At a time when many Americans pack beaches up to and beyond their limits, flee to the cooler weather of the mountains or even the northeast, why would more than 200 of them decide to gather just to the east of Wagram on July 3-4?
The visitors to the Riverton community came from England, from many of our distant states, from all over the Carolinas, and they chose to spend a major holiday on the outskirts of Wagram — and more specifically, at Riverton.
The reasons would include such words as family, tradition, reconnecting, peaceful atmosphere, invitation, and natural beauty.
The Riverton community has long existed perhaps a mile and a half east of Wagram on the Riverton Road. The common ancestors of most attending the 50-plus year-old “picnic” can trace their common ancestors back to Catharine Campbell White and the Rev. Daniel White to over 200 years ago. Daniel established Spring Hill Baptist Church in Wagram in 1813 or just six years after arriving in the Carolinas from Greenock, Scotland.
Actually, the 50-plus year-old “Riverton Picnic” started as a small family gathering in the 1960s and has grown to involve more than 200 each year.
As in most recent years, I attend as an invited guest. There is something about Riverton that tugs at my heartstrings: friends, serenity, the Lumbee River, and listening to stories from many remarkable people or as they are so well-known: Rivertonians!
Their July Fourth celebrations actually begins on the evening of July 3 with “Riverton Night.” Held under the large white tent at the Cypress Bend Vineyard, noted Rivertonian, Dr. Mary Wayne Watson, describes is as “our ceilidh,” or a Scottish traditional “gathering of friends” where music and stories are shared.
About half past nine on July Fourth, a parade begins on Dan Smith Road with a distinct “Proudly American” theme. A trophy for the best entry is presented at the picnic that begins about 1 p.m. at Aunt Caroline’s Landing on the banks of their beloved Lumbee. The temperature in the surrounding land this year was in the upper’s 90s, but in the shade of the ancient cypresses, pines, and oaks at Aunt Caroline’s Landing, it was still hot, but perhaps 5 degrees colder.
After arriving for the picnic my big bowl of homemade cheese straws were placed on the serving table, and then it was time to mingle with the family and friends already gathered.
I ended up at a table with 95 year-old Robert L. McMillan Jr. of Raleigh and Riverton. He is still licensed by the North Carolina Bar as an attorney — just as he has been for 70 years (longer than anyone). Robert shared his true frugal Scot’s heritage: “I’m dropping my license rather than to keep paying the expensive licensing fees.” I hear you loud and clear!
Two other younger attorneys — like my generation — who found their way to Riverton from various states in the union were also there. They were also guests of Robert.
No one said it, but the three of us were all there to soak up some wisdom from “Sunburnt Boy Emeritus” Robert. Robert spent his life as a defense attorney, and proudly proclaimed to us that he has not lost a case in 10 years. He went on to boast about his son Duncan – who is also a defense attorney — and Duncan could not even match that record.
Of course Robert still goes to his office every day, but he admitted that he hasn’t taken a case in 10 years.
Dan Smith served as the host and welcomed everyone, letting first-timers introduce themselves, allowing everyone to call the names of lost family members and then turning it over to Dr. Watson, who led everyone in singing, “God Bless America,” and the “Doxology” for our blessing.
Certainly, it is the people, the family, the tradition, and a beautiful gathering place that make any family gathering for a picnic or a reunion a special event for all. The Rivertonians have pulled everything together in perfect coordination.
Beacham McDougald is a Laurinburg resident and Scotland County historian.
