Name/Title
68th Bull Family Picnic Aug 24, 1935 From The Independent Republican, Goshen NY Aug. 27,1935 and Sept. 3, 1935Entry/Object ID
002291Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
This document is a detailed account of the 65th Bull Family Picnic, held on August 24, 1935, at the historic "Stone House" (built circa 1722) in Hamptonburgh, New York. The text serves as both a social report and a genealogical record for the descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells.
Key Highlights of the Event
The Atmosphere: The gathering is described as a "kaleidoscope" of color and friendship, where the family took a break from the "modern life" to honor their pioneer ancestors.
University Representation: Miss Amy L. Hepburn, a librarian from Columbia University, assisted in bringing a representative of the university to lead the children in games.
Special Presentations: * The "Honor Guest" was Mrs. Ann Bull Hager (88 years old), who received a gift of $35 and a handmade quilt from the women of the family.
A scale model of the "Stone House" was presented by Mrs. Wesley Wait (formerly Lillian Bull). It was built by her father, Charles W. Slaughter, and was destined to house a "security fund" for the upkeep of the property.
Awards: The ribbon for the longest distance traveled to the picnic was awarded to Miss Nancy Bull, daughter of Walter B. Bull of Buffalo.
Family Governance & Statistics
The family association elected new officers for the upcoming year:
President: Albert C. Bull
Vice President: Ernest M. Bull
Secretary/Treasurer: Mrs. Mollie Jack-son
The document concludes with a comprehensive Vital Statistics list for the family members between 1933 and 1935, categorized by:
Births: Dozens of entries including the name, parents, and location (e.g., Bull, Cornell, Schoonmaker).
Marriages: Notable unions such as Warren Thompson to Martha Woodhouse and Henry Smith to Lisa Potter.
Deaths: Recording the passing of several elders, including John Milton Bull (aged 87) and various descendants across New York and New Jersey.
Historic Context
The text emphasizes the "twelve tribes" of the family, named after the children of William and Sarah Bull (e.g., John, William, Sarah, Mary, etc.). It notes that while many descendants had lost track of their specific "tribal" lineage, the annual picnic served as the primary vehicle for maintaining these ancestral bonds.