The FARRAR Family Reunion, Inc., an Arkansas Non-Profit Entity, conducts its week-long, campout, annual Reunion, commencing on Father's Day, on our brother Bob's 200 wooded, rolling acres near Wirth, AR. We have our own established facilities such as an enclosed pavilion, flush toilets, cold showers, wood stoves, spaces for tents and RV1s (no hook-ups). Motels available nearby. Our Reunion is family oriented. It is for all FARRAR's, all FARRAR descendants, their friends, and any other interested parties. We welcome you all!
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:
Wow! What a fantastic Reunion. Did we have fun or what? It was the best. By my count, we had 89 people this year. That is the most ever. It was great seeing everyone again. The entertainment committee, Doug Williams, Darrin Rogers and Dave Farrar, did an outstanding job. They deserve a great big "Thank You". Besides the annual canoe trip, we had a volleyball tournament that was great fun. The craft projects got the kids and some adults involved. Thanks Patty Williams, I know you did a lot on that project. The Olympics and Treasure Hunt for the kids was really fun too, until we got rained on. The evening of music under the stars was super, thanks to Bill Walper. Boy, you really know how to work the crowd. And then there was the Fireworks Show! Thanks Doug, it was wonderful. Our souvenir of the whole event is a white table cloth that we all put our hand print on in different colors of paint. Wow, what a great idea. Three cheers for Bob! The new cook stove he built worked out really well. It has a lot more surface space for cooking. We put it to good use with the bigger crowd to feed. We had a good business meeting. Lots of cooperation and always someone willing to volunteer to do what is needed. We are incorporated now and have liability insurance. We are working on by-laws to be voted on next year. More and more of the second generation are getting involved. That is what we need and want. We, of the first generation, are getting older with each year. We need you younger folks to take on more of the responsibility to insure the future of this great reunion. The close family bond that has been developed through this reunion, getting together every year and spending time together, having the kids grow up really knowing their Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, is really something to be grateful for. We are quite unique and really blessed to belong to this wonderful Farrar Clan. Thanks to each one of you for what you do to make this Reunion possible. It can only be as good as what we each put into it. This family does not lack in ideas and ingenuity so I know the Reunion will keep growing and getting better.
A WORD FROM YOUR EDITOR:
Our fabulous 20th Annual Farrar Family Reunion is now history. As our President has indicated it was our biggest and the best yet; and the best conducted. We grow and we learn. And, with the maturity of our second generation and their enthusiastic participation and support we all come out winners with our future assured of continued close Family ties.
In a previous N/L I felt I had to mention a few "downers" that were being called to my attention; nip them in the bud, so to speak. This you did! With the attentive concern of all, all were resolved. I heard no disparaging comments this year; only rave reviews for a time of joy.
Now it is time to think and plan for our next Reunion. Our Board of Governors are working diligently doing just that. Enclosed you will find a copy of our proposed by-laws. Please review them and get your thoughts and comments to a Board member. We want to finalize the by-laws so as to vote approval at our next General Business meeting during our Reunion 1998.
Yes; there will be a "Work Day" next year. So come prepared. Now that we have so many facilities at our C/G preventive maintenance is a primary requirement. Our #1 project for this coming year will be our Pavilion. Nails are loosening on the tin roof so screws will be inserted; Kool-Seal will be applied; caulking removed and reapplied to all wood; screens repaired and/or replaced; the entire structure repainted. Bring tools: battery operated screwdrivers, hammers, nail pullers, scrapers, puddy knives, paint brushes, a strong back and a willing spirit, etc.
Our Board is also planning for daily voluntary crews of our young people for after-meal clean-up of our dining area and cooking utensils. This will require a couple of supervisory adults also. There will be a sign-up sheet. The line forms to the right; don1t be bashful.
Further Board actions and planned special events will be announced in our next N/L in April.
20TH REUNION PHOTOS
Our professional photographer, Ron Wood, is chagrined and profusely apologizes for the glitch that caused his inability to deliver your photos at the promised time. He said a new processor he attempted to use lost his order and could not, then, find the film. After much back and forth the film was finally located and returned unprocessed, as Ron demanded. About mid September the film was forwarded to his regular processor with expected return of the finished product about 30 September. You should have your pictures by the end of October. If not, contact Ron Wood: 870-257-4262; or your editor.
FARRAR FAMILY TREE
Our Historian, Randy Farrar, San Diego, has been able to reduce our Tree to a more manageable 21 x 61. This permanent black inked, readily readable, non-fading Tree is available for $15.00. If purchased by mail: $20.00
Randy is doing his part to keep our Tree current and available. He also maintains our Mailing List. However, to do this proficiently, he must have in-put from you. So please help. Advise him in a timely manner of any changes to your family, address, phone number, etc. your help is appreciated.
CAMPGROUND ADDITIONS
This year a semi-circular drive was cut in around our C/G. This facilitates down-loading of vehicles at "Tent City". It also provides for additional automobile parking. Also, additional clearing was done for RV parking. We just keep growing.
While everyone was standing around admiring Bob's invention, his newly designed and functional wood burning cook stove, someone came up with the brilliant idea to attach a metal tank so as to have a ready supply of hot water. Ron Farrar, Medford, OR, volunteered to have this tank fabricated for installation next year.
FARRAR FAMILY CEMETERY
Geneva (Creek) Farrar, Cave Springs, AR, continues to do an outstanding job maintaining our Cemetery on the old homestead grounds. The grass is mowed and trimmed regularly; the trees kept pruned; the fence maintained; the gate kept painted; the flowers she planted bloom in profusion. It is a beautiful, secluded, and restful spot. There are visitors, too. Somehow out of state descendants get the word and come seeking their roots. We are so grateful this cemetery, neglected for so many years, is now being so lovingly cared for and kept presentable for these visitors. From all of us, "Thank You, Geneva!"
The sad news is: Geneva suffered a heart problem this summer and, from all accounts, we almost lost her. It would be kind and thoughtful of you if you would reach out to touch: 870-248-1771; or drop her a line: 9660 Fair Lane, Springdale, AR 72764-8032. Geneva is a wonderful person; and she cares.
The good news is: Bob, Gerdie, and I spent a day with Geneva in late Sep. She was her bubbly self and seemed in fine fettle. Perhaps the worst is over. Besides taking in a couple of flea markets and lunch out, we also toured our Cemetery. Beautiful! A perfect picnic spot really.
RE-INTERNMENT
During out last Business Meeting the subject of joining the deceased parents and step-mother of the Original-10 in the same cemetery was broached. Linda (Farrar) Berry, Labadie, MO, has been working diligently compiling all needed factual information and cost factors. If not already, she will soon present a letter to the O-10 requesting their affirmative response. Personally I think this is an excellent idea. We already own the grave sites in Belleville, IL and, too, Belleville is a more central location for the majority of our Family.
C/G Preparation for Reunion 1998:
After lying mostly idle for a year there is always much work to be done readying our grounds for the influx of joyful Reunioneers. Work! Such as: raking and burning a year1s worth of leaves; mowing that large area and the entry lane; pruning trees along the entry lane so limbs won1t touch large RV's on sides or top; trimming all the other trees so the limbs are above our heads; sweeping out the pavilion and the bus; washing the tables and benches; washing and disinfecting the bus interior so as to be ready for food preparation; cleaning and preparing the toilets and showers; washing the cooking utensils and the silverware; cleaning out the cook stove, the firepits, and the bonfire ring; hauling water to fill the overhead tank; hauling and stacking firewood; hauling the ice for the icechest; hauling propane; plus many, many incidentals. Most of this has usually been done by Bob and Gerdie.
This year is different! Craig Dunbar, Hardy, AR, an entrepreneur in the tree trimming and landscaping business; also, Brian and Nikki (Dunbar) Gooch, Ash Flat, AR, have all volunteered their services to render all assistance required. Bob and Gerdie, your job just got easier.
Who Was Quanah:
Do you remember that poser a couple of N/Ls back? I was hoping some would accept the challenge, do a little research, compose an essay, answer the questions, and win the prize. I think I'm fishing in a dry riverbed. No takers... yet. So I'll drop a few hints and wait a little longer. The story starts at Old Fort Parker, less than twenty miles from Farrar, TX. His mother was Cynthia Ann Parker. Quanah was the last Chief of the Comanche's. The story ends at Ft. Sill. Was he a cousin? That's for you to determine and pocket 50 bucks. (That's dollars, not Indians).
FARRAR ISLAND RENDEZVOUS 1998
We're going! Do you want to go? Back to our roots! Back to where our forefathers tread! Back to land that was in our Family for four generations! Back to where our early English history was made in this brave new world. Back to Jamestown: 1607. Back to the "Citie of Henricus" on the island: 1611. Back to the Indian massacre that William and Cecily, our immigrant grandparents, not yet married, survived: 1622. Most of this predates the Pilgrims.
This 800 acre island is now owned by The Henricus Foundation of VA. As I've stated before, they are in the process of developing the Henricus Historical Park on this island. Some is in place now. There is a mile and a half nature trail along the James River that can be walked to the park, or vehicle entry to the paved parking area. The Visitor Center is now completed and open every weekend. There are occasional daily visitors but most days are quite and serene; except for special events. "Public Day" is a special event. It generates a lot of activity at the park. Therefore, because I wish to incorporate a more quiet day as well as a more active day at the park during our rendezvous, we will rally around "Public Day".
For our rendezvous a three day visit is proposed: 20, 21, 22 September, 1998. Start making your plans and arrangements now. Of course you may come earlier and stay longer. There is a lot of history and sights to see in this area.
Point of Rendezvous: The Fairfield Inn, 12400 Redwater Creek Road, Chester, VA 23831, Ph: 804-778-7500. From I-95 North or South: Exit 61-B, Chester, VA Route 10. Go west to first right (less than 1/4 mile). Denny's fronts the highway. The four story Inn is behind Denny's.
We have selected this Marriott affiliated, express style, Fairfield Inn, about $75.00/night, for its easy accessibility and nearness to the Island. VA Rt 10, running east and west through Chester, is a busy strip with numerous other motels, restaurants, fast food places, service stations, and many other services available.
Activities: Sunday morning, 20 Sept: open for church as you desire. Afternoon: visit the Island. Monday, 21 Sept: Public Day activities on the Island. Tuesday morning, 22 Sept: visit Berkeley Plantation; afternoon: visit Jamestown.
We will play some of this Rendezvous by ear so all may enjoy their time here. I could elaborate more except for limited space. For those interested please contact the Editor with your questions. Much interest has been aroused. So far, due to some advanced notifications, we have 15 excited and committed. This will be a GREAT Rendezvous!
This Rendezvous does not replace our Reunion. Our reunion will be held as always at the regular time and place.
Any and all interested in this Rendezvous... Welcome!!
FLASH: Marleen (Farrar) Bayes and husband Chuck are moving to Hardy, AR! GREAT NEWS! I understand Marleen is a buyer and seller of antiques. She will fit well in old Hardytown. Besides, it will put her close to some of her children. This I got from a little birdie... She can expect to be a Grandmother about next April!
Welcome Chuck and Marleen!!
Wanted: Family news. Get it to me anyway you can but get it to me. Share your Family news, happenings, and events. We're all interested in YOU.
NOTE FROM THE FAMILY HISTORIAN
INTERNET: We now have a family page on the internet. Those of you with access to the internet can access this page at the following address: http://home.pacbell.net/rfarrar
The page is under construction and will be changed, updated, improved and refined as I get better at this.
SONS/DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION: One of my goals as family historian is to assemble the documentation necessary for family members to join DAR and SAR. I hope all family members know that one of our direct ancestors was a soldier in the American Revolution, therefore we as descendants are eligible to join the two organizations. .
Membership requirements are that we provide copies of official documentation showing the lineage from our veteran ancestor to us. If anyone has any official documents or copies of this type of information: Birth Certificate, Death Certificate, Marriage License, Military records, etc. for the following ancestors, please contact me.
1. Joseph Vernon Farrar,Sr. (6/10/1903 - 6/28/1983) 2. Lewis Tillman Farrar (2/28/1874 - 7/4/1935) 3. Joseph H. Farrar 4. Parmelia Howard Farrar (1830 - 1903) 5. Jordan Farrar 6. John Howard Farrar (1795 ?) 7. Abel Farrar (1760 - 1849)
Thank you.
by Charlotte Dienst
The 20th annual Farrar reunion, held at the Farrar Campground west of Wirth, turned out to be a smashing hit, with the largest amount present, numbering at least 85. The first arrivals were on Thursday evening before Father1s Day, with the last leaving Thursday morning after Father1s Day. There were eight of the late Joseph V. Farrar1s ten children present, along with their families, cousins and other connected relatives. Joe Farrar was a long time resident of Ozark Acres. The youngest present was 3 1/2 month old Dusty Rogers, daughter of Darren and Tina Rogers of Bloomington, Ill. Father1s Day menu was steaks on the grill, baked potatoes, sweet corn, tossed salad and the decorated cake yours truly makes each year. They had playground equipment for the children and a volley ball court and this year had organized crafts on Monday, as well as a white tablecloth with 20th reunion across the center and all present put their handprint on it and signed it. Wanda Farrar1s brother came from Aurora, Ill. and set up music Sunday afternoon and evening. Kim and Karen Dienst brought a pet fawn, Stormy, which was enjoyed by the children especially, as well as the adults. At dark Monday a fireworks display was enjoyed by all, provided by Doug and Patty Williams and Aspen of Rochester, Ill. Various games, including cards, were enjoyed each night until very late. The newest campground addition, devised by Bob Farrar, is a huge iron stove to provide more cooking area for breakfast, especially. One of the huge stone fireplaces was removed and it was installed in it1s place by the door of the shelter and is under roof. Some of the group also went canoeing on the Spring River. The places they gathered from are Medford, Ore., Aguanga, Calif., Lafayette, Ga.. Dripping Springs and Austin, Texas; Aurora, Bloomington, Peoria, Springfield, Monticello, Rochester and Belleville, Ill., Labadie, Hillsboro, Villa Ridge, High Ridge, Cape Girandeau, Louisiana. Marceline, St. Catherin, New Cambria, Jackson and Overland, Mo., Hardy, Ash Flat, Williford, and Mammoth Spring, Ark. This was the biggest and most planned reunion so far, but I am sure they will be thinking of ways to top it next year.
THE HENRICUS FOUNDATION:
The Henricus Foundation is the owner of Farrar Island and the developer of Henricus Historical Park, now in progress. The "Citie of Henricus", named for King Henry, was the second city after Jamestown and built on this island in 1611. Here occurred a few firsts, such as: the first hospital, the first brick building, the first distribution of free land. Now Henricus Historical Park has its first executive director. Selected from a field of 30 applicants and a resume replete with historical park development, Mr. Walter K. Heyer, will bring this park to completion.
This past June the completed phase (phase 1 of 5) of the Visitor1s Center was opened (weekends only for now) and an 800 acre conservation area was dedicated.
The seven acre "Citie of Henricus" will be the major focus of the park. A watchtower, a small house and a portion of the fortress wall occupy the grounds now. When completed there will be dwellings, craft houses with blacksmiths and carpenters, and Rock Wall, the home of the Rev. Whitaker, the minister who baptized Pocahontas, daughter of Chief Powhatan.
Americas first hospital, Mount Malady, will also be re-created. This 40 bed facility marked a giant leap forward in health care: At the time colonists reached the New World, it was common in Europe for six or seven people to share a hospital bed, no matter what the disease they carried or what gender they were. At Mount malady, only two shared a bed.