Leon Reporter, Leon, Iowa
Thursday, June l9, l902

The annual picnic of the ALEXANDER families and their friends was held in the fine grove on the farm of CAPT. E. H. ALEXANDER in High Point Township last Thursday. There were at least 700 people on the grounds and all spent a most enjoyable day. It was along toward noon when all had gathered, and of course the first thing thought of by everyone was dinner, and it was a pretty sight to see the many groups scattered through the woods and doing full justice to fried chicken and the many good things which always appear at a picnic. After everyone had been fully satisfied, the assemblage was called to order by Rev. I.N. Woodward, Pastor of the Leon M.E. Church, who delivered a short prayer, and then Rev. Will Helt, of Humeston, took charge of the exercises as master of ceremonies.

The first number was a piano solo by Mrs. Fred Wooley, who was followed by an address by Rev. Woodward. Mis Enid Alexander represented the ALEXANDER families by rendering an artistic solo. Miss Sadie Duncan delivered a pleasing recitation in an admirable manner, and Miss Laura Woodward played a pretty solo. Miss Louise Waight contributed one of her recitations to the program, and the large audience was evidently well pleased with her effort to entertain them. Mrs. C.E. Gardner, Leon's peerless musician sang a beautiful solo, being followed by a recitation by Miss Iva Duncan. Rev. Helt was forced to make an address and gave many old time recollections of the hardships endured years ago by the early settlers of this county, foremost among whom was CAPT. E.H. ALEXANDER.

He told how, 47 years ago, he was traveling west and came to a deserted log cabin in High Point Township, into which he moved to spend the winter. After staying there a few weeks another man came along and told him he had bought the place, and he would have to move out. He replied he had no place to go, and the man finally told him to keep possession of the parlor and he would take the kitchen, and that man was CAPT. E.H. ALEXANDER, who had owned the farm where the picnic was being held ever since, and a finer gentleman he never knew.

The program proper was closed with a brilliant piano solo by Mrs. C.E. Gardner, and the balance of the day was spent in renewing old acquaintances and sports of various kinds. It was one of the best of the many splendid picnics held on the ALEXANDER home farm.

Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert
"With permission from the Leon Journal Reporter"
February 11, 2003