How You Live Your Dash

By Linda Ellis.

[This poem was written by Linda Ellis and a cousin, Glenn Ellsworth Ullom Hansen, a newspaper publisher in Rantoul, IL loved Linda's poem so much, that he added it to his wife's, Marguerite "Peg" Clark Hansen (1917-2001), funeral leaflet to be read during her funeral.  Here is Linda, reading her poem on a YouTube video.]

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend:
He referred to the dates on her tombstone.
From the beginning . . . to the end.
He noted that first came her date of birth
And spoke of the following date with tears,
But he said what mattered most of all
Was the dash between those years.

For the dash represents all the time
That she spent alive on earth. . .
And now only those who loved her
Know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own;
The cars . . . the house . . . the cash.
What matters is how we live and love and
How we spend our dash.


So think about this long and hard . . .
Are there things you'd like to change?
For you never know how much time is left,
That can still be arranged.
If we could just slow down enough
To consider what's true and real
And always try to understand
The way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger,
And show appreciation more
And love people in our lives
Like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect,
And more often wear a smile . . .
Remembering that this special dash
Might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy's being read
With your life's action to rehash . . .
Would you be proud of the things they say
About how you spent your dash?

Thanksgiving

By Sherry Clark Long

Uncles, aunts, and cousins,
Children by the score;
Pots and pans and casseroles,
Recipes galore;

Family members gathered
With happiness to share;
Someone telling tall tales,
Laughter everywhere.

A cozy fire to warm us,
Pumpkins picked for pie;
Neighbors and acquaintances

And friends just dropping by --

Today, we're celebrating
The bounty of the earth.
We're grateful for our blessings,
For life and all its worth.

Documents of Amos Tiffin “AT” Davis LaRue, Sr. Family

 A Work in Progress: It's like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle, fitting in one piece at a time and wondering at the lovely picture of our kin when they finally reveal themselves. 

Amos Tiffin "AT" Davis LaRue, Sr. + Sarah Ann Stroud = 8 known children
son of 
b. April 17, 1830 (Ohio) – d. April 8, l900 (Burr Oak, Jewell Co., KS)

Married on May 3, 1853
daughter of:

b. June 24, 1831 (Indiana) – d. August 19, 1891 (Burr Oak, Jewell Co., KS)



1885 Kansas State Census
LaRue, A. F. D., 54 yrs. male, white, married, occupation - farmer,
-----, S. A. 53 yrs, female, white, married,
-----, J. A., 21 yrs. male, white, single,
-----, J. E., 19 yrs., male, white, single,
-----, D. L. 17 yrs. male, white, single,
-----, S. A., 14 yrs. female, white, single,
Source: 1885 Kansas State Census, Smith Twp., Beaver Co, Kansas. 1 Mar 1885. Line #12. Retrieved from Ancestry.com
----------
1895 Kansas State Census
A. T. D. LaRue, 64 yrs, male, white, birthplace-OH,
Sarah ", 63 yrs, female, white, birthplace-IN.
Ama, 23 yrs, female, white, birthplace-IN,
Dan, 26 yrs, male, white, birthplace-IN
Ernie, 3 yrs, male, white, birthplace-KS
Source: 1895 Kansas State Census, Jefferson, Union, 1 Mar 1895. Line #7. Retrieved from Ancestry.com
-----------

1900 Obituary

A.D.T. Larue was buried in the Burr Oak cemetery last Sunday. He was 70 years old. The funeral services were held at the Christian church and were conducted by Rev. J.C. Walker.

Source: Burr Oak Herald, Jewell, KS; 12 Apr 1900. Retrieved from Ancestry.com

* * * * * * * * * *

LARUE

Amos LaRue migrated from Canada to Indiana. (Note: Amos was born in Ohio according to the above census record.)

He and his wife, Sara Ann had six sons that migrated from Indiana to Kansas where they more or less lost contact with another. Among these sons was Daniel, born in August 22, 1868, in Indiana. He arrived in Phillips County in 1898.

He was married August 27, 1898 in Stockton, Kan, by Judge Moore, to Deliah, daughter of James and Hester Ann Bailey, grand-daughter of Davis Morris, and great-niece of Robert Morris (NOTE: It is said by family tradition that she was descended from a Morris who signed the Declaration of Independence. There were two Morris' who signed the Declaration, a Robert Morris and Lewis Morris, but we have no documented proof at this time for either. )

Deliah was born March 15, 1880 (1879) in Stanberry, (Gentry Co.) MO.

Daniel LaRue was a mason by trade. He worked in the brick mill in Kirwin and in the flour mill.

Grace Wiley of Kirwin remembers the day when Ray LaRue was born: "Dan and Deliah came over to the farm for some straw tick to make a bed for the baby. It looked so funny because Mrs. LaRue had her bustle on backwards." 

Daniel died October 7, 1934, at Melvern, Kansas (Note: Daniel actually died in a Kansas City hospital due to a broken neck received in a car accident near Melvern.) and is buried at Waverly, Kansas. His widow died March 7, 1943, in Kansas City, and is also buried in Waverly.

Their son Ray moved back to Phillips County in 1957 and bought land in the Kirwin area where he now makes his home.

Children of Daniel and Deliah LaRue:

* Ralph was born in 1899 in Phillips County. He died in 1935.
* (Axie May 1901-1972)
* Ray was born in Phillips County in 1903. He married Abbie Bass in Hill City, Kansas on Sept. 11, 1925.
* Edith was born in 1905; Hill City. She married Russell Wells.
* Maurine was born in 1907 in Hill City (Menlo, KS). She married John Ullom.
* Pearl was born in 1907 (1908) in Hill City. She died in 1910.
* Harold was born in 1911 (1913). His wife's name, Nadine. (Harold's wife's name was Evelyn.)
* (Howard "Pete", 1913-2003. His wife's name was Nadine.),
* (Paul, 1915-1994)
* (Lily Marie, 1917-2004)
* (Lynn Kelsey, 1919-1987)
(Wanda Darlene, b. 1921)

Source: "LaRue." Submitted by the children of Ray and Abbie LaRue. Phillips County Kansas Settlers Prior to 1900. Phillips County Historical Society, Phillipsburg, KS, 1977.

* * * * * * * * * * 

 Children:

1.       Amos Tiffen Davis LaRue, Jr.

* * * * * * * * * * 

2.       Elizabeth J. LaRue (1856-1863)

* * * * * * * * * *

3.       Mary C. LaRue (1858-1861)

* * * * * * * * * * 

4.       John William LaRue (1861-1960)

STATE OF KANSAS @OFFICE OF PROBATE JUDGE OF SAID COUNTY

@COUNTY OF JEWELL

BE IT REMEMBERED, that on the 10 day of Jan. A.D. 1884, there was issued from the office of said Probate Judge, a Marriage License, of which the following is a true copy:

MARRIAGE LICENSE

JEWELL COUNTY, STATE OF KANSAS Jan 10th, 1884

To any person Authorized by Law to Perform the Marriage Ceremony, Greeting:

You are hereby authorized to join in Marriage John W. LaRue of Jewell Co, aged 23 years and Martha J. Elliott of Jewell Co, aged 23 years, and of this License you will make due return to my office within thirty days.

{SEAL} J. MacRoberts Probate Judge

And which said Marriage License was afterwards, to-wit on the 24 day of Jan A.D. 1884 returned to said Probate Judge, with the following certificate endorse thereon, to-wit:

STATE OF KANSAS

County of Jewell, ss.

I, Rev. J.W. Serz do hereby certify, that in accordance with the authorization of the within License, I did, on the 13 day of January A.D., 1884, at Jewell City, KS in said county, join and unite in Marriage the within named J.W. LaRue and Martha J. Elliott. Witness my hand and seal the day and year above written.

ATTEST: J.W. McRoberts Probate Judge.

---------------

JOHN WM. LARUE

John William LaRue, eldest son of Amos D. and Sarah Ann Larue, was born in the state of Indiana, February 21, 1861 and passed away at the Community Hospital in Beloit, February 10, 1960 at the age of 98 years, 11 months, and 19 days.

At the age of 17, he came with his parents, brothers, and sisters to Kansas where he resided in Jewell County the rest of his life, except for a short period of time in Smith County and also in Riley Co.

On January 13, 1884, he was united in marriage to Mattie B. Elliot. To this union were born three sons and six daughters.

Preceding him in death were his daughters, Mrs. Iva Rightmeier of Burr Oak, Mrs. Elsie Abram of Jewell and Lily dying in infancy also two sons, Clifford LaRue of Hiawatha, KS and Vinton LaRue of Lebanon.

Surviving are Rev. J.E. LaRue and wife of Bentonville, Ark, Mrs. Mae Bowman and husband Herb of Burr Oak, Mrs. Olive Lichty and husband Arthur of Mankato and Mrs. Etta Ward of Lebanon, a daughter-in-law Mrs. Alice LaRue of Hiawatha, KS, a son-in-law Albert Abram of Jewell, also 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In 1884, he with his wife united with the Christian church at Reamsville, Smith County, KS later transferring his membership to Mayview Church where it remained.

John LaRue was a farmer as long as his health would permit.

After the passing of his wife in 1925, he lived with his children then went back to his own home.

He was a man devoted to his home and family. He has lived in Mankato for a number of years.

Funeral services were held Feb. 12, 2 pm at the Kramer Funeral Home in Mankato with Rev. Charles Fitsgerald officiating. Casket bearers were Earl Mullins, Duane Spatz, Raymond Worick, Roy Reece, Ote Thompson, and Emmett Hoyt. Burial in the Greenwood Cemetery, Montrose, KS.

* * * * * * * * * *
 5.       Jacob A. LaRue (b.1863)

* * * * * * * * * *

6.       Joseph E. LaRue (1864-1887)

DIED.

AT Burr Oak, Kansas, Friday Nov. 18, of blood poisoning, Joseph E. LaRue, in the 23rd year of his age. Mr. Larue was born in Madison County, Indiana, and continued to reside in that place until July, 1877 when he moved to Norton County. In Feb., 1887, he came to Burr Oak where he resided to the time of his death. He was a member of the Free Will Baptist Church. His life was one of consistent piety and his death one of Christian triumph. His funeral took place from the Baptist church in this city last Saturday. Rev. McIntosh preaching the funeral memorial. The deceased left a wife and a small child to mourn ---- early bereavement.

* * * * * * * * * *

 7. Daniel Lewis LaRue (1868-1934)

See "Documents of Daniel Lewis LaRue Family" here. 

* * * * * * * * * *

 8.  Sarah Ann LaRue (1870-1952)

LARUE-MOON WEDDING

STATE KANSAS

COUNTY OF JEWELL} OFFICE OF THE PROBAGE JUDGE OF SAID COUNTY

BE IT REMEMBERED, That on this 18th day of December A.D., 1895, there was issued from the office of said Probate Court, a Marriage License of which the following is a true copy.

MARRIAGE LICENSE

JEWELL COUNTY, STATE OF KANSAS

TO ANY PERSON AUTHORIZED BY LAW TO PERFORM THE MARRIAGE CEREMONY-GREETINGS You are hereby authorized to join in Marriage, Linton H. Moon of Burr Oak, Kansas, aged 24 years, and Sarah Anna LaRue of Burr Oak, Kansas, aged 24 years, and of this license you will make due return to my office within thirty days. J.B. Dill, Probate Judge. {Seal}

And which said Marriage License was afterwards, to wit: On the 18th day of December A.D. 1895 returned to said Probate Judge, with the following certificate endorse thereon, to wit:

STATE OF KANSAS}

COUNTY OF JEWELL}SS. I, J.B. Dill do hereby certify that in accordance with the authorization of the within License, I did, on the 18th day of December A.D. 1895, at Mankato in said County, join and unite in Marriage the within named Linton H. Moon and Sarah Anna LaRue.

Witness my Hand and Seal, the day and year above written. ATTEST: J.B. Dill, Probate Judge.

Researched and compiled by Dolores J. Rush. Updated: 10/6/2019. 

Documents of Benjamin Franklin Berry Family

A Work in Progress: It's like putting together a giant jigsaw puzzle, fitting in one piece at a time and wondering at the lovely picture of our kin when they finally reveal themselves.

Benjamin Franklin BERRY (1841-1904) + Elizabeth MCCLOUD (1846-1902) =  10 known children
son of possibly a Samuel Berry. 
daughter of  George Washington & Eunice (Bray) McCloud, granddaughter of John & Elizabeth Polly (Page) McCloud,

granddaughter of Henry & Sarah (Sparks) Bray,

great-granddaughter of Peter & Unknown Page. 
Findagrave #153858541




----------
Quaker Record
Berry, Benjamin. b. 1841-4-28
& w: Elizabeth b. 1846-7-6
& ch:
Tacy E. b. 1868-7-30
Levitt L. b. 1871-7-14
Mary E. b. (?)
William W. b. (?)
Source: Pleasant Plain Monthly Meeting (A-B), Iowa. US, Hinshaw Index to Selected Quaker Records, 1680-1940. PPI, p. 26. Retrieved from Ancestry.com
----------
1880 US Census
Berry, Benjamin, white, male, 39 yrs., occupation-farmer, birthplace-IN
----- Elizabeth white, female, 33 yrs., occupation-housekeeping, birthplace-IN, father's birthplace-KY
----- Tacy, white, female, 12 yrs., occupation-at home, birthplace-IN; father's birthplace-IN; mother's birthplace-IN
----- Leavitt, white, male, 10 yrs., occupation-at home, birthplace-IN, father's birthplace-IN, mother's birthplace-IN
----- Marietta, white, female, 6 yrs.,  birthplace-KS,
----- Henry, white, male, 5 yrs., birthplace-KS,
----- Wm., white, male, 2 yrs. birthplace-KS,
Source: 1880 US Federal Census for 324, Strawberry Twp., Washington Co, Kansas. June 28, 1880. Line # 1. Retrieved from Ancestry.com
----------
1885 KS State Census
Frank Berry, 44 yrs head, married,  occupation - farming
Lizzie ", 37 yrs, female, married,
Tacy ", 16 yrs, female, single,
Levett ", 14 yrs. male, "
Etta ", 12 yrs, female, "
Henry ", 9 yrs, male, "
Wm. ", 7 yrs, male, "
George ", 4 yrs, male, "
Anna ", 1 yr. female, "
Source: 1885 Kansas State Census Collection, 1855-1925 for Coleman Twp., Washington Co, KS. Line #6. Retrieved from Ancestry.com
-----------
1900 US Census
Berry, Benjamin F., head, white, male, birth mo. Apr., birth year-1834, 66 yrs, married - 32yrs, birthplace-IN, father's birthplace-NC; mother's birthplace-NC, occupation-farmer
-------, Elizabeth, wife, white, female, birth month-Jul. birthyear - 1846, 54 yrs. married-32 yrs, 8 children-7 living, birthplace-IN, father's birthplace-VA, mother's birthplace-VA
-------, William, son, white, male, birth month-Dec, birth year-1877, 22 yrs, single, birthplace-KS, father's birthplace-IN, mother's birthplace-IN, occupation-farmer
-------, George E., son, white, male, birth month-Dec., birth year-1881, 19 yrs, single, birthplace-KS, occupation-farmer 
-------, Anna D. daughter, white, female, birth month-Dec, birth place-1883, 13 yrs, single, birthplace-KS, occupation - housework
-------, Nora M., dau., white, female, birth month-April, birth year - 1892, 8 yrs, single, birthplace-KS
Ray, Walter, grandson, white, male, birth month-Mar, birthplace-1889, 11 yrs, single, birthplace-KS, father's birthplace-KS, mother's birthplace-IN, occupation-farmer
Source: 1900 US Federal Census. District 0009, Township 29, Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. 16 July, 1900. Line #75. Retrieved from Ancestry.com
-----------
Obituary
Coffeyville Journal 
March 8 - 9, 1904

An old soldier by the name of Berry, living east of Parker, died Tuesday afternoon.

B. F. Berry, the old soldier who died at his home near Parker Tuesday, was buried Wednesday afternoon in Elmwood cemetery. Mr. Berry was 63 years of age and his death was caused by pneumonia.
-----------
According to William G. Cutler's "History of the State of Kansas," Parker, Montgomery Co, KS. was about a mile and a half south of Westralia, on the east side of the Verdigris River. It was begun about 1869 by D. T. Parker, after whom it was named, assisted by H. W. Martin and others.
For awhile, the town enjoyed a marvelous growth, having within a single year grown to a city of more than 1,000 inhabitants. However, the railroad decided to bypass Parker in favor of Coffeyville which was on the west bank of the Verdigris in 1871. Of the once flourishing city, only two or three buildings are left to mark the place where it once stood.
Source: "History of the State of Kansas." By William G. Cutler. Retrieved from website: http://www.kancoll.org/books/cutler/

* * * * * * * * * *
1. Ray BERRY

* * * * * * * * * * 

2. Tacy Emmaline BERRY ULLOM (1868-1937)
Tacy Berry Ullom's Autograph Album was of Burgundy velvet covered with red roses and blue forget-me-not illustrations.

1. Coffeyville, Kansas February 19th, 1893
May Thy Pathway bee strewed with
Roses bright and Thornless so the
End Then in Heven Repose
Forever is The Wishes of Thy
Father. B.F.Berry

2. Febuary, Sundy, 19th 1893
Dear Daughter
Rember me when far away
Rember me when near
Rember me when dead and gon and drop
For me a Tear.
your mother, Elizabeth Berry
Coffeyville, Kansas

3. 2th month, 1892
Rember me is all I ask for Rembrance is a daly Task
Thy brother, Gord Berry

4. Fiend Miss Tacy Berry April 25, 1891
Remember me when far away and only half awake
Remember me on your wedden day and send me a slice of cake.
Mr. John Gilbert

5. For my sister 2nd month, 19th
Length of Days and Prosperity
Will be the Lot of Him
Who trusts in the God and serves him
May the be faithful So
trust him is the wishes of thy Brother.
Henry R. Berry.

6. Coffeyville, Mongumery Co., Knsas
Febuary 19 1893
Dear Sister Rember well and Bare in mind
That a Jay Birds Tail Sticks out behind.
your well wishing brother. William Berry.

7. Feb 19th, 1893 Coffeyville, Knsas
From Ray Berry to his sister
When you see This just give yourself a kiss and think of Ray.
Ray Berry.

8. Washington, Kan May 9, 1891
Friend Tacy
Come back I long to Clasp thy hand and Press my lips to thine.
I hear thy Voice in tones of love and Still I call thee mine.
A friend G.D.M.

9. Rember me Dear Sister,
When on This Page you look.
Rember was your sister who
this in your Book.
Anna D. Berry. 2nd month, 19, 1893. Coffeyville, Knsas.

10. Dear Sister 3/21/1892
For you and I must part
Perchase too meet no more
But you and God shall Never Part
and pray. Tacy So gain that heavenly shore.
These are the best wishes of your sisters, Ettie,
Rember March 17, 1892, Sunday

11. Dear Sister 2/19/1893 Rember the trip to Coffeyville from Washington.
May your cares all fly away
Like Due Bee fore the Sun
and when youre nothing Else to do
Jist think ov me for fun.
from Brother Lewett Berry. forget-me-not!

12. Ever remember your Everdale friends, Stringtown, Kans. 1/20/92
Dear Friend, Five friends are like dimonds,
precious but rare
fals ones like autumn leavs found ever whare,
your friend, Nettie Pickett. I wish you luck in leap year adventures.

13. March 19, 1894, Streator, ILL.
Dear Tacy, May your life be long and deray
and its ending out of sight
foot it bravely trewa faithful, trust in God
& do the right. Your friend, Bessie T.

Her Recipes

* * * * * * * * * *

3. Levett Z. BERRY (b. 1870)
From Levett Berry to Sister Tacy Ullom
Dec the 23, Warner, Okla.
Dear Sister and family,

I thot I wood drop you a few leines two Let you know We have fo goten you We ar all well haaf Wite this fow lines real hes you will find you the Same We ar hauling Pretty Bad Wether Dom hir How fare Doo you Live from Oklane City We have Been think of Driving out too See you Som time next sumer Seem as thore We Dont over hear from you now tacy if you can Write git Same of the childern too write we here from nora once and a while how Wase your Crosfer When is the Best time too come out ther Nellie Wood Write But she is So Bisey hamt got time Well tacy this is the first Letter I have tride Write for So Long Excus Pore Wriring Leove too all Pleas write us know all of you are getting good By

from L.Z.B. and famly Warner, Okla Rout1, Box 38

* * * * * * * * * * 

4. Mary Etta BERRY (b. 1875)

* * * * * * * * * *

5. Henry Richard BERRY (1876-1909)

* * * * * * * * * *

6. William W. BERRY (1877-1935)

* * * * * * * * * *

7. George E. BERRY (1880-1931)

* * * * * * * * * * 

8. Anna D. BERRY (1883-1909)

* * * * * * * * * * 

10. Nora M. BERRY CLARK (1891-1962)
From Donzella Clark to Aunt Tacy Ullom
From: Return in 10 days                                        
Postmark: Coffeyville, KS.
To Donzella Clark                                                  
December 1, 1929, 1:30 pm, 2 (1 cent) stamps
1512 So Walnut, Coffeyville, Kansas
To: Mrs. A. Ullom, Elkhart, Kansas
Dear Aunt Tacy & all,

Mamma wants to know why don't you write to us once & awhile mamma never did hear from Laura after wrote card about you being bad off with that rupture of yours so I thought I write and see how you was I am in a hurry for I have to help with supper daddy is working every day we are all just fine are you folks all right & the rest to tell Hello for me tell Laura Hello is she going to school this year I am in the 7B this year like it Just fine lone walk though but going to get my education uncle Sid will be home Thursday. it is snowing here is it their we have rabbits write to us soon please excuse writing tell all Hello from us

your niece Donzella Clark
---------------

Coffeyville, Kansas, Dec. 29
Dear aunt tacy,

      I thought I would drop you a few lines to let you know we are all well. Hope this leaves you all well. We all was all sorry when we heared that Rolans baby died what seemed was the matter with the little baby. did you reived the card. We recived your cards. I got a lot of presents as alowing I got these. a box of staniory, two boxes of candy a lots of Hanchiefs some cards. 2. pair of stocking bottle of prefume some goods to make me a dress and a lots of other thing. Hope you folks got lot of nice things Why don't you ever write aunt nellie uncle levett and Delma stayed four days and they wasn't . . .

More to Read:

1. Ancestry.com
2. Clan MacLeod USA.
3. Dalton Raid -- Dalton Gang Photograph (small boy's face peering through the fence is Ray H. Clark). 
4. see all the BERRY and ULLOM labeled posts
5. "Walters, Sanders, Soots, Russell, Morphew, McCloud Families" by Mary Anne Walters. Rootsweb. 

Rush Reunion 2013

♪ ♫ ♪

 A Music Jam-o

By Mrs. Dolores J. (O'Neal) Rush, 2013.

In the little Ozark Mountains

Once upon a time-o

A fellow named William Jasper Sullens

Could play the fiddle just fine-o.

It is said he could fiddle the night away

And never repeat a song-o

His son Loyd Carl would accompany him

On his little banjo. 

Hymn-sings and bluegrass music parties

Were all the rage then-oh

And after a busy day of chores

Would make one's face grin-so.

How many songs do you know?

Let's stir up music jam-o?

Come to the Rush reunion; after noon

And doh-ray-me with gram-o!

 ♪ ♫ ♪

Rev. Alexander Sullens (1830-1905) +

Martha Ritter (1831-1914) =

|

William Jasper Sullens (1850-1929) +

Nannie Cyntithia Scrivner (1857-1901) =

|

Cora Lee Sullens (1875-1955) +

William Thornton RUSH (1874-1954) =

|

Nannie Marie RUSH (1909-1996) +

Ishmael Lawrence RUSH (1906-1990) = 4 children

 ♪ ♫ ♪

 

Spring Garden Cemetery, AA Hwy & Binkley (north of 54 Hwy), Spring Garden, MO.

 

Rush Chapel Cemetery, on Rush Road (south of 54 Hwy and southeast off 17 Hwy), between Tuscumbia and Mary’s Home, MO.

 ♪  ♫  ♪

Gathering the Generations

I found this little booklet recently while culling some of the books in our personal library. I forgot I had it. I could not find a publishing date anywhere in the book, but looks fairly recent. It's a little guide to help one plan a memorable reunion. Chapter contents include = Making a Master List, Family File, Teams or Committees, Reunion Notebook; Family Liaisons, Planning the Event, Family Poll, Public Sites, Lodging, Invitations, Feeding the Folks, Activities and Entertainment, Ice Breakers, Variety is the Spice . . ., Extra Projects, Gathering Data, Establishing a Tradition, Keeping in Touch, and Seeing You Again Next Year!

Since the beginning of the Rush Reunion some twenty odd years ago, we have naturally completed some of these chapters and moved beyond, but it gives me various ideas for invitation design ideas or activities that could be included in a future reunion.

And while I've got your attention, I just want to say that as the second Reunion secretary [the first was my sister-in-law], the directory I use to address the envelopes for the reunion notices still needs updating. Some of the older generation are graduating to heaven and the younger generation our son's age are moving out on their own and/or getting married. I NEED THEIR ADDRESSES PLEASE! Personally, I think it would be a nice idea if we could get a photographer come to the reunion and take photos of family groups for a directory like one gets at church. Would anyone like to be in charge of setting one up and letting me know in advance [like April for the following July], so I could include the information with the invitation? 

We also have several books published on the Rush family tree and inter-related branches [see the book list on the side menu of this blog] and David sets up a table every year at the reunion with info, the books and photo albums to pass round. He LOVES sharing family information. 

Our reunion planning committee was and is a loosely formed decision crew. One person, G.R., took charge of the renting the picnic shelter where we hold the reunion every year and still does. I remember some discussion about when to hold it and as most of the family were from the area and farmed, it was decided to have it after harvest in June and before the Missouri State Fair in August and the only open day then at the airpark shelter was on the second Saturday of July which has become the family tradition. He also puts an advertisement in the local papers for the reunion. 

After a few years, the city of Eldon, MO. began charging a low rental fee for the park shelter [amenities: natural air, level concrete floor, picnic tables, electrical outlets, playground, skatepark, basketball, tennis court  and a softball field, Johnny-on-the-spots, a pool, parking and getting to watch airplanes take off at the airpark] versus buildings with artificially cooled air. 

My father-in-law, N.R., paid for the stamps and stationery to send out the invitations until last year. I've designed the reunion invitations since I was handed the baton and stuff the envelopes, but I know my husband would appreciate help with the cost of the postage and stationery as we sent out approximately 150 invitations last year, give or take a few. 

Several years ago, another Mrs. Rush took on renting the park pool for a couple of hours near Reunion Day which is a much welcome, cool activity. I hope she continues with it. It's been fairly well attended. I know she would appreciate help with the rental expense as it's quite expensive to rent the pool for a couple of hours. 

We do gather the family together around several picnic tables loaded with a potluck dinner [that's lunch time for you city folks]. There are some excellent cooks in the family! There has been talk of gathering recipes for a family cookbook for several years and if you would like to be in charge of that, go for it! Just let me know, in advance of the reunion, so I can add it to the invitation.  

There are many activities in this book that give me food for thought. If you can locate a copy, perhaps this booklet can be a springboard for your family reunion too! See ya!

Update: Last year, in 2020, has been the first time since our Rush Reunion began, that we have canceled it due to Covid-19. May the following years be healthy ones!