Note: The following is one of a series of articles looking at events in the formation of Bulloch County.

The Bulloch Times issue of May 14, 1896 reported that “Mr. J.F. Fields leased a 6-acre tract of land from Mr. J.C. Jones on Mill Creek, near the railroad, and has a force of hands at work.”

Here, he announced, he “will erect a platform 40 by 40 feet, with a speaker’s stand and seats for several hundred people. Seats will also be arranged in shady places about the park.”

And, there will be “swings hung in the trees; so that the park will be a popular trysting place for young people, as well as a convenient place for public gatherings.”

In addition, “the waters of the creek will afford splendid fishing and bathing facilities in the season, and it may be expected that the people of Statesboro will spend many a pleasant day.”

Then, the June 18, 1896 Bulloch Times issue heralded J.F. Fields’ Park’s “Opening Pic-Nic!” To be held on June 20, 1896, the paper promised “No effort will be spared to make this the Grandest Picnic!”

During the event, “Music will be furnished by an Italian String Band of Savannah.” Special events were to include: 3:30 p.m.-Bicycle race on elevated track, 275 yards., Prize $1.

Then, would come entertaining special events for both children and adults: 4 p.m., Sack race, Prize $1; 4:30 p.m., Climbing Greased Pole, Prize, $1; 5 p.m., Rooting for dollar in tub of floor, Prize, $1.

Fields advertised that “a ten-acre tract of land has been cleared, with beautiful shade trees and cool and sparkling springs of water in the midst (with) beautiful croquet grounds about the park.”

As to transportation, “The Park is located three miles from Statesboro, immediately on the railroad; and, besides this mode of access, the public road has been put in good repair.”

Not long after that, The Bulloch Times issue of July 2, 1896 revealed “About 300 people from the town attended a fish-fry and picnic at Field’s park Tuesday.”

This was “declared to have been the biggest thing of the kind on record. About a dozen men went out to the river Monday and put in 36 hours fishing.”

And, “at noon Tuesday they came to the picnic with more than 100 pounds of fine trout and small fish. Besides this, about 60 watermelons were on hand for free distribution.”

On July 16, 1896, the Bulloch Times published an advertisement for a Mill Creek Park festival to be held on “July 22, 1896.” It declared “Another Big Picnic at Fields’ Park.”

The ad promised there would be “Music by Italian String Band” and “Foot Racing, Bag Racing, Grease-Pole Climbing, etc.” Transportation to and from the event was available from the D&S Railroad, the ad stated.

Trains would leave Statesboro at 7:15 and 9:30 a.m., and 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. Trains would leave Dover at 8 and 11 a.m., and 4 and 6:15 p.m. Round-trip fares to Statesboro were 10 cents, and Dover, 25 cents.

Almost a year later in the Bulloch Times on May 27, 1897, a huge ad appeared announcing "BIG SOCIAL PICNIC AT FIELD'S PARK, SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 1897."

And, "A social family picnic to which parents are invited to come and bring their children, to enjoy the day in harmless sports. Wheel Barrow and Blind Fold Races, Climbing Greased Pole, Etc., Etc., to make a jolly time."

It stressed, "POSITIVELY NO DANCING, So the church people are invited to come and enjoy the day with us. Bring along your baskets and let's have an old-fashioned social picnic."

And, "The Baseball boys will entertain us with a game in the afternoon." The newspaper let people know that "The D&S will run the following schedule."

Trains would "Leave Statesboro (at) 9:30 a.m., 1 pm, and 2:30 p.m.; and leave Dover (at) 11 a.m., and 4:30 p.m., (and stated the) Fare, Round Trip (was from) Statesboro 10 cents, (and from) Dover, 25 cents."

Roger Allen is a local lover of history who provides a brief look each week at the area's past. E-mail him at rwasr1953@gmail.com.