The 42nd reunion of the Spencer-Benham family was held Sunday, June 4, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ed Layton, in Milledgeville. Nearly 100 relatives partook of the bountiful picnic dinner served on the lawn during the afternoon.

Relatives were present from Polo, Milledgeville, Racine, Wis., Chadwick, Sterling, Rock Falls, Coleta, Rockford, Minonk, Hazelhurst, Eagle Point, Genoa, Forreston, Galt, Freeport, Oregon and Savanna.

Prizes were presented to the winners in the games, stunts and contests held in the afternoon, after which the meeting was called to order by the president, Richard Peterson, of Racine, Wis. After singing "America" and reciting the Lord's prayer, he welcomed all of the family and gave a fine talk on the family history.

The following officers were elected: Richard Peterson of Racine, Wis., president; Bertha Spencer of Rock Falls, vice president; Grace Spencer Peterson of Racine, Wis., secretary treasurer; Oleta Spencer DePuy of Sterling, historian. A tribute was paid to the deceased members of the family who had passed away during the last year.

Spoon for youngest member. A silver spoon was presented to the youngest member present, Fred Laurence Ulrich, two months old son of Fred and Margaret Ulrich of Rock Falls. He is of the sixth generation of the western branch of the family. The oldest member present was C. Sumner Johnson, also of Rock Falls, who was 80 years old last October. Mr. Johnson is a descendant on the Benham side of the family.

The following program was enjoyed: Orchestra music by Floyd Spencer, Wayne Spencer, Hal Spencer and June Fee, who played several selections. Events and incidents in the lives of the older members who settled in Illinois in 1837 were read by Bertha Spencer of Sterling. These are being printed in pamphlet form for the family. Mrs. Elmira Spencer read the published account of the reunion held in 1904. Other numbers were a song by Nora Irene Woodin; a reading by Gene Givens; cornet solo by Gail Spencer; song by Lois Jean Spencer; singing and tap dance by Phyllis Schreiner; duet by Beulah Schreiner and Fannie Yaekel; solo and dance impersonating Ginger Rogers by Carol Schreiner; solo, Wesley Woodin. The program was in charge of Beulah Schreiner, Bertha Spencer and Hallie Spencer.

The next reunion will be held at the old homestead in Eagle Point, now the home of Mildred Spencer.