Name/Title
99th Annual Bull Family Picnic - August 27, 1966Entry/Object ID
002195Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
This set of documents the "Bull"-E-Tins pertains to the 99th Annual Bull Picnic, a reunion for the descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells, held on August 27, 1966, at the historic Bull Stone House in Hamptonburgh, New York.
The summary of the reports and announcements is as follows:
Event Details & Announcements
The Centennial Celebration: A major theme of this picnic was the planning for the 100th Annual Picnic in 1967. The committee planned a historical pageant and encouraged attendees to dress in 19th-century costumes or as Native Americans (referencing a similar pageant held in 1912).
Logistics: The picnic followed a "basket lunch" tradition at noon, preceded by a prayer. The mailing list at the time reached 121 families in Middletown, NY, alone, with a total order of 3,500 envelopes for broader distribution.
Memorials: The association noted the passing of three prominent "Cousins": Aunt Sally Wells Bull Wells (100 years old), Uncle Bart Bull (91), and Cousin Charley Thew (91). A bronze plaque was proposed to honor the late Robert McLeod Jackson, who served as Secretary from 1920 to 1964.
Financial Status (July 1, 1965 – June 30, 1966)
The Treasurer’s Report, submitted by Henry P. Bull, details three primary funds:
General Fund: Used for operational costs like school/land taxes, repairs ($351.70), and picnic expenses ($202.79). It ended the year with a gross total of $1,078.30.
Genealogy Fund: Specifically designated for the future publication of a family genealogy, holding a balance of $2,577.85.
Endowment Fund: This is the association's largest asset, primarily held in stocks (such as AT&T, Mobil Oil, and U.S. Steel). The total cost value of the endowment was $18,902.26.
Leadership
The 1967 officers listed include:
President: Chester Roe (Newburgh, NY)
Vice-President: Andrew Wilson, Jr. (Scarsdale, NY)
Secretary: Emma McWhorter (Highland Mills, NY)
Treasurer: Henry P. Bull (Middletown, NY)
Historical Significance
The documents highlight the family's connection to the United Empire Loyalists. Mention is made of a Captain George Bull who served with the British and settled in New Brunswick after 1783. The association emphasizes its long history, noting that the first family picnic was held in 1868.
