Name/Title
97th Annual Bull Family Picnic - August 22, 1964Entry/Object ID
002193Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House Association, Bull PicnicScope and Content
This set of documents the "Bull"-E-Tins details the 97th Annual Bull Picnic, held on August 22, 1964, at the historic Bull Stone House in Hamptonburgh, New York. The picnic serves as the annual gathering for the descendants of William Bull and Sarah Wells.
The records provide a fascinating blend of family history, organizational governance, and mid-century financial reporting.
🏛️ Family History & Origins
The documents commemorate the union of Sarah Wells (an orphan and the first "civilized" white woman in the area) and William Bull (an English stone mason).
Marriage: They were married on August 25, 1718, purportedly the first wedding of white people in that part of New York.
The Stone House: Completed in 1727, the house has survived earthquakes and lightning strikes. It was purchased by the family association around 1920 to be preserved as a permanent family homestead and museum.
Descendants: At the time of her death at age 102, Sarah Wells had 98 grandchildren and 212 great-grandchildren. By 1964, the mailing list for the family association approached 3,000 members.
📑 Association Business
The William Bull and Sarah Wells Family Association, Inc. used this gathering to conduct official business:
Genealogy Project: Miss Dolly W. Booth was finalizing "Volume One" of the family genealogy, which already contained nearly 2,500 names.
Elections: The meeting was called to elect four new managers to three-year terms to succeed Chester Roe, Earl Dickerson, Andrew Wilson, Jr., and Mrs. George H. Thompson.
Leadership: The 1964 President was Earl Dickerson, with Henry P. Bull serving as Treasurer.
💰 Financial Status (1963–1964)
The Treasurer's Report provides a detailed look at the association's finances across three main funds:
Fund Purpose Status/Key Details
General Fund Daily operations, taxes, and repairs. Income included farm rent ($350) and picnic contributions.
Genealogy Fund Publication of the family history. Balance of $1,807.71 as of July 1, 1964.
Endowment Fund Long-term maintenance of the Stone House. Total cost value of $17,898.76.
Investment Highlights:
The association held significant stock in companies like American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), Central Hudson Gas & Electric, and Socony Mobil Oil.
A notable bequest of 100 shares of Rochester Button Company stock was received from the estate of Jean Hoeffler and subsequently sold to diversify into AT&T.
🧺 Event Details
Luncheon: A "Basket Luncheon" where individual family groups brought their own food. It was customary to wait for "Grace" to be said at 12:00 PM before eating.
Supper: A follow-up meal was provided for those who couldn't attend the noon picnic.
Memorials: The documents list numerous "Memorial Contributions" made in honor of ancestors, with donations ranging from $5.00 to $100.00.
