Name/Title
89th Annual Bull Family Picnic - August 29, 1956Entry/Object ID
002185Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
These six pages comprise the official program and report for the 89th Annual Bull Picnic, held on August 29, 1956. The document serves as both an event guide and an annual newsletter for the William Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association.
Here is a synopsis of the key sections:
1. Historical Findings & "New" Facts
The program highlights research into the Wawayanda Patent (dating back to 1703).
Land Ownership: New evidence suggests William Bull and his partner, Richard Jerrard, were "given" (rather than purchased) 200 acres of land as early as 1718, likely because they were the first to settle and improve the wild land.
Legal Title: It notes a 1723 patent from King George II for 2,600 acres, which officially secured the title for the site of the Bull Stone House.
2. Association Business & Updates
The Picnic Date Debate: A significant portion of the text discusses whether to move the annual picnic from the traditional last Wednesday in August to a Saturday. A trial run in the 1930s saw lower attendance on Saturdays, but by 1956, the committee was reconsidering the move to accommodate members who work.
Maintenance: The "old garage" was enlarged in 1955 to accommodate modern, longer cars. Upcoming repairs for 1956 included a new roof for one of the buildings, estimated at over $1,000.
Memorials: The Association mourned the death of Hamlet S. Roe, a long-time President and Board member who passed away in June 1956.
3. Genealogy & Family Records
The Association’s genealogist, Dolly W. Booth, provided an extensive update:
Missing Data: She listed dozens of specific family branches (Bulls, Booths, Eagers, Wellers, etc.) where birth, marriage, or death dates were still needed for a planned publication.
Martha Faulkner’s Story: A local anecdote describes Martha Faulkner (granddaughter of William and Sarah), who lived to be 96 and owned three slaves named Hit, Chat, and Sim.
4. Financial Reports (1955–1956)
The Treasurer’s report outlines the organization's financial health across three funds:
General Fund: Ended with a balance of approximately $898.55. Income was largely from donations and farm land rent; expenses included taxes and picnic costs.
Endowment Fund: Held $7,615.26, supported by various memorial contributions from family members.
Genealogical Fund: A smaller fund of $102.89 set aside specifically for the publication of the family history.
5. Leadership
The final page lists the 1956 Officers and Managers, including:
President: Rev. Charles Beattie Thompson
Treasurer: Henry P. Bull
Secretary: Robert McLeod Jackson
Summary of the Event Schedule
Date: Wednesday, August 29, 1956.
Location: The Bull Stone House, Hamptonburgh, NY.
Activities: A basket luncheon at 12:00 PM, an official business meeting at 2:00 PM (including the election of three managers), and an informal supper for those arriving late from work.
