From Liahona, the Elders’ Journal, 17 August 1907 –

Pioneer Day at Kelsey, Texas, 1907

The 24th of July, known locally as “Mormon Day,” was celebrated by the Saints and their friends at Kelsey, Texas, in a delightful and creditable manner. The following account of the celebration is furnished by Elder Henry J. Bodily, president of the conference:

At the break of day the people were aroused by the firing of an anvil, which reminded them it was time to be up and doing. Early in the morning they commenced to gather. All kinds of vehicles came rolling in, conveying people from all parts of the country, who came to see and take part in the “Big Mormon Day.” Some came in from the adjoining counties and some from a distance of 100 miles. They arrived a day or two ahead of time.

The Saints were very thoughtful and made preparations to entertain the visitors as comfortably as possible. A nice place was selected in a beautiful grove, where a stand and seats were prepared.

At 10 a.m. the crowd, numbering about eight hundred, was called to order, and the Saint rendered a nicely prepared program of songs, speeches, recitations and music. At 12 the program ceased while all went and partook of an excellent dinner prepared for the public free, and served on tables arranged in the shade of beautiful trees.

think of it, this little band of Saints, feeding a multitude like this; and many were heard to say it was the best food they had ever eaten at a picnic; and, “these Mormons are sure good cooks.” After all had satisfied themselves, the tables were cleared up and the program was continued.

Elder Joseph H. Hand, who had been helping the Saints in getting ready for the celebration, in a very spirited and impressive manner, portrayed to the people the persecution and driving of this modern Israel. He vividly portrayed their march across the desert, and their establishment in the valleys of the mountains. The people were much interested and listened very attentively.

The crowd did not break away until five o’clock p.m. Water was hauled for the folk to drink. There were also plenty of cold drinks such as lemonade and soda pop. There were two ice cream stand which were busy all day.

During the day you could see the elders and some of the Saint standing here and there, surrounded by non-members, explaining the gospel to them.

Everything we off so smoothly that all felt well paid for their trouble, and judging from the remarks of some of the visitors, they received more than they expected.

A leading merchant from a nearby city was heard to say, “I wouldn’t have missed it for a hundred dollars.” Another said it was the largest crowd he had ever seen at a picnic, and he never got a smell of whisky, that it was the only one he had been to where intoxicating drinks were not used.

There was no reveling nor boisterous behavior. All behaved as gentlemen and ladies. No one was offended nor hurt, all seemed perfectly satisfied, and everything went off better than the Saints themselves anticipated.