The 103rd annual Spencer Benham family at Schell Park in Milledgeville, Sunday, June 10. The reunion brings together descendants of Naaman and Diantha Benham Spencer and is one of the oldest family reunions in the state of Illinois. It is one of the few reunions chartered by the state, the charter having been granted on Oct. 12, 1921.

Approximately 90 relatives and friends gathered together and the afternoon started with a potluck dinner. After dinner the family gathered for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing "God Bless America" led by the reunion president, Ralph Witt of Elmhurst. One of the annual highlights is the presentation of the reunion spoon by the oldest member present to the youngest member present. This year the event was even more special because the oldest member present, Mrs. Myrtle Spencer of Rock Falls, presented the spoon to the youngest member present, her granddaughter, Mari Beth Garland, born on May 2, 1973, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Garland of Sterling. Mrs. Carol Garland is the daughter of Myrtle Spencer. Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Garland and Mari Beth are descendants of both the Spencer and Benham families. Mr. and Mrs. Earl Ruby of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, were being presented with a gift for being the descendants who had traveled the farthest.

The officers were retained for next year. They are: President, Ralph Witt; vice president: Mrs. Dorothy Bruns of Kent, vice president and secretary-treasurer Mrs. Judy Witt of Elmhurst. Games and contests were held for the children. Various family members who gave talent presentations were Mrs. Betty Scykes of Tampico, Miss Gayle Spencer of Rock Falls, Miss Teena Matuska of Thomson, Mrs. Lowell Spencer of Rock Falls, and Mrs. Vada Waites of Elizabeth. All family members joined in a sing along.

Next years's reunion will be held in Nim's Park in Rock Falls on the second Sunday in June. Family members are to bring their instruments for a family band and a square dance.