The Agricultural Picnic - November 6, 1879 - By Col. Christopher C. Codrington. 

The latest Agricultural Picnic, on November the Sixth, was given at the residence of Col. C. Codrington (now 503 North Clara Avenue, DeLand), and it is this day’s scenes, but more especially those of the evening, that we would now call attention to. The morning dawned clear and bright, with no clouds to dim the pure luster of the bright Italian skies, and ere the sun had traced its path far above the horizon, the grove, grounds and home of our editor were filled with genial, happy friends and merry children, enjoying the social pleasures of the day and receiving the benefits of the agricultural meeting. And so the day only hurried too quickly into evening, when the friends once more separated to join each other again at the Calico Ball which was to take place at a later hour. The bonfires were set burning and the evening shadows had scarcely mellowed into the starlight ere the friends again began to assemble at the home of Col. Codrington; and Spring Garden, Orange City and DeLand joined each other on one of those happy occasions long to be remembered by all. Merry laughter filled the halls, flitting forms glided here and there, sparkling wit and gay repartee flashed among various groups and new arrivals varied the scene, until each and all were there. Amid the joyous company, with such gentle sweetness, moved our hostess, Mrs. Codrington, bestowing a smile upon some, a pleasant word upon others and extending happy greeting to all. Thus the moments flew past till the time came for the dancing to commence, yet the music had not come—always so punctual and yet tonight so late. Eight, nine, almost ten and no music yet. Still the spirit of enjoyment ran high, and while gushing youth reveled in happy scenes a sound arose upon the air. ‘Twas music in the orange grove. And now all seemed perfect, and the program of the evening commenced; with the grand promenade all moved off to the dancing hall where redowas (a leaping waltz popular in the 1800s), polkas, waltzes and quadrilles succeeded each other in happy confusion, all enjoying the pleasures of the mazy dance so nicely conducted by those very efficient floor managers Messrs. Cubbedge, and Cannon, who rendered valuable aid to the party through many other courtesies. At a seasonable hour supper was announced and all repaired to the dining hall to enjoy the pleasant interlude, where appropriate mottoes and verses passed from one to another of the gay party, and a most pleasant hour was passed around the plenteous board. After supper the dancing was again resumed and kept up with all the zest and enthusiasm of the gay participants, until the fair moon had roamed far west, the merry band scarcely realizing the moments that flew past, so enjoyable was the time. And when the evening closed with the time-honored Virginia reel, all seemed loath to break the happy scene. which will ever remain a green spot in memory, whose bowers will echo sweet music from the past, and send a thrill of delight in its happy recollection. The young gentlemen of DeLand who worked so zealously to make the evening a success may congratulate themselves upon its being so, and to them and our generous host, Col. Codrington and his amiable, accomplished wife we present our most grateful thanks for the pleasures of this joyous Sixth of November.