September 4, 1911      Benton, Missouri

This celebration was organized by the Scott County Democrats and was attended by over 4,000 citizens.  Included in this celebration was a free BBQ dinner and music was provided by the Oran and the Fornfelt bands.

The decorations and arrangement of the picnic grounds brought forth exclamations of delight and praise from all sides.  The greatest credit is due to the good women of Benton who served the free dinner and who also served supper for 25 cents.

The big open dance hall that was under the pavilion was crowded all day.

The crowds that packed the Court House square and the streets on nearly every side consisted of large delegations from every community in the county.  One of the top speakers was the Hon. J.J. Russell.

The obvious crowd favorite for the upcoming 1912 Democratic presidental nomination was "Champ Clark" and "Billy Cowhead" was declared the first, last, and all-time for Missouri Governor.

Among the out-of-town people who participated in the picnic were A.R. Boone of Charleston, who is a candidate for the democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor; Frank Kelly of Cape Girardeau; C.A. Cook of Sikeston; John E Marshall of Sikeston; C.F. Burton of Sikeston and many, many others.