Despite Warm
Weather^ Picnic
Great Success
The 1948 Ecusta Picnic will be remembered in
different ways by different people, but foremost
in all of our memories will be that of scorching
hot sun that played no favorites as it beamed
down on the crowd estimated at 4,000.
Even under these slightly warm weather con
ditions and amidst a rumor of polio, Ecustans and
their families, along with invited guests, came
early and stayed late—munching popcorn, quench
ing their thirst with lemonade, and cooling off
with ice cream. They took part in the many con
tests, proudly paraded their babies, and heard a
stirring, straightforward speech by Mr. Harry H.
Straus. This talk, one of the best Mr. Straus has
ever made, was easily the highlight of the day.
The Ecusta Band opened the celebration at 10
a.m. and then the various races and contests moved
along in an orderly fashion. Mrs. Harry H.
Straus presided over the baby parade and as
usual, attractive gifts awaited the chlidren at the
conclusion of the parade. This year the girls re
ceived lovely dolls while the boys beamed over
their assortment of colorful rubber balls. More
than 400 gifts were distributed to the children.
After Mr. Straus’ talk, more boxing matches
were held and then most of the crowd moved to
the Ecusta field to see our team lick Sayles 13 to
3 in a WNC game. Those who still weren’t too
sunburned—and they were many—were on hand
at the high school field to see the Ecusta softball
team whip the strong Greenwood, S. C. team, 5-4.
The sound of square dance music by the Ecusta
String Band beckoned to that last bit of energy
and it was out to the street dance for a funfilled
climax to almost 13 hours of continuous activity.
At the conclusion of the baby parade, it was
lunch time for the huge crowd. Tables and other
places to spread lunches were at a premium, but
everyone seemed to find a suitable place.
The distribution places for ice cream, lemon
ade, and pop corn were located at convenient
points over the grounds, and they did a rush busi
ness all day and particularly during the lunch
hour. As usual, many of our cafeteria personnel
worked on this holiday in order to make it a
more enjoyable day for all of us.
The crowd enjoying the square dance was
largely composed of youngsters, but many adults
also took part in the fun. The Ecusta String
Band was really "on the beam,” no doubt tuning
up for the big Mountain Folk Festival in Ashe
ville, August 5, 6, and 7.
Hanging majestically over the large crowd at
the picnic was Old Glory. Here a youngster is
shown with one of the small flags given to the
children at the picnic. It was a day long to be
remembered by the children as well as the
grownups.
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