From Our Early Files

     The fifteenth annual reunion of the Old School association, which took place at the Waynesville school hall, Saturday, August 4th, was conceded by all the regular attendants to be happiest of all, and this is saying much, for the fourteen that preceded this were marked by genuine enjoyment.
     The following officers were elected for the ensuing year. President, Jno Likens, of Richmond, Ind.; Vice-president, Lizzie Gauze Packer, secretary Sallie Likens Dinwiddie; treasurer, Kizzie Merritt.

     The Collett-McKay picnic, which took place last Saturday was as usual a booming success in all its details. While appreciative of the oft-renewed invitation to be present at these happy annual family reunions, we regret that circumstances have always prevented our attendance.

     J. O. Cartwright received on Monday a telegram from Delhi, Ohio, announcing the death by drowning of George Falkínburg, oldest son of J. O. Falkinburg. No particulars were given, except that the body would be brought here today for interment in Miami cemetery. Later information is that young Falkenburg lost his life in trying to save a young friend from drowning while bathing in the White Water river, near Rock City, Ind. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Falkinburg in this community sympathize deeply with them in the untimely death of their brave son. Young Falkenburg was an assistant engineer on the B. &. O. S, W., division, and was held in high respect. His parents were absent on a visit to the east when apprised of their distressing bereavement.

     Special to the Ohio State Journal from Springfield, August 9th, said: "The Rev, C. L. Conger, while preaching at the Urbana camp meeting yesterday, had a sunstroke and sank in his chair unable to proceed with his sermon. The incident caused considerable excitement and the congregation was dismissed. Rev. Conger revived later under medical treatment. Most of our citizens will remember Mr. Conger as a former pastor of the Methodist church here, and will rejoice to know that he has recovered.

     Mr. George Smith is here this week with his family, and is also engaged in putting in fnrnaces for the firm of Faulkner Bros.. of Wilmington with which he is now connected. George says they are first-class men to do business with as well as the most friendly to live by and neighbor with. G. E. Randall, James Stoops and Wallace Tibbals will have furnaces put in.

     Hon. S. H. Ellis has been appointed by Gov. Nash as delegate to the National Farmers' convention, to be held at Colorado Springs, Col., from August 21 to 31.
     Mr. George Pratt and sister spent Sunday in the Queen City.
     J. B. Chapman Jr., has been for a week past enjoying a visit with his brother, Bert, in the shade of the beautiful home of their childhood. Joseph says his parents will soon be here to shake hands with old friends.

     Mrs. Verna Kelly, nee Caskey, spent last week at her paternal home here.

September 15 is the day. WarrenCo. G. A. R. reunion. Good speaking, splendid music, both vocal and instrumental.

     The Miami Valley Telephone Co. has established a night service at this point, with Harry Dodson as night operator. This is highly appreciated by the company's rapidly increasing list of subscribers.

     A happy birthday party took place on Friday, August 3, when fifteen of the young friends of little Miss Marie Miller gathered at her pleasant home and helped make joyous her sixth anniversary. After a delightful time spent with their little hostess, the children left with best wishes for many more such happy returns.

     Miss Grace Miller visited her friend Miss Sue Thackery, of Springboro, for several days last week.

     Mr. and Mrs. B. S. Howell and children attended the pioneer meeting at Clarksville last Wednesday.

     James Stoops spent the first of the week in Clarksville, on business.

     C. W. Morton visited friends and relatives in Wilmington and Sabina on Sunday.

     The Spring Valley Blade under the management of W. H. Blair, has greatly improved, editorially, and in every way.

(Provided courtesy of Kim Becker Price.)

Collett-McKay Picnic

     More than 200 people attended the annual Collett McKay picnic held Saturday, August 8, at their picnic grounds, despite the inclemency of the weather.
     A regular downpour of rain in the early morning dampened the spirits of the picnickers, but it soon cleared away, although a heavy rain in Xenia and Jamestown, with a hailstorm in Waynesville, kept away the people who usually attend from those towns. Quite a rain came up in this city in the afternoon which missed the picnic grounds.
     All members felt a glow of pride. as the "hallowed ground" now belongs to the Colletts and McKays, to be used forever for picnic purposes. It is located in a corner where one road intersects another, and the four acres are marked off with large pins, but no fence mars the beauty of the setting. It is part of the large, beautiful, sugar camp belonging to the farm now owned by Berney McKay. Twenty-one new sugar trees have been set out the past year, which will add much to the beauty of the place in later years.
     A program, election of officers, appointing of committees. and other matters of business that are usually included in every reunion, are things walved aside for the more important matters of entertainment and visiting, all knowing that they are to meet the next year on the same ground, the second Saturday in August.
     Members of the prominent families came from all parts of the United States, as is their custom, with B. Y. Collett, Horace W. Collett, and Mary Frances McKay, in attendance, as they have been at each of the 59 picnics. Relatives from Kansas City, Chicago, and many far away cities, mingled with relatives from states and counties, in one glad home-coming spirit.

     The 59th annual Collett-McKay picnic will be held at the usual place, on Saturday, August 8.

     The 59th annual Collett-McKay family reunion and picnic will be held Saturday August 8 at the McKay Grove southeast of New Burlington. The descendants of the two families have gathered in this same grove for fifty-eight years and this year will mark another year for this historical spot.

REUNION OF COLLETT
     AND McKAY FAMILIES

     The 59th annual reunion of the Collett-McKay families in Clinton County will be held on the Collett-McKay picnic grounds, adjoining the Bernard McKay farm, near New Burlington. Saturday, August 8. For more than half a century, members of this family have annually assembled on this four-acre spot the second Saturday in August for a happy, family reunion.
     This year the reunion will take the form of a celebration of the fact that the four acres is now perpetually dedicated as the Collett-McKay picnic lot. Last year, at the time of the picnic.. negotiations were in effect to purchase the ground for the purpose. The hat was passed around at the picnic and more than enough money secured to pay for the land. When the picnic day dawns this year, the Collett-McKay picnickers will be happy in the thought that the picnic ground is formally dedicated to the purpose for which they will use it during the day.

     Virginia C. Smith, by administrator, to Collett and McKay picnic,, one half of 4 acres, Chester Township, $129.
     Harriett Collett by ex., to Collett and McKay picnic, one-half of 4 acres in Chester Township, $129.