The Lambert Reunion Poem
---- written by Mrs. C. W. Fuller and read by J. D. Wolfley

The Lamberts gave a party (or held a reunion) -- that’s nothing new, you know --
With all the ‘hull caboodle” jest rarin’ fer to go.
The place they chose was Old Mill Park, and now I’ll try to say
Who started bright and early, for the joys that filled the day.
We will briefly mention business, and say they did proceed
To vote in capable officers, to fill each place of need.
You know who served us well before, and I have had a hunch,
They elected every one, a credit to the bunch.

Our wise and worthy President, she lives in Carroll town.
Of course, George F. came with her without a growl or frown.
Now, who on earth can find a word to rhyme with Bickelhaupt?
I’ll pause here just a second, to see if any one speaks out.
To look the Dictionary all through, I’ve really not the time,
So I’ll give it up this minute, for nothing seems to rhyme.
I hate to own a failure, but here I must -- that’s flat --
So I’ll write her down, Lou Lambert, and let it go at that.

She has a fine Vice President, to help her plan, ‘tis true;
She came with George R. Williamson, and always proves ‘true blue.”
Our Secretary needed thought -- such a large crowd to suit!
So we picked a “Casselberry,” the finest kind of fruit.
Some money’s always needed, so to Thomson town we went,
And found our Treasurer, known and loved, who will not waste a cent.
She’s Mrs. Ed McGinty, who will do nothing rash,
Or ever prove a Judas, as we trust her with our cash.

A bounteous dinner we enjoyed, then for an hour or so,
We listened to the speeches, from friends we all well know.
Miss Margaret played the violin and spoke so plain and clear,
Her home is in a far-off state, but we’d like to keep her here.
Then came pleasant words of cheer from Mrs. Loomer Downing,
She’d lend a hand at any time, even if she thought you drowning.
Husband and children five came too; here’s welcome to the crowd.
Charles Casselberry brought his daughter Rhea, of whom he’s justly proud.

Before we ate, we sang, “Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow.”
Later our own “America,” while Margaret drew the bow.
Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Getz, with daughters two there were,
Clarence McGinty and his Pa, our happy day to share.
From Argo-Fa came William Graves, son Charles and Charles’ mother,
Charles Bickelhaupt, with wife and Glen, welcome as any other;
Mr. John Carroll and his wife, their daughter Lois too;
Sam Graves and wife brought greetings to all the friends they knew.

Mr. H. L. Barnard and her daughter, we know and love them well;
W. A. Lambert and his wife, who now in Rockford dwell.
From Freeport, with his cheery wife we welcomed too Reid Horner,
(But not like his young namesake did he sit back in a corner.)
And then who came from Clinton, in the state “where the tall corn grows?”
Why Miss Mary Goehring, and other friend(s) whom everybody knows.
I’ll name them now -- Earl Bickelhaupt with wife and son, you see;
Raymond Carroll and his better half, they’re all good company.

Mrs. Hattie Bowman came from old Savanna town,
John and William Lambert who live there too came down.
Mrs. Rosa Wolfe was with us and enjoyed our picnic well.
How we visited with each other! Dear friend, my feeble pen can’t tell.
One speaker (not yet mentioned) but ne’er behind the times,
Must not be overlooked before I write my closing lines.

When J. D. Wolfley rose to speak, we listened one and all,
While on our hearts, with one accord, shadow seemed to fall--
We thought of days in by-gone years, and gatherings like this,
When a loved form still was with us, whom now we sadly miss.
She lived a life of service, to the Master up above,
A year ago she left us, for the Home of Light and Love.
We feel that she was ready, when the last great summons came --
Beloved Mary Emma, who bear the Lambert name!

When our pilgrimage is ended, (it may be this very year);
When the Roll is called Up Yonder, may each bravely answer, “Here.”
Shall we meet beyond the river; Beside the Crystal Sea,
We’ll never say good-bye in Heaven, What a gathering that will be!
Let us meet each duty daily, while the days are going by,
Let us work for the night is coming, life’s sunset draweth nigh.
The call will come to one and all, and when life for us is o’er.
May we join the Great Reunion, on Heaven’s Golden Shore.