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.

2013 Welsh picnic

Saturday, July 13th: 11am to 3pm.  Taylor Park, Oak Park, Illinois.

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.   We will grill hotdogs and provide snacks and drinks.  As usual, there will be games and ice cream for young and old alike.  Bring family and friends.  It’s a great day out in the park.

Hope to see you there!

Questions?  Call Dilys Rana at (847) 251-3214 or Ellen Roberts at (847)803 0807.

Annual Welsh Picnic — Taylor Park 2007 (view photos)
Annual Welsh Picnic — Maple Park 2005 (view photos)

The annual Scottish Festival and Highland Games will be held at Hamilton Lakes on Friday June 14th, 2013 from 4 - 10 pm and on Saturday June 15th 2013 from 8am - 9pm.  Look for the Cambrian booth on Saturday.

Activities include Highland Dance competitions, Rugby Sevens Highland challenge, Kilted Mile Run, British Car show, Haggis eating contest, Scotch whiskey tastings and a Celtic marketplace.  It’s a lot of Celtic fun!  Come and see us there.  For more information go to the festival website at www.chicagoscots.org

at 744 Fair Oaks Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60302.

Trefor Williams of Milwaukee was our music director for this event and, as always, had the congregation singing their hearts out in four part harmony.  Betsy Mueller was the soloist.  She enthralled us with her spectacular voice and delighted us with her selections including the Ash Grove and a duet with Trefor of “We’ll keep a welcome in the hillside.”

Dianne McCarty accompanied on organ and piano.

Te bach followed - afternoon tea with cakes and sandwiches were enjoyed by all, many of whom who stayed until we closed the doors at 5:15pm.

Come back to this website for information about our 2014 Gymanfa.

Pat Kwasigroch and Sandy Stanicek, who have both done extensive research into their own Welsh families, gave a very helpful and informative presentation on getting started with our own research.

Our next meeting will be in the spring. Details will be posted when available.

Contact Barbara Jones if you have questions.  773-275-9789, barbarajones7717@sbcglobal.net