Adlai Stevenson

The value of farm lands and their products have increased beyond human forecast or dream.

The untrodden prairies of three-quarters of a century ago, as if touched by the wand of magic, have become splendid farms.

And where upon God's footstool can domain more magnificent than this good county be found; one better adapted to the habitation of civilized man?

Upon nobler men and women the sun in all his course hath nowhere looked down.

They were the advance guard--The builders--and faithfully and well they served their race and time.

Peace to their ashes; to their memory all honor!

These names and something of what they achieved will go down in our annals to the after times.

The early settlers, the pioneers, the men who laid the foundations of what our eyes now behold, builded wisely and well.

Here beneath humble roofs, their children were born and reared, and here from hearts that knew no guile ascended the incense of thanksgiving and praise.

Truly has it been said: 'No man can ever get wholly away from his ancestors.' Once a Bloomingtonian, and no art of the enchanter can dissolve the spell. 'Once in grace, always in grace,' whatever else may betide!

No place so fitting for this home-coming could have been selected as this beautiful park, where the springing grass, transparent lake, and magnificent grove--'God's first temple'--seem all to join in welcoming your return.

The kindly words that have been spoken, the cordial grasp of the hand, the unbidden tear, the hospitality extended, have all given assurance that you are welcome.