Aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters, brothers, and “kissin’ kin” began signing the register at 11 a.m. on Saturday Oct. 15.
Family members gathered in the Ava Masonic Hall basement in celebration of “treasured family ties” for 2011. Forty-one relatives were assembled for the reunion which is held every two years. Many brought items for the silent auction ranging from peanut brittle to knitted baby blanket sets.
Pictures of past gatherings, genealogy, memory items were shared at the memory table as well as stories among family members. Fred Souder Livingston asked the blessing before the noon meal was served. The menu consisted of pulled pork, beef brisket (with buns for sandwiches), potato salad, apple salad, coleslaw, nacho cheese dip chips and a variety of desserts cooked by members of the clan. Faye’s cobbler was definitely the hit at lunch.
The family welcomed two cousins from California, Michele Knapp and Joland Schut and husband Elwood. They, of course, won the door prize for traveling the farthest for the reunion. Michele and Joland were escorted to Denlow following lunch to do research of their Alsup side of the family. They returned later that afternoon for family festivities.
Family stories, door prizes, gag gifts and visiting took up most of the afternoon. The most senior relative, the youngest relative, the longest married relative, the oldest maid, the one married the most times, and the relative with the most grandchildren were some of the prizes awarded. Three major prizes were won by Carol Scott, a spring decor basket, John Unger, a large squirrel defender bird feeder, and Sue Upshaw, an infra-red turkey cooker.
An evening meal of fried chicken, baked ham, green beans, corn, seven layer salad, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a variety of desserts was enjoyed by all.
All relatives participated in a candle memorial in honor of the relatives lost in the past two years following the evening meal. Thirteen candles in all were lighted in honor of cousins, mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and children.
A short business meeting was held. Everyone was reminded to mark their calendars for October 2013 on the second weekend if the date is later that Oct. 10. Otherwise it will be on the third weekend. Silent auction was closed at 6 p.m., and everyone paid their bids to pick up their merchandise. Hugs and farewells were shared and the evening ended with treasured memories of a great bunch of kinfolk.
If you are a relative and you need information contact Mary Martha Williams, Judy Kent, or Robert Upshaw so that you may have fun with your family and friends in 2013.
