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A Century of Reunions
August 2, 2009
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442
days left
until our celebration.
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The Allen Family gathered on the lawn of the homestead, located on Allen-Padgham Road in the Town of Farmington about 1912.
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The six children of Ellery G. and Jennie (Briggs) Allen always found time to return to the homestead in Farmington, New York to celebrate the birthday of their mother in early August. In 1910 the children formalized these gatherings into the Allen Family Reunion, meeting on the first Sunday of every August. Jennie Allen died in 1918, but that did not stop the children, their children and grandchildren from continuing the tradition. On August 2, 2009 the Allen family will once again gather to commemorate the birth of Jennie Briggs Allen and to mark the 100th Allen Family Reunion.
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MINUTES OF 2007 ALLEN REUNION
The Allen Family met on Sunday, August 5, 2007, at the Farmington Friends Church for its 98th Family Reunion. After the usual sumptuous meal, the family meeting was called to order by David Allen, President. Minutes of the 2006 meeting were read and approved. Family statistics were shared. Deaths since we last met included two of the original "first cousins" - the grandchildren of Ellery G. and Jennie Allen. Dorothy Allen Lewis, daughter of Charles E. and Dorothy (Engert) Allen died on 1 Sept 2006, at the age of 91. Nelson Bowen Allen, son of Lewis F. and Marion (Hoag) Allen died on 14 Mar 2007, at the age of 93.
The family is pleased to welcome two new members to the family - Luke Vincent Garlipp and his twin brother Wyatt Lon Garlipp, were born on 17 July 2007 to Jared Garlipp and Mary Alice Allen. Mary Alice (also a twin) is daughter of William and Mary Alice (Walters) Allen. Bill and Mary Alice live in the Allen family homestead - the fifth generation to occupy the house.
There was one marriage to report - Scott Allen, son of Ken and Mary Ann Allen, married Kira Baransk on 10 Mar 2007.
The main topic for the meeting was the celebration of the 100th Allen Family Reunion, being planned for August 2, 2009! The planning committe had met prior to the lunch and reported the following:
David Allen has set up a website which he hoped would become a communication tool to pull together the widely dispersed descendants of Ellery G. and Jennie Allen.
Those attending were encouraged to share the website address with their family members and to become part of the website by adding family photos and family information.
The committee recommended that the 2009 reunion be held at the Farmington Friend's Church and that if necessary we set up a tent on the grounds for any overflow that may occur. It was also suggested that instead of relying on family members to bring a dish to pass, that we would investigate having the event catered. Those attending the meeting agreed to these suggestions.
One concern expressed by several in attendance was how do we attract the younger members of our family to attend. It was suggested that a children's committee be established to develop special programs.
Programs for the adults were also discussed. Lee Hawkins suggested that we consider putting on a skit to re-enact one of the early reunions. Other suggestions included producing a booklet on the reunions and updated family information; a family cookbook; tours of the homestead. The Planning Committee will continue to work on these ideas and as it gets feedback from the family (via website, etc.) will put together a plan of action.
Officers for next year: David Allen, Pres.; Ken Allen, V.P.; Marjory Allen Perez, Sec. Family agreed to meet in 2008 on the first Sunday of August at the Farmington Friend's Church. Meeting adjourned at 3:15 pm.
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