Quaint Old Social Gathering, 1878

Quaint Old Social Gathering

Chenango Union, Sept. 5, 1878

 

"Should Old Acquaintance Be Forgot."--A social gathering of quaint old time, when knee-buckles and long shorts were the ruling fashions of beau and belle more than 70 years ago.--Social gatherings are not only of special interest to those who participate in them, but they usually impress the surrounding mind with those pleasant associations of friendship which acts as a halo of love and cheer for the weary traveler on his journey.  Such a gathering, only one of more than ordinary moment, convened at the house of Mr. and Mrs. Abner Johnston at Sidney Plains [Delaware Co., NY] last Friday afternoon.  And here were gathered those who have really out-lived three generations, and what is most remarkable, they were all born in this immediate vicinity and had been associates and companions from early childhood.  some of them were the sons and daughters of the first pioneers of this place, born of those who fled to Cherry Valley for protection against hostile Indians.  They were cradled in rude constructed homes, before whose door flitted the dusky form of the savage, while the howl of the wolf and the scream of the panther echoed o'er hill and dale.  They were brought up in their early years to share with each other the rough and rugged lives of the "first settlers," and they now meet in the autumn season of their lives to refer back through the vista of years with a fond recollection of the scenes of their childhood.  But as sleeps today their fathers and many of their kindred, so will they soon be gathered to their rest, but their names will live and be remembered by those who respect the aged as examples of industry and refinement.  Mr. Abner Johnston, the youngest, (excepting his wife) at whose house they convened, would tip the balance of time at 70 years;  Mrs. C.S. Rogers, sister of Mr. Johnston, would press the dial finger at 82; Mrs. Ira Sherman, mother of Hon. Ira E. Sherman, would twirl the shuttle of life at 84; Mr. John Baxter would point the wand at 82; Mr. and Mrs. Jabez Rogers turned the hour glass at 78, while Mrs. John Baxter closes the album at 85, making a grand total of 559 years.  And this is perhaps the last social meeting of this venerable party of friends, and whatever may have been their faults or mistakes in life, if any, let them be forgotten now, and let each one try to smooth and cheer with deeds of kindness their few remaining years.