Salem Soldiers Reunion The Veterans Enjoyed A Fine Time And Listened To Many Good Speeches From Veteran Members

SALEM SOLDIERS REUNION

THE VETERANS ENJOYED A FINE TIME.

AND LISTENED TO MANY GOOD SPEECHES FROM VETERAN MEMBERS.

Last Saturday at the home of Comrade Butler on the base line in Salem occurred the annual reunion of the Salem Soldiers' Association. There were 31 old soldiers present with their wives and children, also many friends. There were at least 250 people in attendance.

The veterans began to arrive about 9 o'clock and from that time until noon the old boys told reminisences of the comradeship, 35 to 38 years ago. The other people present were interested listeners to the tales of civil war experiences related by the old soldiers. Many of their stories would make interesting reading. The Salem brass band discoursed patriotic music throughout the entire morning social session.

Promptly a 12 o'clock the ladies announced dinner was ready, and such a dinner as they put up! Well, it simply left nothing else in the food line to be desired. Full justice was done it by each and every one present. After dinner a program of music and literary entertainment was had. The afternoon exercises opened with music followed by prayer by the Rev. Coffin. President Geo. S. Wheeler presided and called on J. Q. A. Sessions, of Ann Arbor, for a speech. Comrade Sessions spoke of the mission of the United States and made the modest claim that it was destined eventually to include the whole earth, including the Philippines. The Salem choir sang a patriotic piece of music in a very pleasing manner after which Judge Newkirk was introduced. He spoke of his memories as a child, of war events, and the duty of every American to appreciate his government and the sacrifices that have been made for its maintenance. Although the civil war is now in the distant past it should not be forgotten. As Bunker Hill monument commemorated an important event in our history so the great principles of the civil conflict should be remembered, so that knowing what our liberties and institutions have cost their value may be the better appreciated.

The choir here sang again and then Rev. C. T. Allen was introduced.  A large number of his company were residents of the vicinity. He was well received and his words greatly pleased his old comrades. The band then played "The Star Spangled Banner," after which W. K. Childs, of Ann Arbor was called for. He addressed his remarks to the ladies and pleased them as he always does. He jollied them on their good cooking, their good looks and assured them that none understood better than themselves how to entertain such a gathering.

An invitation was read from H. J. Pinckney, of Superior, for the association to meet at his home next August, 1900. It was accepted with alacrity. Then all joined in singing "America," with a will, after which social intercourse was renewed until the time arrived for saying adieus.  All voted the meeting one of the most successful the association has had.