Since records of the Old Settlers organization have been lost or misplaced, the Tribune has endeavored to trace its history through newspaper files dating back to 1933.
IthasbeenestablishedthattheassociationwasorganizedinAugustof1923,withearly settlers, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Bird, Mr and Mrs. John Smith, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Keith, Mr. and Mrs. Duff Green and other pioneer couples taking an active part in the organization, under the trees at “the springs.”
Many other “old timers” remember that at a picnic the previous year, held at Roaring Springs, plans were also discussed for an organization of Old Settlers.
Since picnics were a way of life for the early settlers, it is logical to assume that the idea of an organization came out of these social gatherings.
At the organizational meeting, C. D. Bird was elected president and Mrs. John Smith, Secretary. D. C. Keith also served as president sometime during the early years, prior to 1933 and preceding C. C. Haile, who served for 19 years.
Membersofthefirstcommitteeonplaceandarrangements(fromTribunefiles)were Pat Jinkins, F. M. Clifton, Walter Reeves, George Dodson and B. G. Warswick. Members of the memorial committee were D. C. Keith, Joe Poteet and Mrs. J. H. Smith.
Sincethefirstmeeting,theAssocationandReunionhavegrownwiththecounty,with attendanceincreasingeachyear.Amusementschangedthroughtheyearsandcarnivals, dances, and rodeos gradually replaced the early progrms of talks and music and eating.
“But,” (says the Tribune issue of Aug. 25, 1938) “the spreading out has not changed the essential nature of the organization. The nucleus of the get-together is still the oldtimers, whoenjoytheirmemories,whiletheirchildrenandgrandchildrenmakemerry.” — Matador Tribune, Aug. 23, 1973
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