The 52nd annual Spencer-Benham Reunion was held the first Sunday in July at Jordan Hall, Sterling, Illinois. Approximately 100 relatives gathered and enjoyed the basket dinner after which the regular business meeting was called to order by the President Dick Peterson. Everyone joined in singing the first stanza of The Star Spangled Banner followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag and the Lord's Prayer. After which the president gave a few words of welcome.
The secretary's report was read and approved and the treasurer's report read and accepted. Due to the fact that the historian, Oleta DePuy, was not present Dick Peterson gave a report on the deaths and births in the past year.
Five generations were present of which Aunt Myra Sarber was the great-great grandmother.
Oldest member present on the Spencer side of the family was Myra Sarber and Nora Woodin on the Benham side. Youngest member present was Karen Spencer, daughter of Wayne Spencer, he being the son of Adelbert and Bertha Spencer. Nora Wooden presented the souvenir spoon to Karen.
A suggestion was made at this time that anyone having souvenir spoons from former reunions, bring them for display.
A motion was made and seconded to have the next reunion at Jordan Hall. Motion carried. Frank Spencer was appointed to take care of the hall for the coming year.
Election of officers followed with the following results, Eldon Spencer, President;
Myrtle Spencer, Vice President' Helen Spencer, Secretary and Treasurer.
Julia Sword gave an explanation on the Spencer coat of arms. Suggestions were made to have replicas of our coat of arms made for of the booklets.
Due to no further business a motion to adjourn was seconded and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
The 53rd annual Spencer-Benham Reunion was held July 2 at Jordan Hall, Sterling, Illinois with approximately 125 relatives attending. The regular business meeting was opened by the President Eldon Spencer and everyone joined in singing God Bless America followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. A few words of welcome were given by the president, also recognizing members who had not been there for several years and urging everyone to attend as regular as possible.
The secretary's report was read and approved and the treasurer's report read and accepted.
In the absence of the historian, Bertha Spencer gave a report of deaths, births, and marriages of the past year. Once again everyone was urged to give this information to the historian in order to have our complete history.
The oldest member present on the Spencer side was Myra Sarber and Nora Woodin on the Benham side. They in turn presented the souvenir spoon to the youngest member-Michael Harold Spencer, son of Harold Spencer, he being the son of Bertan Spencer.
Motion was made to have the date of the reunion changed to the last Sunday in June as the date has been conflicting with the 4th of July holiday. Motion carried. Motion made that the reunion meet at Jordan Hall next year. Frank Spencer appointed to see about hall and help. Motion made that dinner be served at noon standard time.
Beulah Schreiner made a motion to have Dick Peterson get information on cost of having coat of arms made for the booklets and also the gathering of materials on the Benhams compiled for the book.
Mrs. Galbraith gave some information on the old powder horn carried by Michael Spencer during the revolution and showed pictures of the same.
Election of officers followed with the following results: President: Eldon Spencer; Vice President, Hallie Spencer; Secretary, Helen Spencer.
A very enjoyable musical program followed. The president at this time thanked the boys that brought instruments and urged each family to have something ready for the program next year.
Due to no further business a motion to adjourn was seconded and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
|
