Name/Title
Aug 24, 1935 Bull Picnic Charles B Howell caretakerEntry/Object ID
000470Tags
Bull PicnicScope and Content
PAGE FIVE
68th BULL FAMILY PICNIC August 24, 1935
Always different, always the same, such are these picnics. As in a kaleidoscope colors and forms combine and recombine to delight the eye, so at these gatherings incidents of life and friendship fall into never ending forms, bringing happiness to the spirit. Particularly did this seem true of 1935. A perfect June day, born out of time in August, the ivy covered walls of the "Stone House", built more than two centuries ago, the meadows cleared and used by our remote fore- bears, formed the setting, with the Stars and Stripes caught by the breeze. For the nonce, those problems of modern life of which none of us is free, were as though they did not exist; perhaps for the occasion we lost ourselves in the illusion that in William and Sarah's time life was carefree, and so should be this day.
One participant sees but a few of those countless circumstances which combine to make the day a happy one. This year one new and special joy was brought through Miss Amy L. Hepburn, one of Columbia's librarians, in selecting and sending us a representative of the University to lead the children in their games. In giving her thought to this matter Miss Hepburn brought to fruition a long deferred hope. Naturally the children coming from all quarters, are largely strange to each other, and without some leadership waste half the day in getting acquainted, only to be whisked away by some waiting car for at least another year. Consequently, one heard from parents now and then: "There is not much at the picnic for children." No such reproach could be expressed this year, thanks to Miss Hepburn and her choice of Miss Hagan. A dart board, borrowed by Miss Dolly Booth from Mr. Farley proved a major source of fun, as all day a gay group stood throwing the darts. Ask some children if they have enjoyed themselves and not wishing to disappoint you they'll seldom say "No", but did they? That is another matter. This year, their sparkling eyes and emphatic answers left no doubt of the good time they had had. Thus may one in a city 60 miles away be present by proxy, pending personal appearance another year.
"Twelve tribes make up the family: years ago Margaret Cocks Harlow suggested that ribbons of different colors be used to designate the descendants of the several tribes. It remained for the late Edna Beakes Dickerson (of happy memory) to put the idea into practice in 1932. Mrs. Dickerson chose dark colors for the five tribes coming from the sons, and light shades for the seven coming from the daughters. This year Mrs. Margaret Dill Hallagan and her attractive niece Margaret McClung, continuing Mrs. Dickerson's precedent, gave out the ribbons. Many comers did not know their tribe. Some lines are naturally better known than others; for instance that of John, the eldest son, in whose branch the Stone House was always held; Thomas's descendants are so numerous and well scattered that they seem ever present; William's tribe is smaller, but is well represented by members among whom the passage of years and the coming of a new generation seem only to strengthen family bonds. Isaac's line is less well known; and Richard has no descendants here, as he and his wife, faithful to the Crown, went to Nova Scotia (now New Brunswick), with the Loyalists.
Among the daughters, perhaps Mary is best represented in the councils of the family. Mary's descendants are apt to be colorful and energetic, brimful of ideas, which they are ready to put into effect; no meeting is dull where Mary is well represented. Catherine, whom a few years since some feared had been lost, was represented by Miss Ophelia Houston, of Newburgh, in her 88th year, crippled and unable to leave her car, but a smiling, interested listener to all that went on, with a cordial greeting to those who came to her window. Hearty handclapping bespoke her cousin's feelings toward her and the compliment she had paid them in making the very real effort to come. However, this year was Ann's. In carrying out certain ideas of hers (Frances Dill) had made a beginning in beautifying the lane to the house; ferns and pussy willows set out this spring are but the forerunners of what is to come. Appropriately enough, Mrs. McClung chose as her assistants two promising young scions of Ann, Rowland McBride and Bob Whitaker. Then Mrs. McClung's sister, Mrs. Hallagan, presided over the tribal ribbons as already stated. An- other daughter of Ann, Elizabeth H. Merrifield (formerly Lizzie McBride), Another event which brought universal satisfaction and more applause was the announcement of the birth of a son to John G. Thew of Hamptonburgh, and his wife, formerly Margaret McClung, conveyed her warm greetings, which the width of a continent cannot diminish, by a check of $25 for the Association's funds. Then as climax, Ann's descendant, Miss Marion Teed of Montgomery, came bearing gifts from George Eager of Montgomery and from her immediate family. Mr. Eager, unable to come himself, sent a small, low rush bottomed chair which had belonged to Peter Bull of Purgatory, son of Isaac, son of William and Sarah. On behalf of herself, her mother and her brothers and sisters, Miss Teed presented the Association with three large pieces of a quilt which had been quilted of home- made materials by William and Sarah's daughters for their sister, Ann, who married William Eager. Perhaps they gave their little sister (the youngest but Eleanor) a birthday gift or even a wedding present, for the workmanship was beautiful. Rounds of applause followed Miss Teed's presentation speech, as thanks to Mr. Eager and herself and her family.
Mrs. Wesley Wait (formerly Lillian Bull) of Newburgh, had long had in mind to have a representation of the Stone House placed where visitors might, if they wished, a contribution in carrying out certain ideas of hers upkeep of the property. She had proposed to her young nephew, Guy Slaughter of Warwick, that if he would make her such a receptacle she would give him her 1922 Model T Ford. Guy agreed. In carrying the idea out the interest of Guy's father, Charles W. Slaughter, was aroused; and he took exact measurements of the house. The result was a faithful replica of the building. This Mrs. Wait presented at the picnic. Her speech and the gift evoked loud acclaim. Spontaneously one after another, subscriptions were put down the chimney until $42 resulted.
It is a pleasure to report the gift to the Endowment Fund of $100 each by Carrie Bull Knight and Mary Bull Patterson in memory of their brother, the late Jesse Bull of Monroe.
Three managers were elected at the business meeting; which was conducted by Harry C. Bull, retiring president; two new members, Albert C. Bull of Chester and Amy Bull Crist of Montgomery. Robert McLeod Jack- son was reelected. Bartow Wright Bull of Stony Ford was elected chair- man of the Picnic Committee and Amy Bull Crist, of the Reception Committee. Each was given power to choose the other committee members.
Greetings were received from An- drew S. Beyea of Smithtown, N. B., Canada; Mrs. Minnie Bull Blandin of Los Angeles, and Mr. Tears of Walden. Letters were received from Mrs. Frank Worth of Walla Walla, Wash., and Fred J. Purdy of Caro, Mich., regretting inability to attend. The ribbon for coming the greatest distance was awarded to the little Nancy Bull, daughter of Walter D. Bull of Buffalo.
Later in the afternoon the new Board of Managers met and chose Albert C. Bull as president; Ernest M. Crist as vice-president; Ernest M. Bull as treasurer and R. McL.Jackson as secretary.
A list of the family statistics, of which the Secretary has learned since the picnic of 1934, will be published in the next issue of this paper.
A change in the occupancy of the Stone House is about to take place. Mr. and Mrs. Lester Ellsworth, the present occupants, have bought a place for themselves at East Walden and plan to vacate our house in September. Mrs. Ellsworth, formerly Mabel Philcox, was with the late Mrs. Ebenezer Bull for about 11 years be- fore her death. She was devoted to Mrs. Bull and has since faithfully kept the house in order and received visitors. A resolution was passed thanking her for her faithful and efficient service.
Ever since Mrs. Bull's death, it has been desired to find a member of the family to live in the house as host. It is now hoped that the desire is about to be fulfilled by Charles B. Howell of Washingtonville. Great enthusiasm was expressed by the gathering at the prospect of Mr. How- ell's coming to the house with his family and we all hope to see them there for many, many years to come.
Note: A woman's handkerchief with pale blue embroidery and drawn work was found after the picnic and may be had on application to Mrs. Margaret Dill Hallagan, Campbell Hall.Relationships
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