On September 25, 1932, thirty old neighbors met at the Albert VANDERPLUYM grove north of Tingley to have a basket dinner and picnic. The first program committee was Nona GILES, Laura WEBB and Clara JONES. They organized at this meeting and decided to meet on the second Sunday of August every year.

This group had special readings, music and always honored the oldest person there with flowers. They also honored those who traveled the farthest to attend.

The attendance at these gatherings increased from 30 in the beginning to 280 in 1934 when they held their picnic in Tingley Park because of the shortage of water and shade at the VANDERPLUYM Grove.

The largest attendance ever occurred at the Fifth Old Settlers Reunion when 450 people representing 24 towns met in the Arispe Park. This gathering included a number of pioneers who came to this part of the country in covered wagons when everything was prairie. Mary HATHAWAY, aged 87, was the eldest person present.

In 1940, 400 people attended this yearly reunion at the Arispe Park, and they decided to hold their meetings every year at Arispe on the second Sunday of September.

Except for the two years this reunion was rained out, they have faithfully held their meetings. Although their attendance has decreased, the remaining members still gather yearly.

At the 49th reunion, Mrs. Lillian HOUSE and Mr. and Mrs. Rex KELLER were present, and they had also attended the first picnic in 1932.

As long as any of the children and grandchildren attend, the Old Settlers Picnic will be held as it has for the last 50 years.

SOURCE: Tingley, Iowa Centennial: 1883 - 1983. p. 94. PSI, Inc. Belmond IA. 1983.
Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library, September of 2011

Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2011