Montreal Gazette, 3 July 1871, page 2.

ST PATRICK’S SOCIETY’S PICNIC

The Pic-nic of this Society, no matte where it is held, whether at the Islands of Boucherville; the still more unromantic locality of St Lambert’s, or in the vicinity of the city, is always successful but never was it more successful than the pic-nic yesterday.  The scene of the picnic, if the term may be used, was on the grounds of Mr Jas Howley, on Upper St Antoine street, opposite Canning street, and better grounds for an occasion of the kind could not be found anywhere.  The grounds are in every respect as they were said to be, conveniently situated, pretty in appearance, well shaded, with a large stream of water running through, in which is it very pretty island. The grounds were crowded at one time during the afternoon there being no less than 4000 persons present. A large platform for dancing had been erected, and in the music of a very fair quadrille band, afforded ample accommodation for the numerous dancers who tripped the light fantastic toe until the pic-nic came for a conclusion. The land of the St Bridget’s Society played in excellent style.  The following list of games were contested for:

  1. 1st                    2nd

Running high leap ……………………………………………………….$3                               $2

Running long leap ……………………………………………………….$3                               $2

Race, in heats, 150 yards……………………………………………..$3                               $2

Boy’s race, 100 yards …………………………………………………..$2                              $1

Hurdle race, 3 ½ ft hurdles, in heats ……………………………$3                              $2

Irish Jig …………………………………………………………………………$3                              $2

Short race, 200 yards……………………………………………………$3                               $2

Standing leap……………………………………………………………….$3                               $2

Hop, step and leap ………………………………………………………..$3                            $2

Boy’s sack race ………………………………………………………………$2                            $3

The Society are indebted to Mr Howley for accommodation in one of the most suitable localities for a pic-nic, and the saving of several hundred dollars heretofore expended in the hire of steamboats.

At a late hour the picnic broke up, every one present on the occasion being sorry to part, and anxious to meet on the next occasion of the next pic-nic.  It is calculated that the Society will find themselves, on this occasion, considerably over six hundred dollars in pocket.