October 2001 Newsletter

25th FARRAR REUNION ..... 16 Thru 22 JUNE 2002

This is for you ... 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:

I’m sure everyone who attended the Farrar Rendezvous II will join me in a huge ‘Thank You’ to JV. Once again he outdid himself in organizing three days packed full of fun, interesting and enjoyable activities, and another real learning experience.

The dedication of our Farrar’s Island Virginia State Historical Highway Marker (K-199) was just fantastic. Although it was a bit chilly, we all enjoyed ‘That Tattered Old Flag’ skit; all the speakers; the story of our learning about and then our discovery of Farrar’s Island, resulting in this Marker; the unveiling and the christening of our Marker; ending with the auction to help recover a little of the cost of this ceremony.

Our private time on Farrar’s Island included a very interesting and informative presentation on the ‘History of Farrar’s Island’ by Dr. Dennis A. Morey, Henricus Historical Park Historian, conducted in the auditorium of the newly completed Visitor Center Annex. Mr. Walter K. Heyer, Executive Park Director, unveiled a replica of the sign that will be installed along the entry road to the Park to help preserve the name ‘Farrar’s Island’. We were awestruck by the amount of work and research done in its making as well as its beauty. It includes a short historical synopsis, a map of the Island and the Farrar Coat of Arms. Dr. Morey then led us on a walking tour of the Park to observe and have explained all the new additions since our last visit three years ago. Development of this Park is making great progress and will be completed well in advance of its quadricentennial in the year 2011.

On Public Day the village came to life with people in period costume doing the chores of their everyday life back in 1611. Even Pocahantas was there. Some of us took a boatride through the backwaters of the James River surrounding a portion of the Island. Many lunched under the tall trees at the monuments on the high ground overlooking the mighty James. It was all a novel and interesting experience.

On our final day our motorcade visited and toured the 900 acre, working, Malvern Hill Farm. Here we learned much from present owners, Miss Julia-Meade Ferguson, Mr. Richard H. Ferguson, and Mrs. Virginia Ferguson Lyles, of its early history as some of Jamestown acquired land and moved further upriver; of events during the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars; and current history. Next, nearby, we toured the preserved grounds of the Malvern Hill Six Days Battle; a deadly but shortlived victory for Lee. Then we drove the full length of the Colonial Parkway to the battlefields of Yorktown and, on a ranger conducted walking tour, learned how our victory came about. This National Park has an outstanding museum also. This exceptional day ended with a delightful garden party at the lovely home and grounds of our new-found cousin, Deane Mills, of Newport News, VA; hosted by Deane and, another of our many cousins in this area, Margaret Bargatze, of Richmond, VA.

Do I hear cheers for Rendezvous III in the not too distant future? Barbara L. (Farrar) Williams Springfield, IL

RECAP

Our Reunion this year, again, though lightly attended (42), was highly successful and eventful. More came early to help in preparations. New visitors continue to appear. This year two brothers; both surgeons: Harold Burford, Sarasoda, FL. and Richard S. Burford, Fresno, CA; also Theo and Grace Case, Independence, MO; and Lynda Sleuth, Brookfield, MO. We welcome all visitors!

Jean’s skit ‘That Ragged Old Flag’ was an interesting added feature and well received.

Work Day was a big success. Much work was accomplished: The children’s play area equiptment, donated by the 2nd Generation, was modified for safety reasons; the basketball backboard and hoop, donated by Dennis Rogers, Bloomington, IL, was erected and installed; the steel hot water tank, donated by Ron Farrar, Medford, OR, was relocated and reattached to the cookstove thereby solving the steam pressure problem; a roof was constructed over the outside sink and dishwashing area to defy the elements and provide shade; the repaired coffeecup tree, originally donated by Jean (Farrar) Hite, Dripping Springs, TX, repaired by Bob Farrar, Mammoth Spring, AR, was reinstalled; a swale was dug to keep rainwater from puddling near the cooking area; the base of the tetherball steel upright was encased in concrete in an old tire for movability; the doublewide screendoors to the pavilion were repaired and adjusted. With all that accomplished we still finished Work Day early. Thanks to all with your eager hearts and hands.

Remember ... The maintenance, repair, and alterations of our C/G is now a fulltime Work Day project and chore. Any future ideas for additions to our C/G must first be presented during our annual Business Meeting. If approval is obtained that individual and/or family will be fully responsible for all cost outlays, construction, installation, and future maintenance.

NOTES FROM BUSINESS MEETING

Work Day: In celebration of our 25th Farrar Reunion there will be NO WORKDAY scheduled. Enjoy!

Parking: No parking of vehicles in the drive in front of the pavilion except temporarily for loading and downloading.

Photo Contest: To participate remember to send your best picture of year 2001 Reunion to Jean E. Hite, 1400 Loop 165, Dripping Springs, TX 78620-4726.

NEW EVENT

Leaf raking and burning. Check your calenders: President’s Day three day weekend, 16, 17, 18 Feb 02. These days have been designated for this yearly task. Kurt Stanford, Cedar Hill, MO, Grounds Maintenance Committee Chairman, will be at the C/G. Please, those who can, come rally round him with rake in hand. He needs your help. Many hands lighten the load. Experience this late winter gathering at our C/G. Beddown in your favorite sleeping bag or a snug motel nearby. Cook over an open fire or gather in a cozy restaurant. Be a participant preparing our grounds for our 25th. Your Reunion needs you!

CURRENT PROJECTS

Water: To ease our need and to eliminate numerous trips hauling water to our C/G, a 1,000 gal. tank/trailer is in the works. This project has been undertaken by Ron Farrar, Medford, OR, and Randy Farrar, San Diego, for completion in time for our 25th gathering. Currently it is still in the thinking, formalizing and drafting stage; but that is half the work. This project is on track.

Ice: Randy is also tying up loose ends to have delivered block ice for our icechest. Thus eliminating a last minute hauling job with a pick-up truck normally accomplished by Bob Farrar, Mammoth Spring, AR. At the same time he is working with the ice company for placement of an electric box at some convenient location, perhaps at the motel, to hold bags of crushed ice. In this manner a designated member, staying at the motel, could haul out our daily requirement for crushed ice each morning. Individuals needing crushed ice could make their purchases from this source. Anticipate these changes of convenience.

Recorder: In order to permanently record various portions of our Reunion activities, such as: business meetings, stories, tales, folklore, etc., electronic recording equiptment seemed to be in order. Ron Farrar, Medford, OR, volunteered to research the types and styles as well as the cost suitable to our needs.

Picnic Table: Last year, quite by accident, while having an exhaust problem resolved on her M/H, Jean (Farrar) Hite, Dripping Springs, TX, discovered picnic table legs made of properly bent new exhaust pipes. She bought a set and turned them over to Bob. Now Bob, in his elaborate woodworking shop, is busy constructing a long picnic table. This, too, will be ready for our 25th.

Research: During Rendezvous II and when visiting Malvern Hill Farm it was learned some thought the Malvern Hill property, now consisting of 900 acres but which at some time in the past consisted of 6,000 plus acres, and the Farrar property abutted, and with one or the other selling or buying to or from the other. Deane Mills, Newport News, VA, a Farrar descendant, also a descendant of the owners of Malvern Hill Farm, the Fergusons’, is very interested in this. She has volunteered to research the Virginia archives to see what she can learn. To assist her in this effort she has called upon an able and experienced genealogical researcher, another cousin, Kathleen Farrar, St Louis, MO, for her expertise. Let’s hope Deane and Kathy, working together, will have a report for us soon on their findings.

25th Reunion: Two ad hoc committees have been appointed by our President to plan and program special activities and entertainments for this event. Chairs are: Doug and Patty Williams, Rochester, IL, for the youth; Nancee Lehnhoff, New Cambria, MO, and Kathy Hahn, Brookfield, MO, for the adults. Your thoughts and ideas are requested. Contact any Officer.

Tree: Attention all the Original 10 and their offspring! An up-dated and current Family Tree is planned for our 25th Reunion. To insure all your family information not shown on your current Tree is included in this revision project please advise Randy via e-mail or snail mail. See Officer Column for addresses.

CANOE RENTAL

Price up-date for that annual float down the Spring River: 1 canoe & 2 people (children under 6 free; extra people $12 each). 5 mile ride: $24; 10 mile ride: $36; 15 mile ride: $48. These prices include the bus ride to the dropoff point, paddles and life jackets.

FARRAR’S ISLAND BOOKS

The reprinting of Holmes’ Vol I (200) has been completed. This year to date the number sold: Vol I = 24 ; Vol II = 23. Current prices by mail are: Vol I $44.35; Vol II $60.55; Set 96.75. (S&H inc). Remember: these books make excellent gifts for your family kin.; a stirring eye opener to their history and heritage. We receive many letters expressing deep gratitude for our Reunion keeping these books available. Contact Randy Farrar. See Officer Column for address. Make checks payable to: Farrar Reunion Fund.

TREE: So far this year only six Trees have been sold. This large 2’ X 6’ Tree, originally compiled by Dennis Rogers, Bloomington, IL, full of historical information, extends this line back to our immigrant Grandfather, William, and then three generations into England. It contains all the siblings of each generation. Anyone in this line can connect their tree to this Tree and have all this historical information. This Tree also makes an excellent gift. Price by mail: $25 (S&H inc). Contact Joe Farrar. See Officer Column for address. Make checks payable to: Farrar Reunion Fund.

HENRICUS HISTORICAL PARK

As a result of Rendezvous I (1998) and Rendezvous II (2001) many of our participating Family members were so inspired by the accomplishments, activities, and rapid developmental progress of The Henricus Historical Park on Farrar’s Island they opened their wallets to become participating members of this jewel in our heritage. All Farrar descendants can be happy and proud the ‘Citie’ of Henricus, the second city after Jamestown, founded in 1611, on what a little later, after the Indian massacre of 1622, became a part of the 2,000 acres deeded to our immigrant Grandfather, Col. William Farrar I, is now being reconstituted to mark this historical event. It goes even further, the remainder of this 800 acre ‘island’ is now within the Chesterfield Conservation District and is to be preserved in it’s current state. Many of us get the feeling these many dedicated people are doing all this just for us. A provocative, motivating, and stimulating feeling. However, in actuality, they are preserving and presenting a bit of the early history of many courageous souls founding a brave new world. Thus, in this manner, perpetuating our name and our small part in it.

Farrar Reunion, Inc. encourages every Farrar descendant interested in their genealogy, their history, and their heritage to do likewise. Become a participating partner. What your hands cannot do, let a little of your money do. Receive the quarterly ‘Timely Tattler’ newsletter to stay aware and abreast of this grand endeavor. Individual Membership: $25/yr; Family: $40/yr. Make checks payable to The Henricus Foundation and send to: PO Box 523, Chesterfield, VA 23832.

ASSESSMENTS & DUES

Monies are needed for our numerous cost projects approved during our Business Meeting conducted 18 June 2001. Please send at your earliest convenience but prior to 31 March 2002. Your help and your timeliness is appreciated. Make checks payable to: Farrar Reunion Fund; send to your Treasurer. See Officer column.The Original 10 (O-10) brothers and sisters: $100 per year.The 2nd Generation (children of the O-10): Age 23 thru 39: $25 per year; Age 40 plus: $50 per year. Associate Members (all other interested Farrar descendants, their families, and motivated friends): $10 per year.

FROM HER HEART

Most people are very appreciative of the work that goes on at the reunion and we all get special thank-yous for what we do. I don’t want to take away from anyone else, but I think there is someone special I would like to make a public thank you to. That is Aunt Jean. No matter what time she goes to bed, she is always the first one up to get the fire going, the dirty dishes rounded up, the tables wiped off, the coffee going, and everything prepared for the ones who start cooking breakfast. She also provides the kitchen with lots of handy dandy gadgets, and comes with raffles and gifts and ideas and other projects for the reunion. She is a wonderful treasure and lots of people never notice what she does because by the time the majority of the people get up she has already completed most of her tasks. She also has a bright “Good Morning” every morning and a beautiful smile on her face that lights up my day. I love her very much and just want to say, “Thank you Aunt Jean for all you do.”

by: Nancee (Farrar) Lehnhoff New Cambria, MO