Name/Title
122nd Annual Bull Family Picnic - August 19, 1989Entry/Object ID
002219Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
The provided images are from the 1989 edition of the "Bull-E-Tins," a newsletter and program for the 122nd Annual Bull Family Reunion (the "Bull Picnic"). This event celebrates the descendants of pioneer couple William Bull and Sarah Wells, who settled in Orange County, New York.
Here is a summary of the key information contained in the document:
1. Event Details
Occasion: 122nd Annual Bull Family Reunion.
Date & Time: Saturday, August 19, 1989, starting at 10:00 AM.
Location: The Bull Stone House (built in 1722) in Hamptonburgh, NY.
Activities: Tours of the historic stone house, a "Basket Lunch" at noon, an annual business meeting, games for children with prizes, and music by the Ramapo Fault String Band.
2. Historical Spotlight: Alpheus Bull (1816–1890)
A significant portion of the newsletter is dedicated to the life of Alpheus Bull, a descendant who moved from New York to California during the Gold Rush.
California Ventures: He co-founded the Bull, Baker, Robbins Mercantile Company, which became a leading firm in Northern California. He was also involved in the first steam vessel and first flour mill in Northern California.
San Francisco Influence: He was a prominent businessman and religious leader in San Francisco, co-founding the Fireman’s Fund Insurance Company and the Bank of California.
Legacy: In 1988, a plaque was dedicated to him at the Shasta State Historic Park in California.
3. Organizational & Financial Updates
Board Action: The Board of Managers focuses on three areas: preserving historic buildings, maintaining the 120-acre property, and restoring artifacts (such as Sarah Wells' wedding dress).
Challenges: The property is dealing with "verticillium wilt" fungus affecting maple trees and ongoing maintenance costs for the 267-year-old Stone House and the New World Dutch Barn.
Financials (FY 1987-1988): * Total Income: $14,377.92 (primarily from interest and contributions).
Total Expenses: $18,717.00 (resulting in a deficit for the year, largely due to restoration and operating costs).
4. Genealogy & Leadership
Genealogy: Jean Garbe (Genealogist) reports receiving over 500 family group sheets. The family is currently tracking descendants into the 10th generation.
Leadership: The document lists the 1988-1989 Directors and Officers, including James K. Sinclaire, Jr. (President) and Richard G. Ivory (Secretary).
Memorials: A section is dedicated to contributions made in memory of deceased family members, such as Philip Ackerly and Homer R. Bull Sr.
5. Logistics
The brochure includes a hand-drawn map showing the location of the Bull Stone House relative to Campbell Hall, Goshen, and Montgomery, NY.
