Name/Title
Sept 13, 1938 71st Annual Picnic Marriages/Births 1935-1938Entry/Object ID
000479Tags
Bull Family, Bull PicnicScope and Content
71st ANNUAL BULL PICNIC
Highlights, almost without shadows, characterized the picnic held the last Wednesday of August at the "Stone House" in Hamptonburgh. What impressed the writer most this year was the force of the call of blood, if cultivated even moderately. Year after year this urge not only brings people from great distances, but also people who have never seen, spoken to or met anyone else present. Such unfamiliarity, however, is no obstacle to an intimate picking up of memories often buried under the accumulations of three or four generations, instead of several more. Perhaps old people played together as children; perhaps one's parents always came to the picnic; perhaps one came years ago. The benign memories of the late Mr. Ebenezer Bull of the Stone House and his wife "Aunt Annie" as they adopted all the Bull family as they were the family's "host of yesterday; a day before yesterday the well-loved William Bull VI of Stony Ford and his wife, Phebe of the Stone House and Aunt Anne herself. Memory is a reel, slightly dimmed by time, which rolls back as we think, Mrs. Crosby, Miss Sarah Bull, Mrs. Draper and Mr. McMonagle are before us leading the family pageant, or else seated in Campbell Hall; or we see a group of less than 50 people in all visiting under umbrellas as the rain pours down in the same grove. We recall some friends who were adopted, and who never forgot to come among us under the stately trees, as for instance, Mrs. Stephen I. Webb; and there was Mrs. Lippincott's welcome of "Come in, do come in." It was in those good old days when thermos bottles were not dreamed of.
Then still further away and now dimmed by the years we think of "Aunt Keturah" in her carry road; there was J. Kerr Bull, Theodore Jackson, Andrew Wilson VI, Prof. Richard Bull. Memories come thick and fast, each of us would have his own; and what a composite it would be, if all were added.
All the foregoing have been of the last 70 years; but sometimes we must go even farther back to touch a common chord for some who have by force of chance and distance have temporarily separated from us. Perhaps it is Milton Bull or Daniel or Dr. John Johnston of Newburgh. If we are speaking of those from far away, surely we be must mention Thomas or Richard or John. Even among ourselves we are constantly recurring to these same men as well as others who were the original settlers: William, who settled "across the kill"; Isaac, of Little Britain; Sarah, who married George Booth and was buried by the quarry road; Ann, who married William Miller; Mary and her Loyalist husband, Benjamin Booth; Margaret and her husband Silas Horton of Craigville, who now rest peacefully in our midst; Eleanor, on the homestead, still cherished by Miss Grace Horton; then there is Catherine, who married James Faulkner of Wallkill, meaning Goodwill. Then there is Esther, whose husband William Eager, whose tribe was made so familiar to us by the late Wm. H. D. Blake; and finally the youngest of the twelve, Richard of the "Saratoga Farm." Unifying all are William and Sarah. We see them viewing us, each one, with a common interest and smiling at our differences, if differences there be, overlooking our short comings and even yet setting forces in motion to make us good citizens.
Into such a background we come from far and near, some of us steeped in the tradition of it from our very birth; others easily taking up associations laid down generations ago.
To come now to 1938: from the furthest distance, as we have mentioned, and Miss Anne Wilson, who flew from San Francisco for the occasion, leaving that city Monday evening and reaching the Newark airport shortly after noon next day. The former had been absent about four and three-quarter years and the latter about one and one-half years. Their return was a great surprise. They will visit for some time in the east, but Miss Jackson, after staying as long as possible, expects to return to Felton, Calif., where she has bought property in the Santa Cruz mountains not far from the city of that name.
Two boys came from Roswell, New Mexico: Chester Merrill Hunter and his brother Henry Kenneth Hunter, sons of from Esther Bull and John Miller; their family formerly owned the "Saratoga Farm", site of the Montgomery air-port. Hearty applause evidenced a warm appreciation of their coming.
Mrs. C. T. Frick of Little Rock, Arkansas, sent a proxy in Mrs. Frank H. Dodge of that city, who was enroute to Connecticut.
Miss Emma A. Waterwall and her niece, Miss Mary Pemberton, of Houston, Texas, returning home from a European trip, spent the picnic season with Mrs. Jesse Booth.
Major Alexander Bull McNabb, U. S. A., cavalry instructor at Fort Belvoir, Va., had taken a four day leave and brought his daughter, Miss Cheyney. He had never been able to attend before, nor, we believe, seen any of those present; but it seemed as though we had known him always. He remained for the evening and took part, after dinner, with a truckload of others in returning the piano which had been used for dancing, to its owner, Mrs. John Thew. He stated that he had enjoyed himself thoroughly and hoped to return another year, which we hope we may be often.
Mr. and Mrs. Gersham A. Post of South Gibson, Pa., with two young people, their grandchildren, Martha and Bertha Rounds, came for the first time. Mr. and Mrs. G. Howard Chamberlin, of Stanfordville, N. Y., and the former's sister, Mrs. F. G. Hopkins of Briar Cliff Manor, N. Y., also came for the first. Mr. Chamberlin for many years was architect to the Board of Education of Yonkers, and designed several of their finest schools. From that city, Mrs. Harriet Bullock journeyed from Utica, having never been present before. Ralph W. Tobin of Trenton, N. J., and his daughter, Miss Ann Tobin, were also among the newcomers. Mr. and Mrs. Walter D. Bull and their children Nancy and Douglas came from Buffalo; and we were glad to see Beakes Dickerson of Detroit, whose mother instituted the ceremony of the ribbons for the twelve tribes.
In interesting contrast, Miss Edna Mowbray, who also attended the Picnic this year for the first, had never seen the "Stone House" before, although she has lived all her life within about three miles of it.
We believe the children never enjoyed themselves more. The "star performer" from their standpoint was Dixie Ann Booth's pony "Billie Burke" — "Billie" is a dappled Shetland, in the pink of condition and evidently possessed of a happy disposition. He was in constant demand throughout the day but was entirely equal to the occasion. Culver Bull brought his riding horse, only second in popularity; and the merry-goboard, kindly loaned by the Hamptonburgh Grange, was a great attraction. Soft baseball, croquet and other games were played. Besides all this the library of small books for children had again been sent us through the thoughtful effort of Miss Amy L. Hepburn, a librarian at Columbia University, and one of our loyal supporters, although she has not been able to attend our picnics for many years. Miss Mildred Hagan is recreation consultant of the Mid-City Club of New York City.
There was dancing in the barn from 3:30 to 6:30 p. m.
Another highlight was the continuation of the Picnic until after supper. This was an experiment, and was organized by our president, Amy Bull Crist, and proved distinctly successful.
Corinna Bull Brown, who has been mistress at the "Stone House" since last autumn, has especially commended herself to the family, not only by the immaculate way in which she maintains the house, but also by the cordial lunch at noon, continued well seconded by her husband, Louis Brown. In addition to all this, Mr. and Mrs. Brown have a little three year old boy, Michael, who steals everyone's heart, and a baby, Wm. Bull, born May 22 last, who is the picture of health. Mr. and Mrs. Brown with their boys were asked to appear before the gathering and received a spot light and equal to taking it. As a mark of the managers' confidence and esteem, Mrs. Brown was appointed to the Property Committee, a place which is active and no sinecure.
We received an interesting report of the organization of a branch of the family at Presque Isle, Me., on Aug. 17. These people are descendants of William Bull's grandson, Bull's son George, a United Empire Loyalist, made a captain by the King for his services in the Revolution, settled in Woodstock, New Brunswick, in October 1783, and founded a very large family there. About 69 of his branch met at Presque Isle this year and formed the new society. They plan to meet annually, alternating between Presque Isle and Woodstock. Edward J. Bull of the former place is president and Miss Lucy W. Bull of the same place secretary-treasurer. A resolution of congratulation to the new association was passed.
The secretary read greetings to the gathering from Mrs. M. E. Smith of East Lynn, Mass., and from the Rowland family in Southern New Brunswick.
One shadow felt by us all was the serious illness of Margaret Dill Hallagan and her sister, Frances Dill McClung, of Campbell Hall, who have been among our most staunch and active members. A resolution of appreciation and good wishes was passed on their behalf.
We were pleased to have with us Miss Sarah A. Smith of Central Valley, aged 86 years, and Mrs. King David Bull of Monroe, aged 88 years. The youngest present was Alfred Booth III, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pierson Booth of Warwick, N. Y., born June 10, 1938.
A welcome visitor was Dr. Henry Wilson, the well known psychologist. His wife, who was Carolyn Crosby Wilson, and two of their children, accompanied him. Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wilson and another of their sons, William, were likewise present.
Amy Bull Crist, the president, conducted the business meeting with gay aplomb. Ernest M. Bull, the treasurer, came from Nantucket, where he was on vacation, and gave his report in person. Robert McLeod Jackson and Amy Bull Crist were elected managers to succeed themselves for terms of three years, and Alfred Booth was elected as the new member of the Board for a like term. The Board later in the day chose as officers for the ensuing year the following: President, Amy Bull Crist; Vice-President, Hamlet S. Roe; Treasurer, Ernest M. Bull; Secretary, Robert McLeod Jackson.
The Rev. and Mrs. Robert G. Longaker of Campbell Hall, were elected honorary members of the Association, and Mr. Longaker led the singing.
Gifts to the Association since last year have been as follows: Bequest from the late Miss Mary Elizabeth Van Keuren of Montgomery, $15 for the Endowment Fund; from the late Elsa Seaman Gerow, a crockery sugar bowl which belonged to Sarah Wells and a white satin slipper which belonged to her daughter, Margaret; and from the secretary, a firescreen for the parlor of the type that stands flush with the fireplace and is known as a spark arrester.
The family statistics, so far as they have been as follows:
Marriages 1935 Jan. 1. GREENE, John Bradley of Dayton, Ohio, to Gertrude S. Chase of Santa Barbara, California. 1936 Oct. 1. BULL, Howard, to Hester Wark, both of Presque Isle, Maine. 1937 CHAMBERLIN, George Howard, III, to Jane Marshall, both of Riverside, Connecticut. June 12. BULL, Arnold Leroy of Mapleton, Maine, to Velma Corey of Westfield, Maine. Mar. 20 MCBRIDE, Gertrude, to Frank Boat, both of Walden, N. Y. May 22 GOODRICH, Richard Jordan, to Margaret D. Meyer, both of Saginaw, Michigan. June 12 TEED, Constance, to Frank Card, both of Hopewell Junction, N. Y. Oct. 15 CARTER, Stella Rae, to Alvah Weeks Haff, both of Brooklyn, N. Y. Oct. 16 BOWNE, Katherine Elizabeth, of White Plains, N. Y., to Irving Deyo Kortright of New Paltz, N. Y. Oct. 17 BULL, E. Norman, of Albany, N. Y., to Ada Ferguson of — Oct. 29 BULL, Richard, to Jeane Frances Millspaugh, both of Newburgh, N. Y. EARL, Russell Bennett, to Louise McMann, both of Walden, N. Y. Dec. 10 GREEN, Kenneth E., of Montgomery, N. Y., to Amy Margaret Sturz of same place. Dec. 31 EAGER, Emma Mabel, of Montgomery, N. Y., to Robert O'Banks of Maybrook, N. Y. 1938 Jan. 12 EAGER, Charlotte May, of Montgomery, N. Y., to Richard Ostrander of West Point, N. Y. Feb. 5 ONGONG, Anna Marie, to Everett Mohlar Vincent, both of Goshen, N. Y. Feb. 19 COCKS, Robert Bellamy, of Cornwall, N. Y., to Marion Frew of Newburgh, N. Y. Feb. 26 TABER, Katharine, of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., (daughter of Elsie Clarke and Stephen Taber) to Lincoln Paige of Newark, N. J. Apr. 23 HARRIS, Dorothy Frances, of Hudson, N. Y., to Ralph Waldo Earl, Jr., of Morristown, N. J. May 7 BOGERT, Theodore Loomis, of Charlottesville, Va., to Winifred Lee Goldsborough of Kansas City, Mo. June 24 NIVEN, Augusta Thompson, to James Gillespie Lyons, both of Monticello, N. Y. Apr. 4 TABER, Ruth Birdsall, (daughter of Helen Clarke and Charles Taber) of Milton, N. Y., to Charles A. Swinney of Fort Dodge, Iowa. Apr. 18 GORSE, Alma, of Meadowbrook, N. Y., to Dr. Charles Ringe of Teaneck, N. J. Apr. 24 CRAWFORD, Kathleen Denniston, to George Edward Gillespie, Jr., both of Montclair, N. J. Apr. 27 ROE, Otis, to Isabel Osborn, both of Easton, Penna. Aug. 7 HALLOCK, Russell, of Washingtonville, N. Y., to Rose Gustowt of Binghamton, N. Y. Aug. 28 WRIGHT, Bertha Seward, daughter of Robert Wright of Ridgewood, N. J., and of the late Bertha Seward, to DeWitt S. Howell, both of Goshen, N. Y.
Births 1936 Jan. 28 BEMENT, Clarence Dickerson, son of Olive Dickerson and Norwood Bement of Pine Bush, N. Y. June 17 WINDERS, Myron, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Winders of Holbrook, Mass. June 29 BULL, Liep, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arden Bull of Presque Isle, Me. July 6 GARLAND, Judith Ann, daughter of Muriel Louise Jex and Stuart Brewster Garland of Somerville, Mass. Aug. 27 BULL, Mary, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bull of Washburn, Me. Oct. 26 HARRIS, Rosslyn P., II, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Harris of Baskingridge, N. J. 1937 May 13 GREEN, Cora Barbara, daughter of Lucille Earl and Finley J. Green of Bellvale, N. Y. June 28 LITTLEFIELD, Susan Ellen, daughter of Dorothy Kernothan and Meredith Littlefield of Plainfield, N. J. July 12 BULL, Anna May, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Bull of Presque Isle, Me. Aug. 12 HOWELL, Richard Pierson, son of Mr. and Mrs. Pierson Beyea Howell of Denver, Colorado. Aug. 21 BULL, Alice Marie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Willard Bull of Northampton, New Brunswick, Can. Sept. 2 STADEN, Stanton, son of Elizabeth Stanton and Harold A. Sanders, Jr., of Pasadena, Calif. Oct. 7 BULL, Peter, son of Mr. and Mrs. Arden Bull of Presque Isle, Me. Oct. 12 KLOPPENBERG, Ann Rainey, daughter of Emily Taylor and George R. Kloppenberg of New York City. Oct. 25 KLAER, David Norton, son of Mary Elizabeth Norton and the Rev. Alfred Lee Klaer of Morgantown, West Virginia. Oct. 31 BUTT, Katherine Rita, daughter of Hermion Burch and Edwin A. Butt of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, and granddaughter of the Rev. Daniel Bull Jackson, orginally of the Town of Hamptonburgh, Orange County, N. Y. Nov. 23 MAYEN, Kenneth, son of Irene Teed and Edward Mayen of Little Britain, N. Y. Dec. 22 GOODRICH, Margaret Angeline, daughter of Margaret D. Meyer and Richard Jordan Goodrich of Saginaw, Mich. 1938 Jan. 7 MILLETT, Louise Ostrom, daughter of Annie O. Alexander and Dr. Henry Shirley Millett of Kansas City, Mo. Feb. 5 MABEE, Margaret Ann, daughter of Irene McNeiee and Jesse M. Mabee of Washingtonville, N. Y. Feb. 6 COELHO, Beverly Allison, daughter of Lois Taber and Alexander Coelho of New York City. Feb. 6 TEED, Margaret Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Teed of Hopewell Junction, N. Y. Feb. 13 NEWMAN, Clare, daughter of ClaraRelationships
Related Person or Organization
Person or Organization
Bull Family, Bull Picnic