The Marshmallow Hike
A community gathers for a rural social event at the Wienenga ranch.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A large and jolly crowd gathered at the Methodist church Monday evening to take part in the 'hike' to the Wienenga ranch home north of Richland. The trip out to the ranch was made in two large wagons, while a large number of the young folks walked out. The wagons were driven by J. W. Fisher and W. Loucks. Upon arriving at the Wienenga home, the crowd was met by Mr. and Mrs. Wienenga, who escorted them to a huge brush pile which it was the purpose of the evening to burn. While the blaze was in progress everyone toasted marshmallows and weinies, while the ladies circulated coffee, sandwiches, and popcorn through the crowd. Singing and storytelling continued until 11:30 p.m. when all started for town, giving three cheers and a 'tiger' for the Wienengas and their kindness in giving everyone such a pleasant time. It has been rumored around Richland that several farmers have it in mind to invite the Methodist church members to do a little clearing on their tracts, as it is much cheaper than hiring a man at so much per.
“It has been rumored around Richland that several farmers have it in mind to invite the Methodist church members to do a little clearing on their tracts, as it is much cheaper than hiring a man at so much per.”
In an era before mass entertainment, clearing land for a neighbor turned into a social bonfire. While the town of Richland has transformed from an agricultural hub into a research powerhouse, the tradition of community-led volunteer events remains a cornerstone of Tri-Cities social life.
From readers
No comments yet. If you know something about this story — a correction, a family memory, a source — it belongs here.