Circular to the heads of families.--Names of Committees.--Exercises
for Wednesday, a. m.--Wednesday, p. m.--Thursday, p. m.--Friday, p.
m.--Prompt attendance.--Letter from H. A. Hendrickson.--Extracts from
eastern communications.--Weather propitious.--Children amused.--The
hall.--How occupied.--Invited guests.--Table scenes.--Bachelor
group.--The Re-union indescribable.--Article from _Deseret News_, by C.
W. Penrose.
This chapter, and the chapter of addresses which follows, very briefly
report the unprecedented re-union which my brother had contemplated for
months, and which, in its recent performance, resulted in a magnificent
success, even beyond his most sanguine anticipations.
Grand Re-union And Anniversary Celebration.--Part First.--Circular.
_To the Head of each Branch of my Family_:
For some time past, my mind has been considerably impressed with
the subject of a family re-union, including my wives, my sons, my
sons-in-law, my daughters, daughters-in-law and grand children,
numbering considerably over one hundred, now living. The more I reflect
upon this subject, the greater are my anxieties and desires for a
family gathering, that I may see you all once in my life, and give you
a father's blessing.
On the third of April next, if my life is spared, I shall be seventy
years of age, and I think the seventieth anniversary of my birth
a suitable time, and its celebration a fitting occasion for the
contemplated re-union.
In view of the third of April being so near our annual Conference in
Salt Lake City, also of that early season being subject to cold and
stormy weather, I have decided on the seventh, eighth and ninth of May,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I request every one to be in Brigham
City as early as Tuesday night, in order to join in the exercises of
Wednesday morning.
To make this family meeting pleasant, amusing and profitable to both
old and young, I shall spare neither time nor expense, that every one
may feel at home, free and sociable. Ample provisions will be made
to make all comfortable for food and lodging, etc., as soon as they
arrive. Programmes will be drawn with care and consideration, keeping
in view the different ages and requirements; all to be carried out
with life and spirit, for the gratification of the little ones as well
as the amusement and edification of the older ones, that all may be
interested and happy.
I shall forward you a copy of the programmes, and I trust you will
consider no labor nor expense too much; and that you will allow nothing
to prevent your attendance and that of your children, except the most
serious and insurmountable obstacles, as it is very probable that this,
our family re-union, will be, not only the first, but also the last we
shall have in this state of existence.
Affectionately,
Lorenzo Snow.
Brigham City, Box Elder Co., Jan., 1884.
Names of Committees.--First evening--Parlor entertainment, by the
children; Committee, Mrs. Minnie J. Snow, Mrs. Abigail S. Rosenbaum,
Mrs. Eliza S. Dunford. Second evening--Theatrical performance;
Committee, Mr. Elijah A. Box, Mr. George F. Gibbs, Mr. Eli H. Peirce,
Mrs. Lydia S. Peirce. Third evening--Family dance; Committee, Mr.
Alphonso H. Snow, Mrs. Sylvia S. West, Mr. Leonidas T. Peirce, Mrs.
Lydia S. Peirce, Mrs. Ida S. Gibbs.--Committee on Decorations,
President Oliver G. Snow, Mr. Lorenzo Snow, Jr., Mr. Frank Snow, Mrs.
Sylvia S. West, Mrs. Huldah J. Snow, Mr. M. D. Rosenbaum.
Programme for Wednesday, a. m.--Bell-ring, half-past 9; assemble at 10.
Order of exercises: Singing, "Welcome to all" (organ accompaniment),
by the family; prayer, President O. G. Snow; singing, "Greeting
song" (organ accompaniment), the small children; opening address,
President Lorenzo Snow; address (extempore), Mrs. Adaline Snow; address
(extempore), Mrs. Harriet A. Snow; organ solo, Miss Parintha Snow;
address (extempore), Bishop George Dunford; address (extempore), Mr.
Orville Hendrickson; "My mother's dear old song" (organ accompaniment),
Mrs. Clara S. McAllister; address (extempore), Mrs. Sarah A. Snow;
address (extempore), Mrs. Abigail S. Rosenbaum; singing, "Hard times
come again no more," the family; address (extempore), Mrs. Phebe A.
Snow; singing, "Bye and bye," all; benediction, Mr. Elijah A. Box.
Wednesday, p. m.--Exercises: Singing, "Gospel call," by the family;
prayer, Bishop G. Dunford; singing, "Glorious things," etc., the
family; poem, Mrs. E. R. S. Smith; recitation, Miss Roxcy Lana Snow;
"Cuckoo song" (organ accompaniment), Mrs. Huldah J. Snow; address
(written), Mr. G. F. Gibbs; "My little German home across the sea"
(organ accompaniment), Miss Dora Snow; address (extempore), Mr. E. A.
Box; "Under the daisies" (organ accompaniment), Mrs. M. J. Snow; "The
bells" (recitation), President O. G. Snow; piano solo, Mrs. Ida S.
Gibbs; address (extempore), Mrs. Eleanor H. Snow; "How the old horse
won" (recitation), Mr. Alvirus E. Snow; song (organ accompaniment),
Miss Virginia Snow; song, "Good night," the small children;
benediction, Col. C. Loveland.
Thursday, a. m.--Blessing meeting.
Thursday, p. m.--Exercises: Singing, "What shall the harvest be?" by
the family; prayer, Mr. G. F. Gibbs; singing, the family; address
(written), Mr. M. D. Rosenbaum; piano duet, Mrs. I. Gibbs and Mrs.
M. J. Snow; "Eugene Aram's dream" (recitation), Mr. Leslie W. Snow;
"The white canoe" (organ accompaniment), Mrs. Rosetta S. Loveland and
Miss Dora Snow; "Sheridan's ride" (recitation), Mr. George F. Gibbs;
"Schneider's ride" (recitation), Mr. Eli H. Peirce; song, "Eilene
Allanna," Mr. Leonidas T. Peirce; address (poem), Mr. Orion Snow; piano
solo, Miss Virginia Snow; address, Mr. Frank Snow; "The two cousins"
(vocal duet), Miss Parintha and Mrs. Huldah Snow; address (extempore),
Mr. Alphonso Snow; "His mother, the boy's best friend" (song), Mrs.
Sylvia West; address (written), Mrs. M. P. Young; "Jane Conquest"
(recitation), Mrs. Ida S. Gibbs; "Peace upon the waters," Mr. Eli and
Mrs. Lydia S. Peirce; address (impromptu), Mr. Charles W. Penrose;
singing, "The crowning day," the family; benediction, Mr. F. H. Snow.
Friday, a. m.--Blessing meeting.
Friday, p. m.--Exercises: "Shall we gather at the river?" by the
family; prayer; singing, the small children; organ duet, Mrs. M. J.
and Miss Dora Snow; address (extempore), Mrs. Mary H. Snow; Trio,
"Come, rise with the lark," President O. G., Mrs. Mary P. and Dora
Snow; address, Mrs. Minnie J. Snow; song, "Sweet Evangeline" (guitar
accompaniment), Mrs. Eliza S. Dunford; address, Mr. Hiram Hendrickson;
song, "Lillie Dale" (organ accompaniment), Mrs. Roxcy S. Box; address,
Col. Loveland; parting address, President Lorenzo Snow; singing, "Sweet
bye and bye," all; benediction President Lorenzo Snow.
In prompt response to the circulars issued by Brother Lorenzo, the
members of his family, with very few exceptions, were present at the
opening exercises of his birthday celebration and family re-union.
The unavoidable detentions were surmounted with promptitude, and the
delinquents put in their appearance in eager haste, in all possible
cases.
The following, from Mrs. Mary Adaline's eldest son, by her former
husband, is the expression of a noble, honest and appreciative heart:
Parowan, Iron County, May 5, 1884.
_Hon. Lorenzo Snow_:
Dear Father.--It is with the greatest reluctance that I am
compelled to say I shall be unable to attend the coming celebration
of your seventieth anniversary. I have delayed making excuse until
this late moment, in the vain hope that something would occur which
would enable me to be present.
However, if I may not be present in person, I certainly shall be in
spirit, desiring that everything on that occasion may bring to you,
honored sir, an increase of joy, honor and praise.
In reviewing your life-labors and sacrifices, I am almost
constrained to write encomiums, but I forbear--I will leave that
for a more worthy hand; but permit me to say that the examples
set before me in your life are not altogether lost. I feel
their impress every day I live; and whatever I have of hope, of
aspiration or ambition, seems to rest on a worthiness of a name and
place in your family.
When I see you, I doubt not, I will be able to give sufficient and
satisfactory reasons for my absence from the family re-union.
With good desires and well wishing,
I remain, affectionately yours,
Hiram A. Hendrickson.
Extracts from two letters written by non-"Mormon" relatives in the
East, in response to invitation circulars from Brother Lorenzo:
Chicago, May 1st, 1884.
Dear Cousin Lorenzo.--Your kind invitation to your family re-union
was duly received, and we are truly grateful for your remembrance
of us. After due and thoughtful consideration, we cannot see our
way clear to join you. We are very loth to relinquish our hope of
commingling with you on an occasion so full of promise, and of
congratulating you and cousin Eliza on the blessed privilege you
will enjoy in thus uniting in social re-union.
We have no one here to whom we can safely entrust our cares--more
especially the responsibility of our young family, and we feel
compelled to forego the happiness we should fully appreciate. Our
aged mother is now with us, and wishes me to express her warmest
regards and love for you all. * * * * * *
Hoping and firmly believing that at no very distant day I shall
visit you at your home, and wishing you and yours much joy and many
happy re-unions,
I remain, most sincerely yours,
Taylor A. Snow.
Auburn, Geauga County, Ohio, May 2, 1884.
Dear Cousin Lorenzo.--With mingled feelings of pleasure and
regret, I now write you. It is pleasure to be the recipient of an
invitation to a great event, and with feelings of deep regret we
are obliged to decline the invitation. After the receipt of yours,
for weeks we neither talked, dreamed or thought much of anything
but going to Salt Lake. Alonzo, myself and our wives decided on
coming, but Alonzo's son-in-law, who had been in a decline, was
taken worse, and his condition became so alarming, we could not
leave; and at this writing his death is hourly anticipated. * * *
I must close by sending our love and good wishes to you and your
magnificent family. May you live to enjoy many anniversaries.
Wishing you success in all your undertakings, and hoping we may yet
visit you and your family,
I subscribe myself, your cousin,
Oliver F. Snow.
The programmes, which had been pre-arranged, were carried out with
very few alterations, and were, without one exception, executed in the
most gratifying manner. Even the elements seemed to participate in
the arrangement; Nature, by refulgent smiles and harmonious bearing,
contributed much to the enjoyment of the auspicious occasion. It was a
striking and very noticeable coincident, that the weather, which for a
long time previous had been drearily stormy and threatening, even up
to mid-day before the opening, on that momentous morning presented a
cloudless sky and calm atmosphere, which continued till after the close
of the festival.
Our new-styled Patriarch apparently lost sight of nothing that
would add to the innocent and laudable gratification of all ages
and capacities. On the evening preceding the opening of the general
entertainment, for the special amusement of the little folks, who
were in groups frolicking on the lawn in front of his residence, he
had a variety of fantastic Chinese lanterns suspended in convenient
proximity; the novelty of the queer illumination of those swinging
orbs, with the small children, to whom the sight was new, created
convulsions of laughter and merriment, in which some of "larger growth"
participated through sympathy with the youngsters.
The upper hall of the court house, in which the devotional and
intellectual exercises were performed, is 45x65 feet, with a gallery
extending across one end. A platform twelve feet wide, extending the
width of the hall--raised one foot above the floor, was occupied by
the family, with the exception of from twenty to twenty-five small
children; these were seated in double rows beside the platform; and
having been prepared by careful training, sang sweetly, as none but
children can sing, to the no small gratification of all present. Near
one end of the platform (one on each side of the speaker's table),
stood a piano and organ. The brass band occupied the stage on the left;
the auditorium, including the gallery, on the right, was filled with
guests.
With the exception of the family dance on Friday evening, in the
Social Hall, the "COUNCIL OF THE UNITED ORDER OF BRIGHAM CITY," with
their wives, were invited guests during the three successive days
and evenings. In view of contributing, so far as consistent with the
peculiarities of the occasion, to the happiness of many, Brother
Lorenzo reached beyond his own family circle and the "Council," by
increasing the audience to the full capacity of the auditorium,
inviting as many of the citizens of the city and vicinity as could be
accommodated.
The entire exercises were performed by Brother Lorenzo and family,
with the following exceptions: brass band; Elder C. W. Penrose,
editor of the _Deseret News_, and intimate friend of my brother, by
special invitation being present, gave an eloquent extempore address
on the platform--also a humorous speech at the table, which elicited
much applause. Mrs. M. P. Young, whose son is now a missionary on
the Sandwich Islands, with his wife, Armeda S., was invited as their
representative, and responded to the programme in a well written
address; also the writer in a poem written for the occasion. At the
conclusion of the table convivial on Friday, several of the gentlemen
who had politely and genteelly served as hosts, were called on for
speeches, and each appropriately responded, eliciting hearty cheers.
The after-dinner-table scenes were truly exhilarating, and added
greatly to the ever-varying enjoyment. There perfect freedom,
untrammeled by restraint, ruled the festive hour, when toasts,
speeches, conundrums, and whatever would conduce to free, jolly,
innocent amusement, interspersed with refined, high-toned sentiment,
was in order.
Mr. Charles Kelley, a gentleman of proverbial amiability, and fully
competent, superintended the table arrangements. The dining hall,
22x45 feet, had commanded the attention of the decorating committee.
Two tables, extending the whole length, were amply spread with the
bounties of the earth, and artistically decorated with flowers, and
with beautifully mottoed cakes, fresh from the hands and plastic molds
of skillful confectioners. The adults were seated at one table, and the
little people, as chatty as magpies, and apparently as loving as doves,
at the other, reserving a sufficient number of seats at the head of
the table to accommodate the "bachelor group," over which one of the
unmarried daughters presided.
The appended article, from the gifted pen of the editor of the _Deseret
News_, which we copy from that paper, in his own eloquent style,
touches the really indescribable subject--Lorenzo's family re-union.
Any attempt at pen and ink representation, which necessarily fails to
include the spirit and pervading influence of that entirely unique and
unprecedented social entertainment, must fall short of reality, from
the fact that human language is inadequate to express the inspiriting
sensations and emotions of the head and heart. To say the least,
everything moved with the precision of clock-work, and proved a grand
and complete success; every one, even to the little three-year-old, was
fully up to his and her part in the programme of exercises.
GATHERING OF THE SNOWS.
On the 3d of April, 1884, Apostle Lorenzo Snow reached his seventieth
year. Few who have noted his upright form, his quick, active step, his
ready mind and his sharp, intelligent eye--reading small manuscript
without glasses--have been aware that he was near upon the scriptural
age of three score years and ten. He had been impressed for some time
with a desire to gather around him his family and connections on the
occasion of this birthday, but recognizing the fact that it was close
to the time of the general conference, and commonly a season when
travel is difficult because of the spring rains, he fixed upon the
7th, 8th and 9th days of May for the family re-union. Invitations were
extended, therefore, to his wives and children, sisters and brothers,
sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, with their little ones, to meet on
those days in the court house, Brigham City, which was placed at his
disposal for the purpose. The writer was present by special invitation,
and greatly enjoyed the festivities.
At 10 o'clock, local time, the family met, numbering a hundred and ten
persons present, and were called to order by Apostle Lorenzo Snow, who
explained the object of the gathering, and announced the programme
which had been arranged. He was assisted by his son, President Oliver
G. Snow, in the management of the exercises. Speeches were made by the
several wives of the honored Patriarch, expressive of their good wishes
to him and their veneration for the principles of celestial marriage by
which they were united to him and to each other; songs were sung and
recitations given by daughters and sons, and at noon, in one of the
lower rooms, tables were spread with a rich collation for the whole
party. Here a speech was called for and responded to, impromptu, by C.
W. Penrose, of Salt Lake, and pleasant sentiments were expressed by the
company.
At 2 p. m. the exercises were resumed, the court room being filled with
invited guests, and songs, recitations, written addresses, a very fine
poem by Sister Eliza R. Snow Smith, extemporaneous speeches, etc., were
delivered until 5 o'clock.
During the proceedings, the following telegram was received from
Brother Snow's brother, a non-"Mormon:"
Santa Barbara, California, 4:30 p.m., May 7, 1884.
_Lorenzo Snow_:
Hail, brother, sister! Love, peace, happiness, God's blessing on
all. Samuel P. Snow.
In the evening an entertainment was given by the little folks of the
family, in the same place, which was filled with invited guests. Little
children four years old and upwards recited, danced, sang, played
on musical instruments and performed a pleasing play, introducing a
fairy spectacle that gave an opportunity for the smaller children to
display their talents. The costumes were elegant and appropriate, the
performance was excellent, and everything passed off without a jar. The
confidence and aptitude exhibited by the very little ones in coming
out upon the stage alone to recite, making their bow and retiring with
grace, was really remarkable as well as pleasing in the extreme.
On Thursday the family met again at a general dinner, at half-past
12 o'clock, when toasts and sentiments were called for from nearly
every member of the family but the grandchildren, and none failed to
respond. Wit, humor, good wishes and benedictions filled up the time
rapidly until 2 o'clock, when the entertainment was continued, the
court room being crowded to its utmost capacity. Some most excellent
impromptu speeches were delivered and recitations and poems declaimed.
In the evening, "Love's Sacrifice" was splendidly performed, all the
actors being members of the family, sons or sons-in-law, daughters or
daughters-in-law of the honored Patriarch.
The general talent displayed was really exceptional. Every one called
upon, down to the little girls scarcely able to speak plainly,
responded without hesitation, and none were unable to perform their
respective parts in a manner that would do credit to well trained
professionals. It is indeed rare to find so much talent in one family.
Usually gifts of this kind are possessed but by one or two members,
but the Snows seem all to be musical, poetical or dramatic, or all
combined. Some most excellent addresses, written and impromptu, were
made during the festivities, and we only regret that we have not space
to reproduce them.
On Friday another family dinner was given, at which the sallies of
wit, in toast and conundrum, were brilliant and humorous, and all
the remaining adult members of the family who had not previously
contributed to the after-dinner exercises responded to calls from
the President. A number of young men between the ages of eighteen
and twenty-four were seated together at the head of one table as the
bachelors' group, and were the objects of much pertinent advice. But
they were fully able to return the retort courteous and added much to
the general enjoyment.
In the afternoon, most of the family assembled on the east porch
of Brother Snow's residence, facing the co-operative store, and
were photographed in a group. In the evening a grand ball was given
in the upper room of the court house, when the public part of the
proceedings was brought to a close in a most enjoyable manner. During
the intervals between the exercises, lasting three days, Brother Snow,
as the Patriarch of his house, bestowed blessings upon the heads of
many members of his large family, intending to continue before they
separated for their respective homes, to lay his hands upon and bless
them until all received his administrations, as it is unlikely that
they will ever enjoy another re-union of this kind in this state of
existence. But in the great eternity before us all, they expect a
re-union of a far more extensive and pleasing character. When the head
of this family, having gained his exaltation, and holding the keys of
eternal lives and endless increase, will gather around him all that
belongs to his house, saved, redeemed, resurrected, glorified to reign
over them as a king and a priest unto God for ever, when there will
be no trial, no weakness, no pain, and no death, and where perfect
union and unfading affection will bind all together in the perfection
of bliss and the majesty of the glorified sons and daughters of the
Eternal Father.
In conclusion, we repeat the sentiment we expressed on the occasion:
Health, blessing and peace to the Snows of our mountain valleys, with
their head, chief and Patriarch! May they be as numerous as the flakes
that fall in winter, as firm and solid as the snows of our loftiest
peaks in the defence of right and the maintenance of true principles;
as resistless as the mighty avalanche in sweeping away error and
rooting up iniquity; and shining in the sunlight of celestial glory,
remain forever the emblem of all that is pure and beautiful and good!