The 24th annual reunion of the Spencer-Benham families was held at the Isaac Spencer homestead at Eagle Point, Illinois, August 24, 1922.

Fifty-four partook of the bountiful dinner which is always an important part of such occasions. A large bouquet of red, white and blue flowers was placed on the table between the two soldiers, Clyde Spencer of the Spanish-American War and Perymon Walker of the World War. The first reunion, was held, at the Spencer homestead, September 22, 1898 and Clyde had just returned the day before.

A large angel food cake measuring twelve inches in height was brought by Mrs. Frank Spencer and after a snap shot was taken of it, each one present received a generous slice. The cake was made by Mrs. Frank Scott of Galt, Illinois, and was decorated with white icing, and the words, Spencer - Benham, 1922," and were in red. After dinner the following program took place.

"Lord's Prayer," in concert. Financial report, read by the Secretary and Treasurer. A vocal solo, "Teasing," was sung by Oleta Spencer of Sterling, with Mrs. Beeler, also of Sterling at the piano.

Belva Johnson sang a "Lullaby Song," after which she gave the following yell: "Ki yi, ki yi, Yip skiddy yi yi, Wala, Wala, woo, wa (can't read the next two lines).
Fire-cracker, Sis! Boom! Bah!, Spencer-Benham Reunion, Rah! Rah! Rah!
Instrumental solo by Mildred Elsey. Song by Willis, Naaman and Oleta Spencer.

The officers for the coming year are, Frank Spencer of Sterling, President, Clyde Spencer, Vice-President, Mrs. Allen Elsey, Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Ben Duffey, Historian.

The silver spoon, which is presented each year to the youngest member present, was given to Wayne Arthur Spencer, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bert Spencer of Rock Falls. Wayne is a descendant of both the Spencer and Benham families. A history of the families dating back to the parents of Naaman and Diantha Benham Spencer, was read by Mrs. Ben Duffey.

The following song was sung by several of the younger members. Tune, "The Church in the Wildwood." "There's a home in the valley by the wildwood. No lovelier home in the dale. No place is so dear to our childhood. As the old Spencer homestead on the hill."

Chorus: "Come to the old Spencer Homestead. Come to the reunion each year. No spot is so dear to our childhood, As the home 'Uncle Ike' loved so dear."

"We will tell our children of our grand-sires, Who lived here in years gone before, Grandpa Naaman and Grandma Diantha, And the family the raised here long ago.

"Tell them of their love for all nature. For the birds and the bees and the flowers, Of their care for every living creature and their "Universal Faith in our God."

In 1921 a memorial service was held in place of a reunion, owing to so many deaths in the family. Among those who passed away was "Uncle Ike Spencer," the last one of Naaman and Diantha Spencer's children, Clyde Davison, who had been elected President of the Society, and Henry Elsey, who had worked so long and faithfully as Secretary and Treasurer and in writing the history of the families, that the youngest generations may know something of their ancestors. Five others had also died during the year. Since the memorial service there has been four deaths, Fred Booth of Aurora, Willis Davison of Eagle Point, Esther Woodin of Iowa, and John Zuck of Mt. Carroll.

After the program the time was spent in visiting and looking at old photos and relics that had belonged to the Spencers in days gone by. Forty-two remained for supper before leaving for their homes.

***From 1922 until 1932 there were two separate reunions held. In 1922 the second reunion met at Elmer Case home. Youngest member present was Kathryne Lavon Schreiner. [Editorial note: later notes have the youngest member present named Kathryn Layton Schreiner Strauch.]
(Additional information from Judy Witt )