Fifty years of picnics
The following is copied from an Avon, Ill., newspaper published Aug. 23, 1928.
REMARKABLE RECORD OF KELLOUGH FAMILY;
DESCENDANTS ARE NUMEROUS
The annual reunion of the descendants of Richard Kellough and Sarah Maxwell Kellough was held at Avon Wednesday, August 22. These picnics have been held for 50 years, the first one being held at James Kellough's grove near Greenbush in 1878. During all these years a picnic has never been postponed or cancelled on account of weather conditions. One hundred twenty-six were present at this reunion. A fried chicken dinner, consisting of all the good things of the season was served at noon, cafeteria style, to which all did ample justice. Decorations were suitable to the occasion. In the afternoon a group picture was taken, after which the following program was rendered. . . .
Part of the program consisted of the reading of the following original poem written by Mrs. N. M. Wetzel of Corning, Ia., and Mrs. Minnie Luden of Colton, Calif.MEMORIES
As I turn back the pages of memory each year
My thoughts are of picnics, with loved ones so dear;
I fancy I see them as in days of yore
As they sat 'round the tables, heaped with chicken galore.
Some came from the west, others came from the east—
We met in the groves and enjoyed the feast;
We had no tin Lizzie to sputter and roar,
But the team and the wagon were brought to the door,
And baskets and buckets were fitted in tight—
Then came the children, all filled with delight.
We gathered much knowledge from talks heart to heart,
And when shadows gathered were sorry to part.
And out of this number and into life's strife
Have gone doctors, teachers, farmers, bankers and many a good wife.
Some have answered the roll call, their life's work is done.
We cherish their memory, we miss every one.
The days pass so swiftly, many good times we have had,
Though some days were happy while others were sad.
As time is still fleeting and heads turning gray,
Let us meet very often, not one stay away.
Let us stop in our work and come back every year
To greet all our relatives, at reunions so dear.
