On the 17th of April, 1925, Ed Ballard, owner of the West Baden Springs
Hotel, hosted a luncheon for the soldiers, wives and widows of Civil War.
The John Robinson Circus was playing its initial performance of the season
at the hotel and Ed made the occasion an event. This was one of the last
gatherings of the Boys of '61 in the county. The following is a front page
article from the Spring Valley Herald, April 23, 1925 with a list of those
in attendance.
- ---------------------------------------------
CIVIL WAR VETS GUEST OF MR. ED BALLARD
The invitation extended by Mr. Ed Ballard to all of the Civil War
veterans or wives of Orange County to be his guest at luncheon and the John
Robinson Circus on last Friday received a good response.
Two long tables were prepared in the circus dining room sufficient to
accommodate one hundred persons. These were tastefully decorated with
carnations and the national colors. When the guest were seated Mr. Henry
Dickey of Paoli returned thanks.
A delicious two course luncheon was served consisting of assorted cold
meats and salads, pie, ice cream, cake and coffee.
Between courses Mr. Wm. Beggarly of French Lick in a few well chosen
remarks expressed the appreciation of the entire company to Mr. Ballard for
his thoughtfulness of them and his generous hospitality. While his speech
was intended to answer for all, the feeling of gratitude was so great that
almost everyone voiced his individual appreciation.
The luncheon was beautifully served by the members of Kappa Kappa Kappa.
Many of the guest were somewhat feeble and the Kappa Kappa girls were most
gracious in giving them such careful individual attention that they were
again melted in expressions of gratitude. Each guest was given a suitable
memento of the occasion.
The oldest soldier present was Capt. Jos. R. Moore of Paoli, 86 years of
age. He was asked to stand and a hearty hand clap was given him. Mr. Henry
Chambers was accused of having fasted for three days getting ready for the
occasion.
This part of the day proved to be most satisfying and enjoyable, then
all the guest were escorted into the big circus tent.
As soon as they entered the great circus band greeted them with "Tramp,
Tramp, Tramp the Boys Are Marching" and other patriotic songs.
The program here was most splendid and entertaining, everyone enjoyed it
to the full, saying it was the best performance they had every seen.
The weather was ideal, after a light shower in the morning and all
departed saying the day had been the most enjoyable they had spent in a long
time and that it would make many pleasant memories for them.
BOYS OF '61 WHO WERE PRESENT:
J. R. Moore, 86
Hiram Pitman, 85
Wm. C. Shirley, 85
Ira Breedlove, 83
B. F. Turley, 83
Geo. W. Toliver, 82
Pias Roby, 82
H. C. Chambers, 81
Isaac Moss, 80
L. C. Wright, 80
Tho. J. Cave, 80
Wm. Baggerly, 80
Stephen Flick, 79
James W. Wilson, 79
Abraham Keedy, 79
A. B. Dickey, 78
W. C. Hollowell, 78
Levi Ellis, 78
Henry Dickey, 78
W. A. Hackar, 76
Worth Mayhan, 76
Azor Frentress, 75
Wives and Widows:
Mrs. Azor Frentress
Mrs. Beford Philips
Mrs. Green T. Wright
Mrs. Levi Ellis
Mrs. T. B. Bushkirk
Mrs. John W. Morgan
Mrs. Wm. Coultree Padgett
Mrs. Albert Lindley
Mrs. B. F. Turley
Mrs. John G. Jones
Mrs. Isaac Wallace
Mrs. George Pruitt
Mrs. Isaac Flick
Mrs. Daniel Nicholson
Mrs. R. V. Vlaxton was hostess of the day and Mr. George Pope the general
manager of the whole affair.