First Old Folks Reception, September 25, 1897 Location: W.L. Ames Farm, Union Road, Oregon, WI
On the W.L. Ames Farm, just south of Oregon, on Union Road (most recently, the Lyman Anderson home), the first of a number of "old folks" receptions was held. Seventy-five elderly people had dinner with the Ames family. Mrs. Mckebbee was the oldest person present and Mrs. Main was next oldest. Both were 85 years old. The day was perfect and passed very pleasantly. The Brothers, Marions, Mr. & Mrs. E.H. Kierstead, Mrs. Emma Sutherland, Mr. & Mrs. Will Williamson, and O.M. Palmer assisted the Ames. E.W. Dwight and A.H. Holts addressed the gathering. Ralph Colby photographed the group.
The dinner included:
9 loaves of bread
6 chickens (pressed)
1 ham (fresh wt.=15 lbs.)
potatoes
7 dozen pears
5 dozen peaches
5 dozen bananas
1 basket of grapes
5 gallons of ice cream
cakes, doughnuts, coffee and tea
There were 19 couples and 29 singles attending (total 67 people); average age was 73 years.
(This information was taken from an account of the day, written by an attendant at the affair.)