Traralgon Record (Traralgon, Vic. : 1886 - 1932), Tuesday 1 December 1891, page 3


PICNIC AT TIIE RIDGE, ROSEDALE. (" MERCURY" CORRESPONDRINT.) Being in the vicinity of Rosedale, I was invited to join a family party to attend the monster picnic kindly given by John Bowman, Esq., of The Ridge, to the children of the State school, their parents and friends. We started about 10 o'elock with a buggy load of young folks, who were eager for the fray, and quite willing to meet troubles (in the shape of bilious attacks) half way. Driving through the pretty township, we soon found ourselves splashing through the overflow of the Glengarry between the two bridges, much to the delight of the little ones. The sun descended with great power, and those who were lucky enough to have light suits and dresses were ervied by others less fortunate. After a stiff pull up theo cutring we soon found ourselves at the gate leading to the Ridge, and a drive of about two miles completed the journey. We found most of the youngsters assembled and eng.ged in various pastimes such as swinging, skipping, cricket, rounders, etc. They hat been driven out earlier in large vans provided, I believe, by Mr. Bowman. The palatial mansion which forms the homestead of the proprietor stands on a majestic hill or ridge which overlooks the Glengarry, and is an immense brick and stone structure of two storeys, with turrets and balconies, and is built after the style of most gentlemen's houses in Tasmania, where Mr. Bowman first saw the light. It is indeed a splendid residence, equal to any in the colony. It has a splendid tennis court in front, which was well pa'ronised during the day. There was plenty of shade for the crowd, as the elm and other handsome trees were in full bloom, and nature's carpet was charming. The big bell tolled the luncheon hour, and over two hundred guests adjourned to where the tables were spread, under some enormous elms, and after grace had been sung by all assembled in many different keys, Mr. and Mrs. Bowman, ably assisted by willing hands, were soon supplying the multitude with all sorts of luxuries until all were satisfied. The Rosedale band were present, and added ts the enjoyment by playing selections during the day. After lunch a move was made to the dsive, where the following events took place under Mr. White's managemcnt:Footracing.-Boys under t0.-J. Rowley, 1; F. J. Du VI, 2. Gir;s under 10.-A. Robinson, 1; BI. Porteh, 2. Boys under 12.-W. O'Hara, 1 ; G. King, 2.Girls under 12.-F. Anderson, 1; M. Woods, 2.

Girls under 14.-E. Smith, 1; E. Ayres, Siamese Race -Pendlebury and Stewart, 1; L. Do Vd and Winter, 2. Sack race.-A. Rowley. Jockey race.-L. Du Dd 1, with R. Whie as jockey. A tug-of-war took place, and several danlces were executed on the spacious verandah.' Again the bell tolled, and the tables were once more quickly cleared of the good things liberally provided by our worthy host and hostese. A very fierce storm of wind came up just as we were finishing, and soon hats and handkerchiefs were bowling along in a race of their own. The horses were soon rounded up into tihe yard, nod after three hearty cheers for Mr. and Mrs. Bowman we started for home, the wind blowing quite a gale, but all things come to an end, and we got home before the rain came on, although the dust was rather uncomfortable. Great praise is due to all who helped to make things pleasant for the young people, and I think that both young and old will say that they never spent a more enjoyable day than at The Ridge picnic.