April 2001 Newsletter

24th FARRAR REUNION

17 thru 23 JUNE 2001

This is your Reunion ... THE GATHERING OF OUR CLAN! ... Our week-long camp-out on our own Reunion facilities on Bob Farrars 200 wooded, rolling, rocky acres near Wirth, Arkansas, commencing on Father’s Day each year. ALL FARRARS’, FARRAR DESCENDANTS, FAMILIES, and FRIENDS most cordially welcomed!

Letter from our President:

Well! ... here we are again ... in the middle of winter as I write ... dreaming of Spring with the warm sunshine, flowers, and the Farrar Family Reunion.

We, the Farrar Family , are so very blessed. We have many exciting things happening. I hope you have your calendars marked for the week of June 17th for our Farrar Family Reunion and another gathering of the Clan with good food, lots of games and great comradery. Also September 15, 16 and 17 for Rendezvous II and the dedication of our Farrars Island Virginia State Highway Marker. I know JV has been working hard on the plans and I’m sure it will be an impressive ceremony. Dont miss it!

Likewise, Randy has been hard at work putting together the re-printing of Volume I of the Holmes Books of our Farrar heritage and history. The contract will have been let by the time you read this.

Remember! Next year, 2002, will be our 25th Reunion. Plans are underway to make it bigger and better than ever before. We want input on some of your ideas to help make it so. Share them with me. Then make every effort to attend this Special Event.

Some of our Work Day projects this year include putting pea gravel in the playground area; building a roof over the outside sink area; digging a drainage ditch from the outside cook area; installing the basket-ball backstop; relocating the tetherball game; relocating the clothesline; repairing and repainting the rest-room and shower door jams. Our annual Work Day is when all join in a labor of love to help maintain our fabulous facilities. We need your help and we count on you.

Join us! ...All Farrars near and distant, both geographically and genealogically, for this next gather-ing of our Tribe. See you then!!

Barbara (Farrar) Williams Springfield, IL

COMMITTEE REPORTS

History/Records: Reunion Home Page maintained and updated regularly. Book, Vol I, reprinting contract let. Books sales very good. Randy Farrar.
N/L & Genealogy: Mystery FLASH letter mailed. Rendezvous II Itinerary FLASH letter mailed. Much correspondence with new-found cousins being added regularly to M/L; currently: 200+. Joe Farrar.
Grounds Maint: Will prepare grounds on weekends before Reunion. Kurt Stanford.
Future Projects: Will assist with on site preparatory work. Currently determining best style roof for over outside sink area. Bob Farrar.
2nd Generation: Reminder letter for 2001 assessments letter mailed. Ron Farrar.

NEWS OF NOTE

1. Your Reunion President and Treasurer are now on the Internet with email. See Officer column

2. Mary (Arnold) Farrar, wife of Isaiah (Ike) Farrar, 170 Ike Farrar Rd., Shelbyvillle, TN 37160-5956, Ph: 931-695-5332, is still under therapy as a result of the massive stroke suffered last July. This occurred soon after the big Farrar Family Reunion they hosted on the huge Farrar homeplace in Flat Creek, TN on the 4th of July. Let us remember her in our thoughts and prayers. Let us also give her a big Farrar Shower of Love ... a call, a card, letter, bouquet ... do your heartfelt thing!

3. The position of Reunion Vice President, currently held by Richard A. Farrar, Jr., whose four year term expires this year, will be open for election during our Reunion Business Meeting. This position requires close coordination with the President; to aid in Reunion correspondence; to preside in the absence of the President. Lets have a few volunteers so we can have a real campaign and a fight for the votes. Show your eagerness to serve your Reunion!

4. Considering our Silver Anniversary, our 25th Reunion in 2002, an ad hoc committee will be established during this Reunion Business Meeting so it may coordinate, plan and prepare for this Special Event. Great things are expected to come out of this committee!

5. William (Bill) H. Schwend’s new book “The Schwend Family Tree”, first published in June/2000, is selling like hot-cakes. An additional printing was needed. If you don't have your copy yet call him at 314-428-4236 or email schwendw@juno.com.

6. Nancee (Farrar) Lehnhoff, New Cambria, MO, as her personal 25th Reunion project, plans a biographical synopsis of each of the O-10. This is a bold and courageous idea with our posterity in mind. You have received her request letter. Please heed while you are still amongst the living and send your information to her in a timely manner.

7. A proud new grandma ... again! Barbara (Farrar) Willliams, Springfield, IL. The gushing parents: Doug and Patty Williams, Rochester, IL. Their brand new son, Talon Patrick Williams, arrived 19 October 2000 and checked in at eight pounds, 12 1/2 ounces. Talons big sister Aspen is mighty proud of her little brother.

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS

FATHERSDAY: After breakfast: Flag Raising and Moment of Silence; Bob Farrar officiating.

MID MORNING: Reunion’s Annual Business Meeting; Barbara (Farrar) Williams, President, presiding.

MONDAY: Work Day. This is the day everyone lends a hand in the maintenance and repair of our very own Reunion grounds and facilities. For a list of the work to be done this year see “Letter from our President”. Kurt Stanfort, Cedar Hill, MO, will make numerous prior weekend trips down to rake and burn the deep cover of fallen winter leaves; mow, sweep, and various other jobs. Bob Farrar will also accomplish tasks that always must be done before the Clan gathers. Any volunteer help during these weekends would be appreciated. Some voices have already been heard. Dennis (Denny) S. Rogers, Bloomington, IL, who donated the basketball backstop and manufactured the up-right for it, will be down to erect it. Just Great! Another enhancement for our grounds. Gary and Nancee (Farrar) Lehnhoff, and Gary, Jr, New Cambria, MO, will be down early to help. Big Gary is now retired. Nancee is not. She still works her fulltime job; Homemaking. She will utilize her training to clean the pavilion, showers, and restrooms. The two Garys will fell a couple trees, saw, split, and haul for firewood; and other odd jobs. This editor plans to arrive a couple weeks early. Though somewhat beyond the capabilities of physical toil he is, however, a pretty good coordinator ... some might call it bossy. So, anyway, those who drive from home please bring tools: rakes (straight & broom), spades, shovels, hoes, hammers, screwdrivers, pliers, strong back. All material to do these jobs will be in place.

TUESDAY: Our annual canoeing of the Spring River. Bring sandwiches and your favorite thirst quenchers. Be forewarned of the ultraviolets. Canoes with lifejackets about $20 ea. Canoeists depart for the river right after breakfast.

EVERY DAY & NIGHT: Meeting & greeting; conversations; good eating; sightseeing; antique shopping in Old Hardytown, lake & river swimming; hiking; volleyball each evening; big bonfire each night; marshmellows; card & board games; camaraderie; lots of laughing and joy.

COMMENTS

PICTURES NEEDED: Many pictures were taken during the Dienst Recognition Ceremony last year. None have been received for our Photo Archives. If you have pictures of this event please bring copies to our Reunion or mail to the editor.

HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK ENTRY ROAD SIGN: Because no where in this area is the name “Farrar’s Island” mentioned, thereby unknown to the public and rapidly fading away historically, this editor has long felt such a sign should be posted at one of the two pullouts along this road. This idea has been broached publicly previously, however, since no research had been done it was never presented formally during a Reunion Business Meeting for consideration. Research was accomplished this past summer. The #1 signmaker in Chester, VA was consulted. For a state of the art, 4’X6’ sign, manufactured, erected, maintained, the cost estimate was $2,500. This information was intended to be presented to our Reunion this year. However, there has been a later development. In phone contact with Mr. Walter K. Heyer, Executive Park Director, this past winter to confirm the County had approved such a sign and placement, it was learned the Park and Virginia Power, together and for conformity’s sake, was on the eve of letting a contract of their own for signs along this road. Mr. Heyer generously offered to include our sign in that contract; estimated cost $500. This sign, although smaller, will conform to their signs and be erected at one of the pullouts. It will read the same as our Highway Marker except it was requested the wording “You Are Now On” be placed at the top. Because of the cost savings and the fact all signs will be in conformity; also because the Park will erect and maintain this sign, your editor jumped at this opportunity. This sign should be erected and in place before our Rendezvous II. Since this is not a Reunion approved project this editor will be responsible for all cost outlays. Of course, if anyone wishes to help please do. Make your check to the Farrar Reunion Fund and send to the Treasurer. Our Reunion will be credited with this project.

FINANCIAL ASSESSMENTS and DONATIONS: It has been recently called to our attention that many of our later found Cousins do not understand our method of financing our Reunion and Projects. A little history and explanation is in order. In 1978, niece Jill (Farrar) Vogel, Belleville, IL, made the first call for a week-long gathering of our family. Our Family consisted of the off-spring of Joseph Vernon and Viola Lillian (Schwend) Farrar, Sr. Most of these 10 brothers and sisters (5 sons, 5 daughters) came. Some had not seen each other in years. It was here these scattered families discovered such a profound depth of appreciation and love of Family we vowed to do it every year. The next year sister Jean (Farrar) Hite, hosted our gathering on her spread near Dripping Springs, TX. It was another grand and glorious shared time together. Here brother Robert L. Farrar, Mammoth Spring, AR, offered acreage on his place as a permanent site for our Reunion. Magnanimous! Yes, but ... it called for clearing an area and installing a few necessary facilities. Hence, money required.

The 1st Generation, the Original 10 (O-10), immediately assessed themselves $100 to be paid annually and in advance so materials, supplies, and required equipment would be available for our Reunion Work Days. We continued building and improving until we have the fabulous grounds we have today.

The 2nd Generation, children of the O-10 (there are 30 over age 21 today), assessed themselves on this schedule: Age 0-20: none; 21-39: $25 each year; 40 plus: $50 each year. Today, finished with our building programs, our grounds require continuous maintenance, repair, and replacement. It is an ongoing saga. Consequently, all the above assessments continue. As in the beginning, these monies are needed in advance, during the first quarter of the year, so funds will be readily available to purchase supplies, materials, and equipment for Work Day; as well as all the supplies furnished by our Reunion during our Reunion week.

All Others: Cousins, friends, interested parties, etc., are considered Associate Members. You too have an opportunity to assist in the financing of this Reunion, our activities, our ongoing projects, future Rendezvous, N/Ls and other mail-outs. You are encouraged to do so with a donation of $10 per year, or more as you see fit, to help further the cause.

Please make checks payable to: Farrar Reunion Fund; send to Treasurer.

BOOKS and TREE: Due to increased cost of printing and postage a sales price adjustment is required: Vol I, The Farrars Island Family: $40 (by mail: $44.35). Vol II: Some Farrars Island Descendants: $55 (by mail: $60.55). Set, Vol I & II: $90 (by mail: $96.75). Ten books or more: a 10% discount. Contact Randy Farrar (see Officer Column). The Farrar Tree: $20 (by mail: $25). Contact Joe Farrar (see Officer column).

HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK: This Park, on Farrars Island, is rapidly and progressively attaining their development goals to depict the historical significance of the “Citie of Henricus”, the second permanent settlement after Jamestown, built on this very spot in 1611. Completion date is prior to 2007, in sufficient time for Virginia's year-long celebration of their Quadricentennial. If you are not a member we encourage you to become one. Receive their Timely Tattler N/L. Stay informed of all this activity. Contact them at: PO Box 523, Chesterfield, VA 23832; Ph: 804-796-2672; Web site: www.henricus.org.

WELCOME TALON!!

Where did you come from, baby dear?
Out of everywhere into here.
Where did you get your eyes so blue?
Out of the sky as I came through.
Where did you get that little tear?
I found it waiting when I got here.
What makes your forehead so smooth and high?
A soft hand stroked it as I went by.
What makes your cheek like a warm white rose?
I saw something better than anyone knows.
Whence that three-cornered smile of bliss?
Three angels gave me at once a kiss.
Feet, whence did you come, you daring things?
From the same box as the cherubs wings.
How did they all come to be you?
God thought about me, and so I grew.
But how did you come to us, you dear?
God thought about you, and so I am here.
by: George MacDonald, 1884
(C. S. Lewis hero)

GENEVA FARRAR

It was mid summer in1985 and I was again on the road, seeking my roots, heading for Cave Springs, in NW Ark. Pulling into town I turned right to follow the route. In less than a minute I was on the edge of town again. Spying an old gentleman relaxing in the shade beside a gently flowing stream, I pulled in for directions. “Sure!”, he said, “Just fol-low the creek”. Chortling at his own joke he soon had me going down rocky, dusty back roads in the right direction. Geneva, seeing me pull up, was at the door with a big, friendly smile. When she heard “Farrar” her smile broadened even more and, eyes asparkle, it was a hearty, “Well come on in Cousin!”. With a welcome like that this was truly a rewarding occasion of two new-found cousins discovering and learning of their close Family ties. Until the end I visited with Geneva for a day or two most every year since.

Geneva Bethel Creek, a child of the Depression, married E.P. (no first nor middle name) Farrar in 1941. They had six children: Russell Hayden, Anthony Earl, Charlotte Jewelene, Jerry Wayne, Vernon Ray, and Bruce Kevin. Together they owned, lived on, and worked the old homeplace that had been homesteaded by E.P.s GG Grandfather, John (Jack) Howard Farrar, of Flat Creek, Tenn. This hearty family eked out their existence and survived the heard times. Geneva, with an elephantine memory and full of family lore was a great story teller and told many a happy and sad tale of those times. E.P. died in 1972. Their first born, Russell, in 1980. This close-knit family has long celebrated their Family Homecoming on Memorial Day each year. This millennialistic Matriarch, with a heart of love, reared her brood in Gods Law and, with a strong arm and a mighty hand, ruled her tribe to the very last. As reported in a previous N/L, Geneva went to her final sleep 3 October 2000. This cousin will dearly miss our friendly, sharing, and close times together.
Joe Farrar

A THOUGHT

You never know how much you really believe anything until its truth or falsehood becomes a matter of life or death. It is easy to say you believe a rope to be strong as long as you are merely using it to cord a box. But suppose you had to hang by the rope over a precipice. Wouldn't you then first discover how much you really trusted it?
C. S. Lewis

GWENDOLINE GARNER

Gwendoline Rosa (Wilkins) Garner, an avid gardener, executive secretary, and homemaker, a native of England and former resident of Cardiff, S. Wales, married during WW II and had made her home with her husband in the States since 1946, died Thursday, 1 June 2000 of multiple myeloma. This Randallstown, MD resident was 76.
She was born 14 October 1923 in Newport, Monmouthshire, S. Wales, educated in England and during WW II joined the Womens Royal Naval Service, serving as a WREN, Specialized Shorthand-Typist. While stationed in Bath, she met S/Sgt Wilbur “Bill” C. Garner, who was stationed in Warminster. They married and had their first child, Carol Ann. In February 1946, she and Carol came to America aboard the R.M.S. Queen Mary. They were among the first war brides and babies to arrive after the war. Arriving in Camden Station, Gwen’s first impressions were that Baltimore’s many sparkling bright lights were in such a startling contrast to the wartime blackouts she had become accustomed to, and that the city looked so much bigger than Cardiff. Bill had returned home from the European Continent six months earlier. Gwen and Bill lived with his parents for a year, after which they purchased their first home.They had two more children, Wilbur C. Jr. and Karen Lynne.
Gwen embraced life in the US, however, England’s tender land always held sweet and loving memories for her. She made many lifetime friends in every activity in which she participated. Gwen became an American citizen in April 1951. She was a lifetime avid gardener; worked ten years outside the home as an Executive Secretary; was a longtime member of the local Senior Bowling league. Her exquisite needlework was admired by all. Some are now family heirlooms. A tablecloth and napkin set won a blue ribbon at the Maryland State Fair. She took great interest researching her English roots and has lines reaching back to the 1500s. Genealogy was her prime project in recent years. As the years passed she enjoyed her family more and more -- and enthusiastically awaited the arrival of grandchildren and greatgrands. Gwen is survived by her husband, two daughters, son, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
sub by: Wilbur C. Garner
Randallstown, MD

This editor never met Gwen personally, however, she was an excellent genealogy correspondent and, as a friend, shared much of her knowledge. I could tell by her letters she was a vivacious, dynamic woman living her life to the full. Here are a couple tidbits from her writings: Her husband Bill’s line goes back to the Plantagenets too. Besides that, his immigrant grandfather, Richard Garner, arrived in Virginia, with his young son John, in 1636/37. We know the Farrar and Garner paths crossed back then because, as Gwen stated, “We have no idea as to the exact date when Richard Garner died except in Henrico Court Records for the year 1643 it is stated ‘John Garner, orphan, was ward of William Farrar’”. So our paths have crossed again.

GROW UP!

“How many times have you heard the comment ‘Teenagers have absolutely nothing to do?’ Sounds familiar, doesn't it? Now that I have your attention, let me introduce you to a quote by Philip Gilliam, a Denver judge. It goes like this: “’Go home! Hang storm windows, paint the woodwork, rake leaves, mow the lawn, shovel the snow, wash the car, learn to cook, scrub the floors.
“’Repair the sink, build a boat, get a job. Help the minister, priest or rabbi. Visit the sick, help the poor, study your lessons. And when you get through ... and not too tired ... read a good book.
“’Your parents do not owe you entertainment. Your city and village does not owe you recreational facilities. The world does not owe you a living. You owe the world something. You owe it your time and energy and your talents, so that no one will be at war, in poverty or sick or lonely again.
“’In plain simple words: Grow up. Quit being a crybaby, get out of your dream world and develop a backbone, not a wishbone, and start acting like a man or woman.
“’You’re suppose to be mature enough to accept some of the responsibility your parents have carried for years. They have nursed, protected, helped, appealed, begged, excused, tolerated and denied themselves many things, so that you have every benefit.
“’This they have done gladly, for you are their dearest treasure. But now, you have no right to expect them to bow to every whim and fancy, just because selfish ego dominates your personality, thinking and requests. In heavens name, grow up and go home.”’

sub by: Nancee (Farrar) Lehnhoff
New Cambria, MO