The Annual Welsh Picnic
January 21, 2012 by · Leave a Comment
2007 Annual Picnic
The Cambrian picnic was a highlight of the year for many of the Welsh families who settled in Chicago in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Since its inception in 1869 it has continued to provide good fellowship and good fun for the families who come and bring their picnic lunches and lawn chairs out for a summer afternoon in the park. In recent years it has most often been held in the parks of Oak Park but many years ago it was held in large purpose built parks as far apart as Evanston and Glenwood Park.
In those days most people traveled on the train as few families owned automobiles. Announcements for the picnic included train and street car information. Hundreds of people came out to try and win one of a number of prizes for athletic events. In 1911 there were so many children in attendance that twelve separate races and a high jump contest were arranged. No child was allowed to compete in more than one event. For the adults there were eleven categories of events and fine prizes for the successful competitors; a brooch or a cut glass piece for the ladies and a box of cigars or a pocket knife for the gentlemen.
Baseball and soccer teams competed for a cup which was retained by the organization after winning teams were dutifully recorded. (What has happened to that cup is a mystery. Does anyone know where it is?) Judges were appointed to oversee the competitions and physicians were in attendance to administer to any unfortunate casualties.
Modern picnics are not such elaborate affairs but we still enjoy getting together and having fun chatting and trying out our skills at ‘tea toss’ competitions and ‘shoe kick’ contests. Take a look at the photos from recent picnics held at Maple Park (2005) and Taylor Park (2007) in Oak Park.
2012 Welsh picnic will be held on TBA at Taylor Park in Oak Park from 11a.m. - 3p.m. We will grill hot dogs and provide chips, condiments and ice cream (of course!). There will lots of fun and frolics as usual. So gather up the family and come and join us for a lazy summer afternoon in the sun (we hope).
Taylor Park can be found at the intersection of Ridgeland and Division in Oak Park. Our picnic site is at the northeast corner in our usual spot. Hope to see you there!
Questions? Call Dilys Rana at (847) 251-3214 or Barbara Jones at (773) 275-9789
Annual Welsh Picnic — Taylor Park 2007 (view photos)
Annual Welsh Picnic — Maple Park 2005 (view photos)