Name/Title
Bull Picnic August 31,1887Entry/Object ID
002323Tags
Bull Picnic, William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
This newspaper clipping, titled "Orange County News" under the subhead "Campbell Hall," details the 19th annual picnic of the descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells, held on Wednesday, August 31, 1887.
The event took place at the grove of Mrs. George Gouge and served as a large-scale family reunion with approximately 500 attendees.
Event Highlights
Ceremonies: The day began at noon with the Sarah Wells Glee Club singing "America," followed by a prayer by Peter E. Miller.
Keynote Speech: Mr. E. W. Miller (a graduate of Union College, Class of '87) delivered the main address. He focused on four points:
No apology is needed for holding the picnic.
Sarah Wells was the "model wife" and a loyal partner.
The importance of preserving family history against skepticism.
A call to "live right" so future generations inherit good qualities through heredity.
Poetry & Song: Theodore L. Jackson read "The Pioneers of the Old Stone Mansion." This was followed by a moving performance of "The Sweet Bye and Bye" by Mrs. Crosby and the Glee Club, which reportedly left "scarcely a dry eye" in the crowd.
Family History: A communication from Lewis Jordan was read, detailing the Pennsylvania branch of the Bull family.
Notable Attendees
The article mentions several prominent family members and guests:
Ebenezer Bull: President of the association.
Albert Bull: Secretary (from Chester).
Henry K. Bull: Father of the "eminent oculist" Charles Stedman Bull of NYC.
Dr. Thos. Bull: From Woodbridge, Conn.
Victor M. Drake: Described as "venerable" with a flowing white beard.
Organization & Future Planning
The meeting concluded with the election of officers for the following year:
President: John E. Duryea (Bullville)
Vice-President: George H. Mills (Goshen)
Secretary: Albert Bull (Chester)
Treasurer: Theodore L. Jackson (Montgomery)
The picnic adjourned with plans to meet again on the last Wednesday in August 1888. The evening ended with a party at the "old stone house," featuring social gatherings and a mention of the local youth.