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Subject: Sd-Faulk Co. History (Chapter XII New )
Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 16:48:11 -0500


Faulk County, SD History .....Chapter XII New Social Relations 1909
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Joy Fisher January 7, 2005, 4:48 pm

CHAPTER XII.
NEW SOCIAL RELATIONS.

No one element in human character is more marked and goes farther to make
life happy and enjoyable than the readiness with which Americans, whether from
the east or from the larger and more liberal west, adapt themselves to their
immediate surrounding's through their happy, genial sociability, the intuition
with which they wisely select and appropriate, until the past, with all its
loving and loveable association, is largely exchanged—though not forgotten— for
present, active, living associations, to continue while life may last.

These elements of character, so prominent among the first settlers of Faulk
county, dispelled all loneliness and brought the pioneers from various sections
of the Union into one satisfied, happy and congenial society.

The extent to which this was accomplished in Faulk-ton may be realized from
the following items published in the Faulkton Times of February 10th, 1884, a
little more than a year after the first actual settlement of the town:

"The Chautauqua Circle with invited guests to the number of nearly half a
hundred, met at the residence of Major Pickler on Friday evening last, to
celebrate the birthday anniversary of the Scottish poet, Burns, by appropriate
literary and musical exercises. If the unanimous and enthusiastic decision of
those present can be adjudged correct, this proved to be the most enjoyable
evening in the three months history of the circle. And was carried out by the
following programme:

Caledonia March, organ and violin—Messrs. McElherne and Howard.

Biography of the Poet—F. A. Pangburn.

Song, "Annie Laurie"—Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Fifield and Mrs. Darby.

Recitation, "Man was Made to Mourn"—P. B. Durley.

Song, "Sweet Afton"—Messrs. Turner, McElherne and Howard.

Recitation, "Tam 0'Shanter"—Frank Turner.

Recitation, "Bide a Wee"—Mrs. Darby, Mrs. Fifield and Frank Turner.

Recitation, "Northern Farmer"—F. S. McElherne.

Recitation, "McPherson's Farewell"—C. H. Howard.

Medley of Scottish Airs, organ and violin,—Messrs. McElherne and Howard.

Recitation, "John Anderson, my Jo, John"—Mrs, Pickler assisted by J. A. Pickler.

Sentiments by the Circle.

"Auld Lang Syne," by the company.

In a programme so entirely well executed it seems scarcely just to
discriminate, but the biography of the poet, by Mr. Pangburn, was such an
admirable criticism of the life and character of the poet, that it is deserving
of special mention. And the recitation of Tam O'Shanter, by Mr. Turner, was
faultless in force, dialect and expression, as was Tennyson's Northern Farmer,
so finely rendered by Mr. McElherne. The music was good, as it always is in
charge of those to whom that part was assigned. As a happy reminder of the
occasion, the name "Robert Burns, 1759," in silver letters on cardinal streamers
was prominently displayed. It is a pleasure to note the increasing interest in,
and love for the best literature of the age, which the C. L. S. C. brings to its
members. Let others be organized in the county."

-------------

"On Saturday evening last one of those pleasant surprises that sweeten life
and awaken the heart to newer and tenderer sympathies, found its intended victim
in the person of our worthy bachelor friend, Mr. Bernard Paulson, and happened
in this way: A few days ago, Captain and Mrs. Humphrey discovered, in looking
over the Times of a year ago, a reference to Mr. Paulson's birthday occuring on
the 9th of February. With their characteristic trait of doing something to make
people happy, they decided to make arrangements, unknown to Mr. Paulson, to
celebrate it this year. They accordingly invited him to spend the evening with
them, and extended the invitation to as many friends as could be accomodated in
their snug little home. On the evening named, as the company turned the curve in
the road which brings the house into full view, there was a spontaneous burst of
admiration as they caught sight of it, beautifully illuminated, every window
radiant, looking like a fairy picture, with its background and foreground of
snow, over which the lights were brilliant!}- gleaming. We were met at the door
by the genial host and hostess extending a welcome to all, and soon found
ourselves under benign influences radiating from the big base burner in an
atmosphere that spake not of the winter without. When all the guests had
assembled, Capt. Humphrey in a few well chosen words, in which he said something
about bachelors needing someone to assist them in celebrating anniversaries,
introduced Mr. Paulson as the honored guest of the evening, it being the
occasion of his 47th birthday. Mr. Paulson's surprise found expression in kindly
thanks, also remarking that his birthday had not been celebrated since ten years
ago, and that a friend had written a poem for that occasion, which he, in
looking over other papers that day had found and put in his pocket and which at
the request of the company he read, and his happy countenance and cheerful
acquiescence in the pleasures of the evening gave evidence of his appreciation
of the honor intended. Well, we wish space would permit us to tell about the
refreshments—how delicious was the ice cream, how we had real wedding cake all
the way from Illinois, and sponge, and delicate, and chocolate and other cake,
and amber coffee with real cream, etc., etc., and the sprightly conversation and
amusing games, among them that of prominent men, when Mr. Paulson kept us
guessing so long about Barnum, and Mr. Munroe did likewise with Daniel Boone,
and others equally good, and how reluctantly the party rose to go at nearly the
midnight hour and took leave, wishing Mr. Paulson many happy returns, and
expressing their indebtedness to Captain and Mrs. Humphrey for one of the
happiest evenings spent in our new Dakota."

----------

"The Congregational church of Faulkton was organized on Saturday, January
6th, by adopting a carefully drawn constitution, articles of faith and covenant.
And at an adjourned meeting held on Wednesday afternoon, January 10th, there
were thirteen members who entered into .covenant, and there were seven more who
proposed to unite at the first communion. The following officers were elected at
the adjourned meeting: Pastor, Clinton Douglas; Trustees, M. Summy, P. B. Durley
and Geo. A. Morse; Deacons, P. B. Durley, S. N. Whittlesey; Treasurer, E. E.
Pierce; Clerk, R. G. Newton. An examining committee and a committee on music
were also chosen. The church voted to have regular service every Sunday at 11
o'clock, and a prayer meeting at the pastor's house every Wednesday afternoon at
three o'clock. Communion at the hour of regular service, every two months,
beginning on the first Sabbath in January."


Additional Comments:
From:

HISTORY OF
FAULK COUNTY
SOUTH DAKOTA
CAPTAIN C. H. ELLIS

TOGETHER WITH BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF PIONEERS AND PROMINENT CITIZENS

ILLUSTRATED
19O9



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