BIG Genealogy news!
March 14, 2003 Through a series of accidents, some diligent research, and a bit of luck, I'm happy to report the successful conclusion to a two year long search for the descendants of Elizabeth Maria Whitmore - Elizabeth Whitmore Swisher's daughter from her first marriage. As a half sister to Benjamin and Elizabeth Swisher's children, she was deeply loved and an integral part of the family, but nothing had been passed down about her descendants since the turn of the century (that's the 20th century!), and so it became a personal challenge to me to find them and bring them back in touch with the Swishers. Last week, in response to a letter I had sent in February, I got a phone call from Charles "Bud" Van Hecke in Minnesota. He is Elizabeth Maria's great grandson. We talked for a long time, confirmed the family connections and he filled me in on details of the family history. I'm thrilled to report to you that he and his wife will be attending the Reunion as representatives from Maria's side of the family! We will now have representatives from each of Benjamin and Elizabeth's children at the Reunion. To see the updated history of Elizabeth Maria Whitmore's family click here.

Second Mailing set to go!
Mar 17, 2003 The second mailing went out in the mail today! If you didn't receive a first mailing or if you find your name on the lost list on the front page, please EMAIL ME as soon as possible so we can get you into the database. This mailing is very important, so you don't want to miss it! Included in the packet will be information on hotels/cars/flights, maps, a schedule of activities, a couple of questionnaires and most important, a form for ordering your tickets.

Reunion Store makes its debut
At the top of the page you'll see a link to the brand new Reunion Store. When you click it, the store will open in a new window. We think we've got some great items that you'll want to purchase for the reunion, and for gifts for those in your family who aren't able to come. The sales of these items help to pay for Reunion expenses, so by purchasing at the store, you're helping us to build a better Reunion for all of us! Our markup is very small in order to keep the prices low for everyone. So buy early and often. (Your online purchases are secure, and there is a money back guarantee.)

2002 News

First Mailing!
The first mailing went out to everyone I have in the database so far. Over one hundred letters with return postcards so we can start to get an initial headcount. If you didn't get one, please email me. If you did get a letter and haven't returned your postcard, please do. Your response will help us in our planning. Look for another mailing after the first of the year with details of hotels, car rentals, events and other information.

Time in a bottle
One interesting note that I discovered in my research and that has been confirmed by others is that there is a time capsule that was buried during the town's founding. This will be opened at the Centennial Celebration. HOW EXCITING IS THAT???

Town Web Site and the Centennial
Jean English, who sent the photos you see in the Swisher slideshow writes that Swisher now has a web site. You can find it by clicking here. It's still under construction, so check back as they get new things up there. She also had a good suggestion for a venue for reunion activities, so I'm checking into that too. The Centennial committee is beginning fundraising for Centennial activities. They plan to sell Swisher items (mugs, hats, etc.) with the new town logo on them. Just as soon as I find out where you can buy these, I will put that information up here.

Road Trip!
If you haven't yet checked it out, read the report about our road trip to Swisher. We had a ball!

Dance-Mor Ballroom
8.29.02 I spoke to the owner of the Dance-Mor this morning and we are all set to use this beautiful old (1929) ballroom in the heart of Swisher for our opening ceremonies and get acquainted night. We had the pleasure of touring the building while we were there and the joyful memories that fill the room are enough to give you goosebumps. We will add our own happy memories to the historic old place next summer.