By Flora Filer Jones

In the early years the one and only social affair of the Methow Valley was the picnic on July 4. The first was held near Silver in 1891. One thing I remember was the lemonade. Someone must make a trip to Ruby for the lemons and the lemonade was mixed in a new galvanized tub, probably bought for the occasion.

After the first celebration, the picnic site was moved to a more central location and for several years was held along the east bank of the river about half way between Winthrop and Twisp, close to the south border of what is now the airport.

Every cabin was vacant on that day as everyone attended. The women brought dinner. Sometimes I’ve known of cakes baked in a Dutch oven. The men and boys planned races and contests and sometimes we had an orator who came over from Conconully to really lend a patriotic note. Mrs. SM.. Metcalf brought her organ and there was patriotic singing.

We little ones took a dim view of the orator, because he usually came late and dinner was held up until he had finished speaking and that, to our young ears, was pretty tiresome.

Along the road which is still the highway, the more sports-minded ran horse races and I can remember one that ended in a fight.

After the log hall was built at Winthrop, those who danced finished up the celebration by dancing all night.