Name/Title
93rd Annual Bull Family Picnic - August 27, 1960Entry/Object ID
002189Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
This is a detailed invitation and annual report for the 93rd Annual Bull Picnic, held on August 27, 1960, at the historic Bull Stone House (built in 1722) in Hamptonburgh, New York. The papers outline the activities of the William Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association.
Event Logistics & Innovations
The Picnic: A "rain or shine" event featuring a basket luncheon at noon and a supper for those unable to attend during the day.
The Reception Line: To address the growing size of the family (with members traveling from as far as California and overseas), the committee introduced a "horseshoe or circle" reception line to ensure newcomers and regulars could meet.
Identification: The association requested that members wear larger, more legible name tags to facilitate introductions.
Historic Preservation Efforts
The documents highlight several structural concerns regarding the family's historic properties:
The Stone House: Managers noted a "slow settling" in the southwesterly corner causing sagging stairs and floors. Repairs involving jacking and new wood blocks were proposed.
The Entrance: The porch and entranceway were described as rotted and "not now satisfactory," with a call for professional advice on an artistic restoration.
The Barn: Older than the house itself, the barn was reported to be in a state of decay, with siding that no longer protected it from weather or birds.
Family Association Business
Genealogy: Family genealogist Dolly W. Booth issued an urgent request for volunteers and data to fill "many blanks" in the family records, which at that time only covered the first five generations.
Financials: The Treasurer’s Report (covering July 1959 – June 1960) shows a healthy association with funds split between a General Fund, a Genealogy Fund, and a significant Endowment Fund. Total assets in the Endowment Fund reached $11,500.11, invested in various stocks like Standard Oil and AT&T.
Leadership: The association was led by Rev. Charles Beattie Thompson (President) and Henry P. Bull (Treasurer).
Miscellaneous
Photography: Mention is made of a panoramic photo from the 1959 picnic taken by Walter T. Hulse, which was available for purchase ($4.00 unmounted).
Location: A hand-drawn map shows the house located off the Sarah Wells Trail at Craigville Road, near Goshen and Campbell Hall.
