Kate's Notes: Small articles such as this one really provide some insight on the tightly knit relationships of small, rural communities where most of the families, over time, became related via marrige. Social gatherings, church picnics, etc served as the perfect venues for young people to socialize while under the watchful protection of parents.
   Many of the names here have been abbreviated. E. C. Gilliland was Earl Cranston, S. B. was Samuel Baker, and O. C. was Oscar. C. S. Slavens was Charles Stewart Slavens, married to Cora Abigail Dever. The McDaniels were William Waitman McDaniel, wife Matilda Magent and daughter Pearl.
   As per usual, I’ve placed any portion in doubt within brackets.
   Thanks to Judy Erwin Cornick and her assistance in researching the families mentioned in this article.

From the Portsmouth Daily Times
Thursday, July 22, 1915

   Sunday morning, after going through the regular Sunday school work and having listened to a very instructive sermon from the pastor, Rev. [Bostic], the Valley Sunday school of South Webster enjoyed one of the pleasantest outings in its history. The outing was held in the Slavens grove, near the church. An elaborate dinner was served, having been prepared by the ladies of the Sunday school. The young men’s class treated to ice cream and lemonade. The afternoon was pleasantly spent by all. The children engaged in games and the older people in social [chats]. At four o’clock the table was again uncovered and supper eaten before leaving the grounds. Those of the Sunday school present were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Gilliland and family, Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Gilliland and family, Mr. and Mrs. O. C. Gilliland and family, Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Gilliland, Mr. and Mrs. U. [E?] Burton, Mr. and Mrs. Earl [Len---] and daughter Louise, Mr. and Mrs. George Burns and family, Mr. and Mrs. D. E. Dever and family, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Slavens and family, Mrs. Elizabeth Ruth and family, Mrs. Elizabeth Gilliland, Mr. Fred Poetker and family, Lawrence Comer, Creola Canter, Nellie and Myrta Keairns, Everett Gilliland, [Wildeh] Gilliland. The guests were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Fred Hagen, of South Webster. Rev. Floyd Bostick, Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel and daughter, Pearl, Raymond Jackson and Vernie Gilliland.

-- transcribed by Kate Maynard, 2009.