Farrar News, April 1999
FARRAR FAMILY REUNION!!
20 THRU 26 June
FARRAR CAMPGROUND, WIRTH, ARKANSAS
Our FARRAR FAMILY REUNION conducts its extravaganza, the
GATHERING-OF-THE-CLAN, at our own Reunion facilities on our brother
Bob’s 200 wooded, rolling acres near Wirth, Arkansas commencing on
Father’s Day each year. All FARRAR’S, FARRAR descendants, FAMILIES and
FRIENDS welcome.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:
1998 Wow! What a year for the Farrar Clan. First the Fabulous Farrar
Family Reunion; then the Fantastic Farrar Island Rendezvous in
September.
The Rendezvous was an experience that is hard to put into words. It was
so awesome to be on Farrar’s Island; to walk where our forefathers
walked; to see and hear the history of the island; to share it with so
many of our relatives and friends. We were treated like royalty by the
Henricus Foundation people. Joe Farrar, Aguanga, CA, did such a great
job organizing it. Thanks heaps JV for all your hard work. I’m putting
together a “Pictorial Story” of our days there to share with all at
this year’s Reunion and then to put into our archives for our future
generations.
The Book Agreement has been secured for $1,963.75. This is the
agreement to purchase the existing inventory and publishing rights of
the two Alvahn Holmes books pertaining to our early Farrar history at
Jamestown and Farrar’s Island. Randy Farrar, San Diego, CA was the
prime mover for this project. Thank you Randy for all your time and
effort in getting this accomplished. The Henricus Foundation has agreed
to stock and sell these books in their Gift Shop on Farrar’s Island. We
will also sell them through our Farrar News and our Internet HomePage.
The Security Trailer has been purchased by Bob Farrar, Mammoth Springs,
AR, using his own funds, for $1,895.00. Please remember to send your
contributions to JV so we can reimburse Bob. This trailer should
alleviate the “theft” problem we’ve experienced at our campground.
Tom Farrar, Monticello, IL, has been successful in getting the plaque
made for our Time Capsule. It is of bronze and will sustain the test of
time. Cost: $382.50. Thanks Tom! Great Job! We will cover the concrete
box, holding our time capsule, in natural stone, matching our pavilion,
and place the plaque on the end facing our pavilion.
Our Reunion, due to the projects mentioned, has had extra expenses this
year. We do not anticipate any additional major projects in the
immediate future; just the normal maintenance of our C/G. Of course, we
are still coordinating with the Henricus Foundation to place a Farrar’s
Island Historical Marker on the Island. So, if everyone sends in their
dues and contributions we will be able to pay our bills and reimburse
those who made it possible to move forward with these projects.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone at our week-long Farrar Family
Reunion 1999, commencing on Father’s Day, June 20th.
* CORPORATION OFFICERS:
* MAP TO THE
REUNION SITE:
* MENU FOR REUNION
1999:
C/G PREPARATION
To all who can help and enjoy some additional time together: Be aware,
Kurt Stanford, High Ridge, MO, Grounds & Maintenance, Chair, will
be in place and working on our C/G both weekends preceding our Reunion.
Others who have already scheduled themselves: Bob & Gerdie Farrar,
Mammoth Springs, AR, Future Development, Chair; Craig Dunbar, Hardy,
AR; Brian & Nickie Gooch, Ash Flat, AR; and Joe Farrar, Aguanga,
CA, your Editor. The new move-ins to Hardy, AR, Marleen & Chuck
Bayes, are encouraged to participate in a little of this “sweat equity”
too.
PROCEDURES
No new procedures have been called to the attention of your Editor.
Therefore, all standing procedures apply and continue. Here are a few
reminders:
ICE CHESTS: Because our Reunion provides an ice chest with crushed ice
for cold drinks, located within our pavilion, to avoid confusion
(youngsters taking other’s cold drinks from private ice chests), all
private ice chests are to be kept at your campsite or vehicle.
GENEALOGY TABLE: No personal items to be placed upon this table. This
table provides displays of Genealogical, Historical, and Archival
information. We do not want this display fouled. We want it readily
available for observation and perusal by all interested parties.
FLAG RAISING & LOWERING: We fly our flag every day. Therefore, two
volunteers are needed each day for this ceremony. Gary Lehnhoff, Jr.,
New Cambria, MO and his close friend and guest, Tommie, have been
fulfilling this task in a superb manner. Should anyone else care to
participate in this rite, please do. Gary & Tommie will be happy to
assist if it’s your first time.
TRASH & GARBAGE: All food remaining on your plate is to be scraped
off at the treeline. The wild animals love it. All burnable trash, wet
or dry, is to be placed into the “Burnable” can. All else into the
“Non-Burnable” can. The full non-burnable bags will be stacked near the
entry lane. When you depart for home please take one bag with you and
dispose of it in a dumpster along the way. Your help is appreciated.
AFTER MEAL CLEAN UP: Our youth will volunteer and schedule themselves
for this chore. This consists of cleaning the cooking & dining
areas; taking out the trash; washing, drying, and storing all eating
and cooking utensils. Adult supervision required.
THE LAKE: All children going to or near the lake must be accompanied by
an adult qualified swimmer. All other swimmers, please adhere to the
“Buddy System”. Don’t go it alone.
SCHEDULED EVENTS
MOMENT OF SILENCE: Immediately following breakfast Sunday, Father’s
Day, we stand for a moment of silent prayer remembering our heritage
and all who have pre-deceased us and upon whose shoulders we stand; all
the while giving thanks to God for our many blessings.
FLAG RAISING & LOWERING CEREMONY: Immediately following our moment
of silence we salute our National Emblem and our Farrar Flag, courtesy
of Jean Hite, Dripping Springs, TX, as our two volunteers smartly raise
them to the top of the mast and then slowly lower them to half-mast in
commemoration of all our Fathers who have gone before.
BUSINESS MEETING: Following our flag ceremony Barbara Williams,
Springfield, IL, our Board President, will call this meeting to order.
This is always a very important annual meeting. This year especially we
have much old and new business. All voting members present should
participate. We want and need your input. Let your voice be heard. We
want your thoughts and suggestions. All others present are invited to
sit in. You, too, may have a thought or an idea beneficial to the
enhancement, growth and progress of this our Farrar Family Reunion. It
happened last year with a suggestion made by Bill Schwend, of St.
Louis, MO. It paid off.
FISH FRY: Sunday. See Menu. Gary and Nancee Lehnhoff, New Cambria, MO.,
will provide and cook. I can just see those Cat Fish sizzling now.
Enjoy!
WORK DAY: Monday. It takes a little work to maintain our C/G and to
keep it in shape. This is the day. All participate.
CANOE TRIP: Usually on Wednesday. A thrilling and fun-filled ride down
the fast flowing, icy cold, rock strewn Spring River.
CLOSING CAMP: Anyone who can delay their departure to help put our C/G
to bed for another year, Saturday, please do.
BUSINESS MEETING
A partial agenda:
1. Election to fill the position for the expiring term of Board
President. Volunteering and motions are in order. There is no rule
against re-electing the current President.
2. 2nd Generation, Ron Farrar, Chair, to present their finalized
agreement for their self-assessed annual Reunion dues per
individual/family.
3. Security Trailer. Treasurer, Jean Hite, will give current status of
this account and funds required for finalization.
4.Farrar Island Marker. Joe Farrar will present the current status of
this project and request funds.
5.Book Agreement. As you know, our Farrar Family Reunion, Inc. is now
the exclusive publisher and distributor of this two volume prodigious
effort by Miss. Alvahn Holmes, now deceased. Volume II of this work has
been out of print. As part of this agreement our Reunion is required to
get Volume II back in print.
Randy Farrar, the prime mover on this project, will research this
requirement to determine our options and the various costs involved.
After his presentation and discussions you will vote on the best and
most cost effective course to fulfill our commitment and to keep this
project on-going.
WORK DAY
An early breakfast and an early start before the sun’s rays quells
enthusiasm. Since we are not overloaded with work projects this year
and, with all hands participating, we’d like to try something new,
i.e., ........... knock off by 2 PM!
Jumping on the jobs at 8 AM will give us six hours. With every hand
extended and every back bent that should give us sufficient time. Then
you can shower or swim and do your thing the rest of the day.
Our jobs are:
1. Rock trim the Time Capsule sarcophagus.
2. Complete the Fire Ring. (Concrete Footing will already be in place).
3. Complete the expansion of the Tent Area.
Requirements: Hauling rocks from the rockpile to job sites; slapping on
mortar; setting rocks; raking and burning. Bring trowels & rakes.
No goldbricking! You’ll be cutting into other’s free time.
ADAGES
Your Editor is aware the old curmudgeon, Ben Franklin, besides many
other things our country’s first librarian, published many words of
wisdom and sage advice. Just where he acquired these I do not know.
However, as a little tyke, I first learned many of these at the knee of
a wise old lady. Therefore, I credit my Grandma Schwend.
A BRILLIANT IDEA
Jean (Farrar) Hite, Dripping Springs, TX has just advised your Editor
of her intent: To hold a RAFFLE during this Reunion!
Since January she has been busy, fine stitch after fine stitch,
creating a quilt. She will sell $2.00 tickets during the first days of
our Reunion with a drawing later in the week. Someone will be the lucky
winner of a brand new quilt (value: $200.00)!
All monies received from the sale of these raffle tickets, Jean stated,
will be donated to our Reunion “Security Trailer” fund.
Jean is to be commended for her idea, her dedicated effort, and her
unstinting generosity. So step right up. Grab a ticket. Help build your
Reunion’s financial base and stability.
TRY THIS LITTLE DITTY
If a woodchuck would chuck wood,
how much wood would a woodchuck chuck
if a woodchuck would chuck wood?
Grandma Schwend
COMMENTS
Family Tree: Since Reunion 1998, six “Trees” have been sold. This
outstanding, large, 2’ x 6’, permanent black ink, non-fadable, with our
line extending from three generations into England, through our
immigrant Grandparents, William & Cecily at Jamestown, to the
present, including much additional historical information, “Tree”,
sells for $15 at our Reunion; $20 by mail (includes S&H).
Holmes Book: Since acquiring the rights, January 1999, 19 books have
been sold. Seven sales were off our HomePage on the Web. Just
fantastic! Four of Volume II are on backorder awaiting printing. This
book, Volume I, replete with English and New World history of our
Farrar ancestry and the story of our immigrant Grandparents, William
and Cecily at Jamestown, is required for your personal library.
Besides, it makes a very special gift for your children. Plan ahead for
Christmas. Volume I sells for $39.50 (Includes S&H).
Special Sale: Upon receipt of these books it was noticed, in a few of
the boxes, several of the books had hard covers slightly warped. This
evidently from long, stacked storage. The books are not damaged in any
other way. A lesser cost price was negotiated. Hence, the sale. These
few books of Volume I are being offered on a first come first served
basis at half price........$20 (including S&H). Certainly, if not
satisfied, return for refund.
Treasurer’s Account Books: These will be placed on the Display Table
available for all. If there are questions consult Jean Hite or Joe
Farrar.
Hot Water Tank: This stainless steel tank that Ron Farrar, Medford, OR,
had fabricated and then donated to our Reunion, has been welded in
place using iron straps, by Bob Farrar, and is ready for your use.
Security Trailer: Bob has also completed retrofitting this Trailer,
therefore, it is available and will be used during this Reunion.
You can lead a horse to water,but you can’t make him drink.
Grandma Schwend