Show THE OLD FOLKS GATHERING the annual winter treat tendered by the citizens of american fork to the aged blind halt and lame ame tock place on wednesday last at grants hall in that city the occasion was one which exhibited the generous disposition of the citizens to the fullest extent those who had teams and sleighs were busy during the morning bringing in the pr provisions visions and conveying those unable to walk nine different nations had representatives in the merry throng the number of persons present being their united ages exceeding years the eldest gentleman was a scotch man and the eldest lady a scandinavian din avian I 1 about two dinner was announced noun ced out but there was no bill of fare P 1 the guests had neither time nor inclination indeed to read one but went straight to business after the blessing had bad been asked by dr laa acson elders goddard eddington dunbar and savage ravage and ladies of salt loke lake city arrived by the belated denver train just in time to witness the commencement of the proceedings their arrival was greeted greeted with cheers of welcome ishop bishop halliday was indefatigable in his efforts to make the occasion one of joy and gladness the committee of arrangements consisting of brothers barrett jackson tracy dunkly and lee worked as aa only only men work when iu inspired by the lofty sentiment of making others happy they were well assisted by a corps of ladies ten of the younger ones wore white caps and acted as waitresses the tuner inner man satisfied there followed the feast of reason and the flow of soul A group of pretty little children gave recitations of an interesting character and pithy and humorous speeches were made by the visitors prizes were niven given to the most aged two hours and a half of mirth music and good cheer quickly passed away the rev mr day a presbyterian by terian minister of this place offered some happy remarks which were received with applause by the audience american fork can boast of the presence of mr robinson the oldest railroad conductor now living he carries with great pride a watch given to him by the directors of the liverpool and manchester railroad in 1842 this was a recognition of his efficiency as such the old gentleman gendeman is quite feeble but proud of his trophy and today exhibited it with much satisfaction the proceedings were cosmopolitan in the truest sense all were welcome and all classes contributed to make the generous treat a success and all seemed to enjoy the privilege of beldi being present after the old folks had been returned to their homes the widows bachelors and younger folk who lad had been helping continued the fun with dancing speeches and singing until a late hour the following lines composed by brother james crystal were read tc the audience in the afternoon ye to worthy dames and honored sires we bring you out today to share gods common bounties in our p good od old fashioned way and ana since you here have met to share our weed meed of mirth and cheer we shake your bands and warmly say A happy glad new year since last we met as now we doubt youve had your share of cramps and coughs and stiffened joints you yon scarcely well could bear but bless bleas your dear old hearts and souls it seems when you are here your tour tickling coughs and stiffened joints all strang ly disappear sure there must be some magic on the shelves of brother grant or other hidden powers ut at work the old folks 0 10 o enchant all seem so BO young in heart and tongue and brightness of the eye that truly itis a puzzle rare to tell the reason why while thus thua wo we scan our aged guests a lesson fit at we leai aleain n that wrinkled cheeks and silvered hair will teach us a ali in turn that time whose faithful finger paints the lily and the rose Is faithful also to his hie trust to see then their petals close yet all is well that god ordains to age or blossoming bloss oming youth when mans ambition centers right on wisdom love and truth the cheeks way may lose their rosy tints the looks jocks their raven hue but youth or age can always find some pleasant work to do As years vears roll by we sadly miss some dear which used to grace a certain cei tain chair that filled a certain place but death the Ite aper 11 stalks abroad his sickle sharp to wield and culls the cheaves that suit him best upon the harvest field old time i drilling fresh recruits cheva the vacant ranks to fill from those dhove crossed lifes sunsets and are sliding down the hill bill and elen een though death our dear ones take we know that all is well they kindness ionly only go dwell to labor still where love and take courage then ye aged ones though brief ef your labors here the future ae the present shall your honored names revere youve raised your sons and daughters in the lords appointed way and cheerfully have borne the heat and burdens of the day therefore rejoice and comfort take for your our reward is in sure still till make ake the he lord your 0 lc ur hope and trust and to the end anlu endure r e and praise his n name ame that you have hare lived to 8 see the latter da days A and d gathered home lr from am every land to sing his love and praise again we bid you welcome and we hope all feel free to eat and drink with relish of the very best you see we wish this day to make a spot which you in in after days may look back to and cherish as a thing of worth and praise now should you wish to sing some song that made your bosom glow when you were young and in the days of long ago we wish you strength of lungs and voice to ring efting it soft and clear that it may mat reach and touch the hearts of all assembled here or i you mind some story good that you would rather tell concerning feats of love or strength when you were young and well twill make us glad and sweeter prove if told with faltering voice for here we meet to honor axe age and see you yon all rejoice tie natures noble patter that we copy here today the glorious sun of spring leaps forth to drive chive lifes hill chill away cosm to am ite the ice bo bound ar und brooks boks and streams and frosty fettered snow that all may gather plenty in the smil ins ing vale below the pebble that is cast upon the still and placid lake though sed scarcely reely seen or felt awhile its mark will surely sorely make inake we see it ripple faint at first then quicken more and ana more till circles widen thick thick and fast and spread from shore alore to shore shorb may this event we celebrate be like the pebble small or tike like the glorious sun of spring that smiles miles to gladden all and soon may every heart and home in vales so free look forth with loy joy and pride to hold their old folts follis jubilee |