Family reunions have been on going in our family for a long time. When my father's parents were still living, we would all gather together at the home place (the head of Lick Creek in Wayne County) on the Sunday closest to my grandfather's birthday - August 11. Some might ask why go with Pappaw's birthday and not Mammaw's - the reason was that her birthday was March 31 - a little too cold for an outside family gathering!! Besides, many members of the family could take their vacations around that time and come to WV. My grandparents' seven children, their spouses, children, and grandchildren all gathered together bringing covered dishes (all home-made) for a day of catching-up with what had happened to everyone over the course of a year!
This particular reunion I remember well - I was sent up to Mammaw and Pappaw's to help my aunts get the house ready for company!!! Boy, did they have my hands in hot soapy water - cleaning anything that needed cleaning!! It was tough when you are a kid and had to help, but now they are really fond memories. When I really think back, I had a blast with my aunts!
The Whitman's - Mom's father's side also had family reunions as well! This reunion was in the middle of July. Granny Polly's children - she was the aunt that raised Mom - would gather together at the home place on Crooked Creek in Logan County, WV. Granny had eleven children and Mom made number 12!!! Sadly, two of those twelve had already passed away. We had a great time with our Logan county family as we did with our Wayne County family.
Mom's mother's maiden name was Fowler. They were also from Logan County. Most of them were born and raised in Chapmanville. I remember as a kid, we would stop and see Aunt Ette, Abby, Joe, Patty, and Ted. Some of the older girls - Jake, Madge, and Dianah would come and visit us in Huntington. I knew they were relatives, but I wasn't sure how we were related. I was older when I was able to figure out the family tree and which branch the Fowler side was connected. Aunt Ette and Abby have passed away, but Abby's children are trying to keep the Fowler reunion going. They always call and remind Mom when and where it will be so she can attend.
Mom is the last of her generation on the Fowler side of the family. It was so sad this year because Mom's sister, Aunt Olive had passed away in February, and one of the next generation of Fowlers had lost her husband last fall. Both were at the reunion last year. I looked around at those attending, and I am closing in on being the "older" generation. Mike and I wanted to make sure Mom got to go, so he cleaned up the van and we piled her, Meghan, Grant, and ourselves in for a curvy ride to Chapmanville! Bill didn't go, not because he wasn't invited, he wanted to stay home and go get a haircut and possibly mow the grass. We had plans to meet friends in Charleston and to have to car serviced on Monday and Tuesday!
Following are some pictures from our family gathering on Fowlers Branch in Chapmanville, WV.
The yellow house is where the "Fowler children" of today were born and raised. This was where we would visit Abby and her children. I remember playing under the big tree when I was younger! 
I caught Mom off guard! :) The house in the background right behind Mom's head is where my Uncle Tommy lived - he was Mom's middle brother.
Mom got so many hugs Saturday. They were all so glad she could make the trip. At 89, she was the oldest one there. Hugging her is Joe Fowler, the youngest child of Abbey Fowler.
To help take care of the family cemetery, which is on the hill behind the house, they have an auction. The gentleman on the right was the auctioneer - his father was one of those who had passed away during the past year, so he was filling in - as hard as it had to have been for him, he did a fantastic job!
Even though Mom couldn't see what was being auctioned, she was into the process!! She loved hearing the auctioneer and his buddy - even though she didn't bid on anything, she came away with a few of the prizes!
NO,this was not one of the prizes, but it was a hit at the reunion. This car belongs to our cousin Joe - a 1958 Corvette!!!!
I caught Mom off guard! :) The house in the background right behind Mom's head is where my Uncle Tommy lived - he was Mom's middle brother.Mom got so many hugs Saturday. They were all so glad she could make the trip. At 89, she was the oldest one there. Hugging her is Joe Fowler, the youngest child of Abbey Fowler.
Standing beside Mom are two more of the Fowler children, Jake and Bo (I just know them by their nicknames!!) :):) Joe is standing beside Mike.
To help take care of the family cemetery, which is on the hill behind the house, they have an auction. The gentleman on the right was the auctioneer - his father was one of those who had passed away during the past year, so he was filling in - as hard as it had to have been for him, he did a fantastic job!
Even though Mom couldn't see what was being auctioned, she was into the process!! She loved hearing the auctioneer and his buddy - even though she didn't bid on anything, she came away with a few of the prizes!
NO,this was not one of the prizes, but it was a hit at the reunion. This car belongs to our cousin Joe - a 1958 Corvette!!!!
I just had to get behind the wheel and dream!!!!!
Sadly, as the years come and go, we see that at each gathering we have lost some who were there the year before. The one thing we know for sure is that there will be a big reunion one day and regardless of what side of the family your are from, we will all be one family - the Family of God! Hopefully, those of you who have an opportunity to attend a family gathering will do so and cherish the moments for years to come!
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