COLBERT COUNTY, ALABAMA
AFRICAN AMERICAN - NEWS ARTICLE

COLORED PICNIC
The Alabamian & Times
27 June 1872, p. 3

COLORED PICNIC
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          Friday last, 21st inst., was a gala day with the colored people of this valley, between 1500 and 2000 of whom spent the day at this place. An extra train from Florence brought over a large representation from Lauderdale and late in the morning a train arrived from Huntsville bringing 700 or 800, while from early dawn till past meridian they were continually arriving from the country, some on foot, some in wagons, buggies, or Dolly Varden vehicles, while a host were mounted on animals of burden of every style or condition. Though our streets were crowded during the day with them everything passed off quietly and we have not heard of a single case of breach of the peace or disorderly conduct occurring. The Picnicers repaired to Aunt Susy's Spring where they dined, and had a match game of Base Ball in which the colored champions of Florence and Huntsville participated. The distinguished divines and politicians of the race were present we are informed but we are not aware of any orations having been delivered. One unaccustomed to Southern scenes, in fact many who are familiar with them would have been amused and instructed had they been on our streets Friday. Here they could have beheld the colored race in every hue shape or condition : the lame, the deformed, the symmetrical, the small, the large, the young, the old, the black, the copper, the yellow, the Albino, dressed in every conceivable style, mammoth, gaudy colored bows and neckties, Dolly Vardens and stripes paniers and polonaise, palpitators, etc., were in profusion, in fact every style from the most approved Patisian to the Feeje was here displayed.

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