The Blount County News and Dispatch, 30 Jul 1891 The Blount Springs Barbecue. The morning of the 25th of July dawned upon the hills and lighted the valleys of Blount. The tread of our many feet work her slumbering echoes and merry voices rose in unison to greet the day for many weeks looked forward to with high anticipations. From the first bright hours of morning, a steady stream of humanity moved its eager way to the inviting coolness and restful quiet of the famous Blount Springs. Old men, the "horny-handed sons of toil," accompanied by their wives, mothers and little ones grouped in wide-eyed wonder about them; young men and smiling lassies, all found a hearty welcome at the Springs, whose gates were opened wide to greet them. On the hill side above the springs long tables were erected which were soon groaning beneath the weight of meats from the large pit faithfully presided over by Messrs. "Pood" Thomas and Ephriam Gossett, and excellent loaves of bread, through the kindness of Major Hickle (of the Blount Springs Hotel) who had one thousand loaves baked for the occasion, the material being furnished by the citizens. Thirty four carcasses were roasted over a pit 3 feet in width, and one hundred yards in length. Numerous lemonade stands furnished cooling draughts and other delicacies. The citizens were indefatigable in their efforts to please all. The hotel band furnished music, (Charlie Baker furnished music on the violin for Joe Musgrove, Martin South, Ketchum and Willis Allred) and many whiled the hours away in the merry dance. Prof. Lovett, of Blount college, delivered an excellent address on the "Duty of the Hour," and Prof. Thornton a brief address in behalf of the Alliance. One of the chief attractions was the "Flying Jinny," and afforded infinite amusement of old and young. The saloon and all the stores were closed on that day. All in all, it was a day well spent, pleasant and profitable to all-a reunion of friends and a day of social greeting. Spectator. Blountsville Items. I took in the barbecue at Blount Springs on Saturday. It was a grand success. There was more dead cows than any crowd could chew. I think there were 2000 people there. Profs. J.A.B. Lovett and Jesse Thorton made speeches, but as I am built like one of Oneonta's boys, the "Flying Jinny" took my eye and the music brother Bentley's ear, so I missed the speeches, but I hit a quarter of a cow and a ten cent loaf of bread.