Dempster Company Picnics

Annual company picnics are a tradition held by many American companies. The tradition began in the late 19th century, as large manufacturing companies began holding them. Today, many companies continue to hold annual gatherings for employees and their families. These picnics build a community atmosphere, break down walls between employees, show support for their families, and reward the employees for their hard work.

The Dempster Mill Manufacturing Company began holding company picnics in 1897. The picnics were held at the end of July to celebrate the companies founding on July 29, 1878.

The Dempster company picnic was a time for employees and their families to gather and have fun. They included food, sports, games, music, and other activities. During some years, they even held parades through the main streets of Beatrice.

Reproduced from the Farm Implement News, Volume XX No. 33, (17 August 1899) Chicago, p. 40.

The annual picnic of the Dempster Mill Manufacturing Company, Beatrice, Neb., occurred July 29. This picnic is an established feature with the Dempster people and is an affair much enjoyed by all who participate.

Everyone connected with the company, except a few traveling men who were out on their territory and also a very few who were sick, gathered at the works on July 29, to the number of something over 700, including their families.

The men formed in line to the number of about 250 and preceded by a band marched through the principal streets of Beatrice, followed by conveyances containing the families, then all repaired to the beautiful Chautauqua grounds located near the city and put in the day listening to vocal and instrumental music, speeches and the enjoyment of a program of sports and arranged by the employees, consisting of races, a ball game, etc. the diner, however, should not be forgotten, as it was of course one of the most important features of the day.

After spending such a pleasant day they all felt more like taking hold of their work the next working day. This picnic is usually held on the anniversary of the founding of the business by the president, C. B. Dempster, July 29, 1878.