Farrar News, April 2002
25th! Annual Reunion, 16 THRU 22 JUNE, 2002
This is for you ... THE GRANDEST GATHERING OF OUR CLAN EVER! ... Our
week-long camp-out on our own Reunion grounds on Bob Farrar’s 200
wooded, rolling acres near Wirth, Ark, commencing on Father’s Day each
year. All FARRARS’, FARRAR DESCENDANTS, FAMILIES, and FRIENDS most
welcomed!
Letter from our President:
GREETINGS ALL!
Load up your car or flight bags! Fasten your seat belt! Get ready and
come for the time of your life! ... Our Big 25th FARRAR FAMILY REUNION!!
Our Entertainment Committees, busy as bees, to make this the most
memorable Gathering of our Clan. There will be activities galore for
one and all; for the children as well as the adults. Some of the plans
are secret, to surprise us. But there will be lots of games, both
physical and sitdown; treasure hunts; bingo; ‘That Ragged Old Flag’
skit; antique shopping in old Hardytown; directions to tour points of
interest in the local area; the annual canoe float down the Spring
River. Also, that great DJ, Bill Walper, of KCB Entertainment, Aurora,
Ill, will do a gig or two on our grounds to really liven up our
evenings. So check your tire pressure, get a lube and oil change and
head for Arkansas. You sure don’t want to miss this one!
Our own Doug Williams, Rochester, Ill, with his digital camera, is the
Official Photographer for this Reunion. He will set up a photo session
for a Reunion group picture as well as individual family groups as you
may desire. You will receive your pictures and, later, have them blown
to any size you may wish. These will be great pictures. We are thankful
for Doug; and grateful for digital technology.
Remember - and this is very important too - if you haven’t already,
your Dues are past due. Please send to our Treasurer as soon as
possible (See Officer Column for address).
Barbara L. (Farrar) Williams
Springfield, IL
COMMITTEE REPORTS
History/Records: Ongoing projects include the Holmes books; SAR/DAR
documentation; and maintenance of our web page. The Holmes book project
is very appreciated by all Farrar families and descendants. We receive
numerous messages indicating their gratitude. Our Family Corporation
has reprinted each volume once. We will soon begin the process of
reprinting Volume II for a second time. We have been able to locate a
local printer and a binder that can do the job at a reasonable cost and
the set will end up with identical bindings as the original two
volumes. Any questions regarding this book project and the accounting
may be directed to me or our Treasurer. SAR/DAR documentation
continues. We still have a few missing pieces of documentation needed
to trace our ancestry back to our Revolutionary War ancestor, Able
Farrar. Our web page is updated as needed with items of interest
regarding our family and our history. A new web address will be in use
shortly. The old address will forward the viewer to the new address for
at least a year. The new address will be: www.farrarinc.com. Randall
D.Farrar, San Diego, CA, Committee Chair.
Newsletter/Genealogy: Our N/L continues publication on a semi-annual
basis, April & October. We are truly grateful for the input of
topics and news items sent by many of you in our vast Extended Family.
This helps mightily to keep us all current, up-to-date, and our N/L an
interesting read. This has resulted in contacts with lots of new-found
cousins; numerous Holmes book sales; many Family Tree sales. Our N/L is
a rewarding project for our Reunion. However, here is something for you
to seriously think about. Time flows and extracts its toll. In the
seething froth of our roiling Clan it is time for a churning bubble to
burst spewing forth a new editor. Whoever you are, you are out there.
You are reading this. Your Reunion needs you. Fill the breach! Joseph
V. Farrar, Jr., Aguanga, CA, Committee chair.
Grounds Maintenance: Leaf raking and burning during President’s Day
weekend, February 16,17, 18, did not generate the extra help hoped for.
Besides myself and my Grandpa only Uncle Dick, Richard A. Farrar, Sr.,
Villa Ridge, MO, came to assist. Thank you Uncle Dick! During the three
days, fighting a little wind, we three did get the job done. We also
felled four dead trees in the camping area, trimmed, cut into firewood
lengths, then burned the trimmings. We will plan leaf raking for
President’s Day weekend again in 2003 hoping for a stronger workforce.
Kurt A. Stanford, Cedar Hill, MO, Committee Chair.
Future Projects: Long distance: none except continued maintenance of
our Reunion site. Current projects to complete prior to our 25th: 1)
Long picnic table. The new exhaust pipe leg assemblies, purchased by
Aunt Jean, (Jean E. [Farrar] Hite, Dripping Springs, TX), are inhand.
This table will have a smooth table surface so cards nor boardgame
pieces will fall through the cracks. 2) Water Trailer: This project is
being handled by nephews Ron (Ronald D. Farrar, Medford, OR) and Randy
(Randall D. Farrar, San Diego, CA) and will be ready and in place on
schedule. Robert L. Farrar, Mammoth Spring, AR, Committee Chair.
2nd Generation: HI all from Oregon! Wanda and I are planning to attend
the BIG 25 in June and hoping to see you all there. I don’t know all
the contributions that 2nd Generation members are making for our
meeting in June but I am sure all your efforts will be appreciated. I
can up-date you on what our branch of the Tree are trying to accomplish
for this gathering:
Wanda has arranged for her brother Bill to provide his music and DJ
services. Randy is working on arrangements for Ice. Randy and I are
working on potable water.
I am working on some small tape recorders so we can start to gather the
memories of the Clan. I know others are working on kid games and family
entertainment. I am suspicious that one or two are planning fireworks.
I know we will be having a great menu of fine meals. Let’s have a great
turnout of the Second Generation and their families, and let’s have a
great time! Ronald D. Farrar, Medford, OR, Committee Chair.
AD HOC COMMITTEES
25th Reunion Adult Entertainment: Kathy (Kathleen J. [Farrar] Hahn,
Brookfield, MO) and I have a lot of relay games that we are planning
for the Reunion. Aunt Jean wants to have Bingo and a couple other games
she wants kept secret. Of course we will have the ‘Ugly Legs Contest’
and have some word puzzles and other various and sundry things
depending on who wants to participate. I’m sure we will have more games
than people want to do but we wanted a variety. My personal project to
write a compilation of stories and memories of all my Aunts and Uncles
(the Original 10) for our 25th is moving along. So far I’ve received
responses from seven of them. Nancee J. (Farrar) Lehnhoff, New Cambria,
MO
25th Reunion Children’s Entertainment: No report. Evidently they have
surprises and secrets too.
Water Trailer: Because we must haul potable water to our site, a
cistern filled by rain runoff from the roof of our pavilion handles
showers and toilets, the Reunion’s goal is to have sufficient water
with fewer hauling trips throughout the week. This project is still
underway. Originally, a cheap, used trailer was to be purchased,
retrofitted to make it road safe, then affix a tank. This proved not to
be cost effective. The decision is to purchase a new, ready made unit.
Depending upon the size of tank, not yet finalized, will determine the
cost; This project is on track and on schedule. Ron & Randy Farrar
NEWS OF NOTE
NO REUNION “WORK DAY” DURING OUR 25TH REUNION!! It’s all fun and games!
Enjoy!
THE DUBKE’S ARE COMING!! Jana, husband Larry, and their son Gunnar, now
age nine! This will be their first Farrar Family Reunion! They hale
from Orange, TX. Jana Kay (Weaver) Dubke; second child of the O-10’s
sister Geraldine Ann (Farrar) and Sam Max Weaver of Tyler, TX. Jana
said, “It sounds like y’all have a good time up there and I know I’d
like to see my Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins. I’d like Larry to meet
everyone, too, and let Gunnar get to know relatives he didn’t even know
he had.” Just fantastic! That’s what our Reunions are all about!
WELCOME Jana, Larry, and Gunnar!! Come get your hugs and shed a few
happy tears with us!!
Tom and Nelda, Mr. & Mrs. Thomas A. Farrar, Sr., Monticello, IL, an
O-10, plan to arrive early to help with last minute preparations. Tom,
having had back surgery 12 Feb, expects to be hale and hearty again by
then. Tom says, “We have four cases (48 jars) of Amish made, pure
applebutter with specials labels for THE 25th FARRAR FAMILY REUNION. To
be purchased by anyone for a donation while they last. All monies
received will go into our Reunion Fund.” Magnanimous Tom! Our Treasurer
says we need all the funding we can get.
Tom and Virginia, Pastor & Mrs. Thomas E. Farrar, Rocky Gap, VA,
with one of their sons and his wife, are winging their way to Old
England this summer seeking their roots. With Miss. Alvahn Holmes’
Volume I, The Farrar’s Island Family, in hand they’ll be searching and
researching their history and their heritage. Your Editor has asked
them to be sure to maintain a journal so their exciting story can be
told in a future N/L. We wish them Bon Voyage!
Roy, Frances, & Kathy, Mr. & Mrs. Roy R. Cook, Amarillo, TX,
and Kathleen M. Farrar, St. Louis, MO, plan to meet in Spring Bluff, MO
this month to repair, renovate, and fence three old Farrar gravesites
that entomb: Leonard Farrar, Richard Farrar, and Jessie (Pritchel)
Farrar, in three ancient cemeteries. As Frances says, “ -before they
are completely destroyed and lost to future generations. It took us
ages to locate them and don’t want them lost again”. Thank you all
three for your dedicated effort in the interest of our Clan!
ATTN: O-10
A thought! Whilst we are all yet amongst the living we have a dire and
critical need before it is too late ... A Group Picture! What would be
a better time than during our 25th? Our Photographer will be in place.
Let’s do it! That would be Plan A. If, sadly, all do not gather we
would go to Plan B: Individual shots. A rogues’ gallery, so to speak.
8x10’s or larger could be permanently affixed within our pavilion; as
well as copies for our archives. Believe me, we’d much prefer our
pictures while we can still stand or sit rather than wait ‘til we’re
prone in a casket. Time is of the essence; it awaits no man. Editor
CURRENT BOOK PRICES
(Price to increase soon)
THE FARRAR’S ISLAND FAMILY, Vol I by Miss Alvahn Holmes: $44.50 (S
& H included).
SOME FARRAR’S ISLAND DESCENDANTS, VOL II, by Miss Alvahn Holmes: $60.55
(S & H included).
Set (Vol 1 & 2): $96.75 (S & H included). Ten or more books:
Contact for special discount pricing.
These books, as well as our FARRAR FAMILY TREE ($20), will be available
during our Reunion.
Remember
Parking: No parking in the pavilion area except temporarily for loading
and down-loading. Park in designated parking areas.
Icechest: Due to limited space within our pavilion keep your personal
icechest at your site or in your vehicle. Besides, left in the pavilion
your refreshments seem to have a habit of disappearing rapidly.
Photo Contest: When a prize! Send your best picture from last year’s
Reunion to: Jean E. Hite, 1400 Loop 165, Dripping Springs, TX
78620-4726. A panel of judges will select !st Place and a couple
runners-up. Participate! This contest is a voluntary and enthusiastic
effort by our dedicated Aunt Jean. Show her your interest and
enthusiasm for this, another, of our many 25th Reunion activities.
Election: The four year position of ‘Treasurer’ is up for election
during our Business Meeting this year. Our current Treasurer, Joseph V.
Farrar, Jr., Aguanga, CA, says he’ll throw in his hat for another term
if our Reunion so approves.
Schwend: On the O-10’s maternal side, Cousin Bill, Col William H.
Schwend, USA, Ret, 2512 Fox Hills Dr, St. Louis, MO 63114-1513, Ph:
314-428-4236, e-mail: schwendw@juno.com, continued in his father’s
tremendous efforts and compiled his well researched book of the Schwend
genealogy and history with many facts and anecdotes. If you don’t yet
have this historic document contact him.
Schwend Reunion: Held the third Sunday each July in Highland, IL. Some
of our O-10 gather with them. Let’s get more of us there. We have a
GREAT time. 2nd Generation ... where are you?
SCHEDULED HIGHLIGHTS
Father’s Day: After breakfast: Flag Raising Ceremony. Our Flag has
flown over our Nation’s Capitol. On this day we jauntily raise it to
the full; then solemnly, slowly lower it to halfmast. This to
commemorate all those who have predeceased us. Our Farrar Banner, with
it’s Arms, Crest, and Motto, handcrafted by Betty (Moore) Farrar,
Keytesville, MO, flies beneath. Then a Moment of Silence; followed by
announcements. Bob Farrar officiating.
Mid Morning: Our Reunion’s Annual Business Meeting. All present are
welcomed. You are an important and intricate part of all this. We
desire your input. Barbara L. (Farrar) Williams, Springfield, IL,
Reunion President, presiding.
Evening: The cutting and serving of our Father’s Day Cake.
Monday: Open. No ‘Work Day’ scheduled. Lots of activity though.
Tuesday: Our annual float down the rapid-strewn, icy-cold Spring River.
Latest price information: Canoe rental: 1 canoe & 2 people
(children under 6 free); extra people $12 each: 5 mile ride: $24; 10
mile ride: $36; 15 mile ride: $48. The price includes the bus ride to
the dropoff point, paddles and life jackets. This information furnished
by Nancee J. (Farrar) Lehnhoff, New Cambria, MO.
In between & rest of week: This writer is not privy to the
Entertainment Schedule; but he has been fore-warned it will be
extensive and ongoing. However, towards mid-week, as our numbers thin
because of home and work responsibilities, things slow a bit and we
hear again the solitude of the deep woods.
So come early, stay late. Or come and go as your time demands. But
come! This Reunion is for you, and all the rest of our huge Extended
Family!
Round the family do indeed gather the sanctities that separate men from
ants and bees. ... In the practical pro-portions of human history, we
come back to that fundamental of the father and the mother and the
child. G. K. Chesterton
Menu and Map for Reunion 2002
* Click here to
access the menu:
* Map to the
Reunion Site