The Leckington's

4th of July
Celebration

Lena, Stephenson Co IL 1903

Contributed by Robbyn Lowry


For the last three years Mr. and Mrs. R. Leckington, residing two miles west of Lena, have invited their neighbors and friends to join them at their beautiful home in celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

More than a hundred neighbors and friends gathered on Monday to join in celebrating the “glorious Fourth” in true picnic style. At the noon hour a table, four feet wide, and 65 feet long, was groaning with “the best of the land” under the “stately willows” in the front yard. It was good to behold it and infinitely better to partake. Although there was no one coming during the dinner hour, someone was heard to remark that “This crowd is growing larger every minute”, and we will not presume to deny the fact. After dinner came the ice cream and cake – 20 gallons of real, “undoctored” ice cream, and cakes by the dozen.

But another “feast” followed when Rev. Baker called the people together and the following excellent program was given to the enjoyment of all present.

Opening recitation by Leo Myers (3 years old).
Song by Misses Irene and Hazel Leckington of Iowa.
Recitations by Myrtle Reese, Fern Coomber, Willie Diestelmeier, Harry Wyburn, and Hazel Leckington.
A beautiful duet by the Misses Leckington’s, entitled “Strewing the Flowers”.
Misses Flossie Buss, Amy Reese, Martha Kurth, and Irene Leckington gave excellent recitations.
We were then treated to a trio by Myrtle Mitchell, Irene Leckington, and Hazel Leckington.
A recitation by Susie Coomber and one by Florence Wyburn closed the children’s part of the program.
Mrs. Leckington spoke a few words of kindly welcome to all,
to which Rev. Baker responded with a few appropriate remarks.
Then all joined in singing “My Country ‘tis of Thee”.

A rising vote of thanks was given to Mr. and Mrs. Leckington, Mrs. Myers, Mr. and Mrs. Hollis Leckington for their kind hospitality. Supper and more cream followed and then family by family all turned their faces homeward, feeling that they had “celebrated” in a worthy manner and wishing their hosts and hostesses many happy “Fourths” yet to be. It was good to be there.


Some of the Leckington Family

Back Row Ella, Walter, Cora Leckington

Front Row Rudolph, Hollis, Clarissa Leckington.

Cora is the great grandmother of Robbyn Lowry
who contributed the photos and article.

Rudolph & Clarissa were Robbyns GG Grandparents

Click Here for Rudolph Leckington Obituary

Click Here for Clarissa (Mizner)Leckington Obituary



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