HISTORICAL COLLECTIONS OF THE MAHONING VALLEY-page 1

In May 1874, a few persons, three in number, met accidentally, in Youngstown, and were talking of the past, when it was proposed to have a gathering of the old citizens; and the following was drawn up and published in the papers of the city: "All who are in favor of a reunion of those who have been for thirty-five or more years residents of Youngstown, are requested to meet at the Tod House, Saturday, May 30th, at seven o'clock, P.M., to make arrangements for a reunion of old settlers," and signed by Timothy Woodbridge, H. B. Wick, William Powers, G. King, J. M. Edwards, Madison Powers, Alexander M' Kinnie, John Manning, J. Van Fleet, Joseph Barclay, Henry Tod.

The result of that call was, a number of persons met at the Tod House on Saturday evening, May 30th, and the following committees were appointed to make arrangements for a reunion to be held on the 10th of September 1874, at the Opera-house, in this city. Dr. T. Woodbridge was selected chairman, C. B. Wick and W. G. Moore secretaries. A committee of five, composed of the following named gentlemen, were appointed to collect historical facts, and report: Timothy Woodbridge, J. R. Squire, J. M. Edwards, R. Holland, Ashael Medbury.

The above committee were also to act as an Invitation and Reception Committee. An Executive Committee was also appointed, as follows: William Powers, Chairman; Joseph Barclay, Henry Tod, John Stambaugh, and A. J. Woods.

The meeting then adjourned, to meet at the call of the chairman.

On July 24th the Committee on Invitation published the following notice:

"At a meeting, held at the Tod House, May 30th, by a number of our citizens who were residents of this township thirty-five or more years ago, it was resolved to hold a grand reunion of those who were then citizens, on Thursday, September 10, 1874, and committees were appointed to make suitable arrangements. The Committee on Invitation and Reception cordially invite all, whether now residing here or elsewhere, without further or other special notice or invitation, to meet with us on that day; namely, 10th of September, 1874, at 10 o'clock, A.M., at the Opera-house, in this city, and participate in the reunion. Ample accommodations will be provided for all. Those who can meet with us are requested to notify us by letter or otherwise previous to that time. Those who can not meet with us are requested to communicate to us their present residence, with sketches of the history and reminiscences of the olden time, citizens, etc."

On September 1st, the following was published:

"TO THE PIONEERS:

"Circulars of invitation have been sent to all whose names and post-office address were known to the committee. It is probable that some have been omitted. We would say to all who resided in this township thirty-five or more years ago that they are invited to attend the reunion on the 10th of September, at the Opera-house, in this city, although they may not have received circulars.

"Furthermore, a general invitation is extended to all in the Reserve to meet with us on that occasion. Wives and husbands respectively of those invited are also included."

T. Woodbridge, Chairman Committee.

Also, the following order of exercises was agreed upon for the day:

"The meeting will be called to order by H. B. Wick , Chairman, at 11 o'clock. After music and prayer the welcome address will be delivered by J. M. Edwards, Esq.

"Dinner will be served at the Tod House for all at 2 o'clock, P.M.

"After dinner, at half-past 3 o'clock, P.M., the pioneers will re-assemble at the Opera-house, when the ancient music, reminiscences, and toasts, will be given, etc.

"The committee have received some relics and souvenirs of the early times, and would be glad to have every person having articles of interest to bring them for exhibition. There will be suitable provision made for their exhibition, safe-keeping, and return to their owners.

"Programme:

1. Chairman, H. B. Wick , Esq., will call the meeting to order.

2. Music: "Home, Sweet Home".

3. Prayer by Alexander M'Kinnie.

4. Music: "My Country, 'tis of Thee".

5. Welcome Address by J. M. Edwards.

6. Music: "Old Folks at Home".

7. Reading of Correspondence by Lemuel Wick.

8. Music: "Hail Columbia".

Adjourn to Tod House for dinner at 2 o'clock, P.M.

Music by the band.

"The chairman will read the toasts, and after each one has been responded to by the person called, short volunteer speeches will be expected from others.

"Toasts:

1. "Amusements of our youth", Responded to by Timothy Woodbridge.

Music.

2. "Hardships of pioneer life", Responded to by Ashael Medbury.

Music.

3. "Our education:, Responded to by Reuben M'Millan.

Music.

4. "Our mothers, sisters, and wives", Responded to by W. S. Crawford.

Music.

5. "Our husbands", Volunteers wanted to respond.

Music.

6. "Our fellow comrades", Responded to by John Kirk and Thomas H. Wells.

Music. Benediction.

First floor of the Opera-house reserved for pioneers and invited guests. Second and third floors open to the public.

"William Powers,

Chairman of Committee on Arrangements

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