A Standard History of Waupaca County, Wisconsin. An Authentic Narrative of the Past, with Particular Attention to the Modern Era in the Commercial, Industrial, Educational, Civic and Social Development.

              HISTORY OF AA^AUPACA COUNTY 89
no regular membership, but anyone who joins in the annual festivities is considered to be identified with it, and the president and secretary are elected on the grounds and usually have little, or nothing, to do until the good brothers and sisters gather at Ogdensburg in the fall of the succeed¬ ing year. Of course, sadness creeps in every now and then, when those who are spared have to bow over the memory of some of their number who have joined the great but unseen majority.
AIeeting of the Old Red School House and Pioneer Association
As stated, the Old Red School House and Pioneer Association was organized in October, 1895. its fourth annual meeting was especially interesting and was reported in the Waupaca Republican.
"The fourth annual meeting of this association was a grand gathering of old pioneers and friends at Ogdensburg Friday last. The day was made to order, it was pleasant and not too cold. The local committee received the vast numbers, who came in cutters and sleighs, bringing their wives and daughters and baskets, at Odd Fellows' hall, and the horses w^ere cared for at Boyden's and other barns. Over two hundred people enjoyed a grand picnic dinner at the hall, the Ogdensburg ladies furnishing hot coffee, cream and sugar for the pioneers, their families and friends. Little red school house buttons were provided for all who wished at twenty-five cents each, the proceeds of the sales going toward paying the expenses incident to the occasion. There were large delegations from Waupaca, Iola, Scandinavia, AVeyauwega, Royalton and Aianawa. The venerable Judge Ogden of this city, the founder of Ogdens¬ burg, was present,, also many others of the old pioneers. After the dinner was over all gathered at the hall of the Aiodern AVoodmen, which was also tendered the association for this occasion, where was held a veritable love feast of reminiscenses and experiences.
"Judge Caleb S. Ogden presided and George Ratcliffe was toastmaster for the occasion. Judge Ogden on taking the chair thanked one and all for their presence and said: 'As we have gathered here for an old-time visit to recount pioneer days and reminiscences we wdll lay our politics and religion one side so that it will not trespass upon, our good cheer together.'
"Mr. Ratcliffe said he was sorry that the first person upon the pro¬ gram to respond to the sentiment' Our Pioneer Women,' was unavoidably detained at home, but he knew all present felt the honor due to the brave mothers and sisters of the early days in our county. He would pass to the 'Old Red School House,' and call upon one who was an early teacher therein. Air. J. M. Ware.