Farrar News, October 1998
Editor: Joseph V. Farrar, Jr. Aguanga, California
COME JOIN US!
Our FARRAR FAMILY REUNION conducts its week-long, camp-out,
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
Another fantastic time was had by all who attended the 1998 Farrar
Family Reunion - it was a little smaller group - and very hot weather -
but is was great to be together again.
We enjoyed meeting the newest addition to our clan. Niki and Brian
Gooch were there with their 5 week old son, Peyton. He is a cutie and
loves to be talked to.
The business meeting was very productive. The by-laws were approved
with a few minor changes. According to the new by-laws, one officer is
replaced each year, so Jean Hite was voted in as the Treasurer. Last
year the Secretary was replaced. Next year the Vice President will be
replaced and the following year the President. Also, with the new
by-laws, we have Standing Committees. The Chairmen of the committees
were appointed and approved. History and Records is Randy Farrar,
Newsletter and Genealogy is Joe Farrar, Jr., Grounds maintenance is
Kurt Stanford, Future Development Projects is Bob Farrar and 2nd
Generation is Ron Farrar.
Next year we will cover the Time Capsule with natural stone and Tom
Farrar will get a marble or granite plaque to incorporate on the end
facing the pavilion.
Twenty years ago, when we started the Farrar Reunion, the original
ten
children of Joe and Viola Farrar assessed themselves $100 per year
dues. As the 2nd generation grew up they donated what they could. This
year they decided it was time to assess themselves a set amount. Ron
Farrar, as Chairman of the 2nd Generation Committee, will be in contact
with them for input and they will set an agreeable amount.
The Henricus Foundation, who are in charge of developing the
historical
park on Farrar’s Island in Virginia, has offered us the opportunity to
put up a sign on the island telling the history of the island, i.e. it
was Farrar land for four generations, etc. We will discuss this with
the Director when we are there in September, decide what it should say,
and have it made there so it will conform with other signs on the
island.
Hope you had a great summer!
“I’m only an average man, but by George, I work harder at it than the
average man”.
by: Theodore Roosevelt
RE-INTERMENT
As the result of a negative vote during our last annual business
meeting we continue the status quo ante.
FARRAR CEMETERY
This old cemetery near Cave Springs, AR, once on Farrar homestead land,
no longer used and now owned by others, was rediscovered by Geneva B.
Farrar, Cave Springs, AR, and I, your roving editor, some 15 years ago.
Situated on a hilltop under stately trees it was found unfenced and
overgrown with nettles and brambles. Immediately plans for clean-up and
fencing were made. A call went out. Willing hands gathered: Geneva; her
son Vernon and family of Bentenville, AR; Bob Farrar of Mammoth Spring,
AR; and I. Since then our cousin Geneva, with hired help, has
maintained our old Family cemetery in a park-like manner. However, no
longer able to handle the physical effort and unable to find willing
workers the decision had to be made to allow our cemetery to go back to
nature. This is sad. But to fulfill this maintenance requirement lies
somewhere between lawncare (inexpensive) and landscaping (expensive).
Reunion funds are limited. But Geneva and I will continue to try.
VALHALLA CEMETERY
The original 10 (O-10) brothers and
sisters together still own five burial plots within a six plot lot in
Valhalla Cemetery, Belleville, IL. These plots are for sale and are on
the market again. Niece Jill (Farrar) Vogel, 3411 Sheridan Dr.,
Belleville, IL 62226-6240, Ph: 618-277-9143, will handle this effort.
Anyone interested in a purchase please contact her.
When I (editor) consulted with the cemetery again this year it was
learned the value of each plot has increased to $995.00 plus a $100.00
transfer fee. However, it has been decided, anyone in our extended
Family and/or reading this N/L may purchase one or more plots for
$600.00 each to include the transfer fee.
When a plot is sold each of the O-10 must sign and authorize the sale.
At that time, should they so desire, they may request their share of
the proceeds. However, it is hoped most will wave their share and allow
the monies to be deposited into our Farrar Family Reunion Fund account.
Keep in mind a plot owned here is transferable (swapped) for a plot
in
most any other cemetery now or in the future. This could be a real
bargain for you.
AN INSPIRING VISIT
Mary Matilda (Willman) Schwend, lovingly called Aunt Tilly. Widow of
Nelson Schwend. Only child, Laverne, deceased. Now 96. Confined to an
elder-care. Last surviving member of our Mother’s generation.
Only recently learning she yet lived, Barbara Williams, Springfield,
IL. and I (Editor) visited on 15 July. Neither had seen her for about
20 years. We found her sitting in the lounge, alone, and only an hour
early awaiting the call to lunch. Amazed by our surprised and
unscheduled visit, but upon explaining, she had immediate recall. She
knew who we were! Her mind, when stimulated, is agile. There were many
remembrances during our short stay.
This is a neat, organized, well run and well staffed facility with
numerous activities. Aunt Tilly has her private room. She is healthy
and mostly self-sufficient. However, rapidly losing her eyesight she
can no longer sew, read, nor watch TV. Her days drift slowly. Helen,
her daughter-in-law, does visit quite regularly.
She was so happy to see us! She told us, “You’ve made my day”! Upon
departing Aunt Tilly hugged clingingly and said, “Now I can go happy
anytime”! Not only did we warm her heart... but also our own. You may
do the same. Send her a card, a note, a letter, a call, a flower: Mrs.
Tilly Schwend, c/o St. Joseph’s Home, Rm 9, 2223 W. Heading Ave,
Peoria, IL 61600. PH: 309-673-7425.
BY-LAWS
Those not having a copy may obtain one by sending an SASE legal size
envelope to our President or to your editor. (Or copy the by-laws by
accessing the Farrar Family Reunion, Inc. Web page on the internet at:
http://home.pacbell.net/rfarrar/corp.html).
FISH FRY
Gary & Nancee Lehnhoff, New Cambria, MO, plan a fish fry for all of
us during our Reunion 1999!! They will provide and fry the cat fish. So
come hungry. You won’t even have to wet a line.
NEWS of NOTE
Cynthia Wallace, Albertville, AL, granddaughter of Celeste (Farrar)
McNaron, eldest sister of our Grandfather Lewis Tillman Farrar, resides
in a home she and her husband, David (deceased), had built on a lot
previously owned by our Grandfather. This information discovered by our
dear cousin Carleton Wright, Columbia, TN, in her on-going research.
Your editor visited with Harold & Mary Johnson, Ft. Dodge, IA,
very
close friends of our Dad and Pauline. We visited the nearby Grotto of
the Rocks. A 40 foot high, handmade mountain with 37 caves, each with a
religious theme, entirely constructed of semi-precious stone, petrified
wood and corral. An amazing sight!
Also, a short visit with our octogenarian friend Lester Hage,
Sandwich,
IL, independent, residing in his own home, hale and hardy. A lively
conversation and fond memories recalled.
COMMENDABLE EFFORT
Last year it was suggested a hot water tank be attached to our outside
cookstove. Ron Farrar, Medford, OR. volunteered to have a stainless
steel tank with proper fittings and tie-downs fabricated. He did, and
brought it to our Reunion this year. This large tank will be installed
on our stove before our next Reunion. It will give us continuous hot
water for dishes, etc. This was a large, out-of-pocket expense for Ron
which he donated in its entirety to our Reunion. He is to be commended
for his excellent work and for his generosity. We thank you, Ron!
PICTURES
Jean Hite, Dripping Springs, TX was elated with
the pictures of our first Reunion brought by Nancee Lehnhoff, New
Cambria, MO. Others enjoyed them too. Some of the younger could hardly
believe they were looking at pictures and seeing some of the antics of
their parents and grandparents of 21 years ago. It was an eye opener
for them. Jean further commented that many pictures are taken each year
but not brought to the next Reunion for all to see. She feels, as a
result, we are missing a lot. Good thought. So take heed. Don’t
stash... share!
