Farrar Island Rendezvous 1998!
We went! So did many others! Back to our roots! Back to where our immigrant grandparents, William and Cecily, started it all! ... on this very “Island” near Jamestown in the early 1600’s! From here we all descend! We walked where our forefathers walked!
Here cousins met cousins for the first time. common interests were shared. “Family” took on a greater meaning. These are the times that bind.
From the many positive comments all were genuinely pleased to have taken advantage of this opportunity and suggested more such activities in the future. great idea! Expect it!
Because of the interest and enthusiasm of all participants our three day Rendezvous and planned program went off like clockwork. Still there was time for individual interest and activities. Some took side trips to other points of interest. Meals were shared. Some gathered evenings in the motel coffee lounge for conversations and games. We even held a business meeting where much was accomplished.
Our time at the Henrico Historical Park on the “Island” was fulfilling. Sunday, Public Day, with live, in costume impersonations of early lifestyles; staged skits; bivouacked soldiery; marching fife and drum; live (blank) fire; an execution; good food; and much more, was of interest to most. Monday, when the Park is normally closed, it was open just for our group. Tuesday morning we toured the Berkely Plantation on the James; in the afternoon, Old Jamestown.
Monday evening was a very special occasion when we experienced true southern hospitality. Our new-found cousins Gil and Louise Shockley presented our group with a lawn party at their home in Richmond. The drinks flowed and their board was heavy. This was indeed a gala event enjoyed and greatly appreciated by all.
Henricus Foundation representatives and Park personnel were elated with our group and rendered every assistance. Monday morning during our private day at the Park we were greeted by Pauline Mitchell, Foundation Secretary; Phil Pedlow, Resource Development; Dr. Dennis A. J. Morey, Chairman: Historical Research; and Walter K. Heyer, Park Director.
Pauline Mitchell, among other remarks, congratulated us for being the first group of descendants to hold a reunion on the “Island” since the dedication of the Park twelve years ago. Fantastic! Another first!
While seated on benches under tall, leafy trees near the monuments and overlooking the old James, Dr. Morey, an excellent speaker and story teller, told us of the early history of the “Island”. A true learning experience. Then Mr. Heyer explained the current progress and future plans of Park development. Afterwards, the Visitor’s Center was toured and many purchases of books of interest, souvenirs and mementos made.
Everything considered we believe the Henricus people were as impressed with us as we were with them, and the Park. The Park! To encompass the entire 800 acres of the “Island”. What better way for preservation and usage of Farrar’s Island into perpetuity! We could not be more pleased.
Business Meeting: Main item of note: The Farrar Island sign. Gil Shockley and Joe Farrar were appointed a Committee of Two to finalize this project. This sign will be obtained through the State Highway Dept. It will be of heavy metal (practically indestructible) set in concrete on the State Road near the entry to the Park. Pauline Mitchell is working on the wording now. When the wording meets our Board’s approval Pauline will walk it through for us. This sign will cost, plus or minus, $1,300. When the cost is firm we will ask for donations. Then, sometime after the sign is erected, we will hold another Rendezvous to dedicate our sign.
As you who donated are aware, the floral centerpiece for the Shockley’s table was never delivered. Subsequently, and following up, our President, Barbara Williams, had a Fall floral arrangement sent in it’s place.
I take this opportunity to thank you all for your respectful, kind and thoughtful gift for my meager efforts. It was truly a surprise. Those back pages full of your thanks, complements and signatures will be forever cherished. And what an apropos title... The Virginia Adventure. It truly was! All of you made it so. Again, “Thank You”!
Who went? Let’s see, there was: Bill & Betty Farrar, Marceline, MO; Bob & Gerdie Farrar, Mammoth Spring, AR; Dick Farrar, Sr., Villa Ridge, MO; Jean Hite, Dripping Springs, TX; Barbara Williams, Springfield, IL; Ron Farrar, Medford, OR; Randy Farrar, San Diego, CA; Karen Jones, Blanco, TX; Doug & Patty Williams, & daughter Aspen, Rochester, IL; Tom & Virginia Farrar, Rocky Gap, VA; Kathy Farrar, St. Louis, MO; Gene Farrar, Virginia Beach, VA; Cynthia Wallace, Albertville, AL; Margaret Bargatze, Richmond, VA; Frank & Jackie Coppage, La Fayette, GA; Carleton Wright, Columbia, TN; Leigh Ann Haddock, Columbia, TN; Jill Vogel, Belleville, IL; Max & Pat Garmon, & daughter Shanda, Escondido, CA; Jerry Sander, Idaho Springs, CO; Elise Heald, Kirkwood, MO; Bill & Helen Viegel, Wilminton, OH; John & Sara Young, Bakersfield, CA; Roy & Frances Cook, Martindale, TX; Bettye Thomas, Smithfield, VA; Doug Farrar & sons Joey & Ben, Chester, VA; Gil & Louise Shockley, Richmond, VA; Joe Farrar, Aguanga, CA.