Faulk County, South Dakota - Chapter 12: New Social Relations, 1909

No one element in human character is more marked and goes farther to make life happy and enjoyable than the readiness with which Americans, whether from the east or from the larger and more liberal west, adapt themselves to their immediate surroundings through their happy, genial sociability, the intuition with which they wisely select and appropriate, until the past, with all its loving and loveable association, is largely exchanged - though not forgotten - for present, active, living associations, to continue while life may last.

These elements of character, so prominent among the first settlers of Faulk county, dispelled all loneliness and brought the pioneers from various sections of the Union into one satisfied, happy and congenial society.

The extent to which this was accomplished in Faulkton may be realized from the following items published in the Faulkton Times of February 10th, 1884. a little more than a year after the first actual settlement of the town:

"The Chautauqua Circle with invited giiests.to the number of nearly half a hundred, met at the residence of Major Pickler on Friday evening last, to celebrate the birthday anniversary of the Scottish poet, Burns, by appropriate literary and musical exercises. If the unanimous and enthusiastic decision of those present can be adjudged correct, this proved to be the most enjoyable evinin.f4 in the three months history of the circle. And was carried out by the following programme:

Frank Turner, Recitation, "Northern Farmer" - F. S, McElherne. Recitation, "McPherson's Farewell" - -C. H. Howard. Medley of Scottish Airs, organ and violin, - Messrs.

In a programme so entirely well executed it seems scarcely just to discriminate, but the biography of the poet, by Mr. Pangburn, was such an admirable criticism of the life and character of the poet, that it is deserving of special mention. And the recitation of Tarn O'Shanter, by Mr. Turner, was faultless in force, dialect and expression, as was Tennyson's Northern Farmer, so finely rendered by Mr. McElherne. The music was good, as it always is in charge of those to whom that part was assigned. As a happy reminder of the occasion, the name "Robert Burns, 1759," in silver letters on cardinal streamers was prominently displayed. It is a pleasure to note the increasing in-

On Saturday evening last one of those pleasant surprises that sweeten life and awaken the heart to newer and tenderer sympathies, found its intended victim in the person of our worthy bachelor friend, Mr. Bernard Paulson, and happened in this way: A few days ago, Captain and Mrs. Humphrey discovered, in looking over the Times of a year ago, a reference to Mr. Paulson's birthday occuring on the 9th of February. With their characteristic trait of doing something to make people happy, they decided to make arrangements, unknown to Mr. Paulson, to celebrate it this year. They accordingly invited him to spend the evening with them, and extended the invitation to as many friends as could be accomodated in their snug little home. On the evening named, as the company turned the curve in the road which brings the house into full view, there was a spontaneous burst of admiration as they caught sight of it, beautifully illuminated, every window radiant, looking like a fairy picture, with its background and foreground of snow, over which the lights were brilliantly gleaming. We were met at the door by the gsnial host and hostess extending a welcome to all, and soon found ourselves under benign influences radiating from the big base burner in an atmosphere that spake not of the winter without. When all the guests had assembled, Capt. Humphrey in a few well chosen words, in which he said something about bachelors needing someone to assist tliem in celebrating aimiver- saries, introduced Mr. Paulson as the honored guest of the evening, it being the occasion of his 47th birthday. Mr, Paulson's surprise found expression in kindly thanks, also remarking that his birthday had not been celebrated since ten years ago, and that a friend had written a poem for that occasion, which he, in looking over other papers that day had found and put in his pocket and which at the request of the company he read, and his happy countenance and cheerful acquiescence in the pleasures of the evening gave evidence of his appreciation of the honor intended. Well, we wish space would permit us to tell about the refreshments - how delicious was the ice cream, how we had real wedding cake all the way from Illinois, and sponge, and delicate, and chocolate and other cake, and amber coffee with real cream, etc., etc., and the sprightly conversation and amusing games, among them that of prominent men, when Mr. Paulson kept us guessing so long about Barnuni, and Mn Munroe did likewise with Daniel Boone, and others equally good, and how reluctantly the party rose to go at nearly the midnight hour and took leave, wishing Mr. Paulson many happy returns, and expressing their indebtedne.ss to Captain and Mrs. Humphrey for one of the

"The Congregational church of Faulkton was organized on Saturday, January 6th, by adopting a carefully drawn constitution, articles of faith and covenant. And at an adjourned meeting held on Wednesday afternoon^ January 10th, there were thirteen members who entered into <covenantj and there were seven niore who proposed to unite at the first communion. The following- officers were elected at the adjourned meeting: Pastor, Clinton Douglas; Trustees, M. Summy, P. B. Durley and Geo. A. Morse; Deacons, P. B. Durley, S. N. Whittlesey; Treasurer, E. E. Pierce; Clerk, R. G. Newton. An examining committee and a committee on music were also chosen. The church voted to have regular service every Sunday at 11 o'clock, and a prayer meeting at the pastor's house every Wednesday afternoon at three o'clock. Communion at the hour of regular service, every two months, beginning on the first Sabbath in January,"