands of descendants. The text highlights the difficulty of keeping records updated, citing the "Timm" family of Sayre, PA, as an example of a family they have lost touch with despite 25 years of mailings.
Financing: The Association operates on voluntary contributions rather than mandatory dues to ensure all family members feel they have a home in the "Stone House" without financial pressure.
Page 3: Historical Pageantry and Gifts
Historical Pageant: On July 8, 1954, family members participated in a pageant at the "Historic Track" in Goshen, NY, reenacting Sarah Wells' arrival in the region in 1712 on horseback, accompanied by white workmen and Indians.
Gifts to the Association: Several historical artifacts were donated, including 100-year-old hand-knitted stockings, a portrait of Rev. John McJimsey (an early minister), and a Paisley shawl from China once belonging to Keturah Bull.
Reflections: Includes a testimonial from Genevieve Jackson Pryor (an "Arkansan"), who describes the 1953 picnic as the highlight of her tour of the Northeast, praising the "eastern hospitality."
Event Details: A "Basket Luncheon" is scheduled for noon, and a supper is offered for those who cannot attend during the day.
Page 4: Financial and Official Reports
Annual Meeting: Scheduled for 2:00 P.M. on the day of the picnic to elect three managers.
General Fund:
Total Receipts: $2,486.20 (including a balance of $1,439.45 from the previous year).
Disbursements: $1,854.97 (spent on insurance, taxes, maintenance, improvements, and picnic expenses).
Ending Balance: $631.23.
Endowment Fund: Shows a healthy balance of $6,234.38 as of June 30, 1954, held at Newburgh Savings Bank.
Leadership: Lists the officers and managers, headed by Rev. Charles Beattie Thompson (President) and Henry P. Bull (Treasurer).
