Looking Forward: It’s time for another Old Settlers Picnic

On Thursday, Aug. 5, 1899 — 117 years ago — the very first gathering for a picnic by the old settlers of South Snohomish County took place at the Cedar Valley home of Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Burleson. That first event was held to celebrate the 34th birthday of Della (Bartholomew) Burleson. This picnic gathering was such a huge success, those attending decided to gather together each year to celebrate life in South Snohomish County. Since that time the picnics have been held at Martha Lake, Halls Lake and as of 1945, in Edmonds – no year has ever been missed. Even an extremely violent summer storm one year didn’t stop the festivities. The group just moved inside.

There are few old settlers left, but there are still descendants and others who have resided in Edmonds, Lynnwood, Alderwood Manor, Meadowdale, Esperance, Seattle Heights, Cedar Valley, Brier, Halls Lake, Mountlake Terrace, and surrounding areas who have great memories to share. Come out and enjoy meeting old neighbors, old friends, old classmates, and maybe we’ll even see some young and new faces.

Date: Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016

Place: Edmonds City Park — 600 Third Ave. S., Edmonds, WA–Shelter #2

Time: 11 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Get out that picnic basket and bring your own lunch. However, coffee, tea, water and fix’ins will be provided.

The event is sponsored by the Edmonds-South Snohomish County Historical Society & Museum. The two historical photos of a past Old Settlers Picnic are shown here courtesy of the historical society.

Chris Deiner-Karr, the picnic hostess, says to bring old photos of South Snohomish County friends, school friends and old families. She will take pictures of them to start a book for sharing. Or, better yet you provide copies to leave with her. Chris says: “This could end up being a remembrance game as to who can figure out the names or year, or even what happened that year. It’s nice to collect this type of history.” Let’s make it a year to remember. For information on the Old Settlers Picnic, contact Chris at deiner@comcast.net.

65th Reunion for Edmonds High School Class of 1951

In addition to the regular Old Settlers gathering, the EHS Class of 1951 is holding its 65th reunion this same weekend–Aug.13-14, 2016. On Aug. 13 they will be holding a luncheon at 11:30 a.m. at Anthony’s Beach Café banquet room, 456 Admiral Way on the Edmonds waterfront.

At 11:30 a.m., Aug. 14, the class will gather at the Old Settlers Picnic at Edmonds City Park, 600 Third Ave. South. For more information on the 1951 EHS Class Reunion — call Jeannie at 425-582-8434, or May at 425-743-5446.

— By Betty Lou Gaeng

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