Harris Family Reunion, June 9, 1907


click photo for larger image

Known to be in photo:
J.M. Harris
Warner Harris
George W. Harris
Sam Harris
Ella Laughlin Harris
Hazel Harris Folsom [Mrs. Lonie Folsom]
Mabel Harris Folsom [Mrs. Dick Folsom]

1916 Henderson, Durno & Kerr

An Enjoyable Reuion - Happy Gathering of the Henderson-Kerr-Durno Clan - Staged on Historic Henderson Prairie Farm
(Communicated)
Early in the year Miss Josephine Durno, Mrs. Nettie Marston and C.M. Kerr conceived the idea of a family reunion, it being the sixty-fifth anniversary of the settlement of Henderson Prairie by these families. They notified their relatives to keep this in mind for their summer outings. Late in July invitations were sent out which resulted in a goodly gathering of the clan on August sixteenth at Dale Delight, the beautiful country home of C.M. Kerr. It was a fitting place to hold this reunion as it was the old homestead of Thomas and Barbara Henderson. Eighty-three were in attendance. A bounteous dinner was served at tables on the lawn, a pleasing feature of the decorations being the initials H.D. & K. in floral design.

In his delightfully informal way Mr. Kerr welcomed his relatives not only to Henderson Prairie as it is today, but to a host of tender memories. He kept his listeners between laughter and tears as he displayed relics of the pioneer homes, or recounted incidents pathetic ass well as humouous. Among these relics were grandfather's Family Register, an ox yoke, cow bell, and the cradle in which the first baby of the prairie was rocked.

A program of readings, music and folk-dances not only entertained all, but showed the diversity of talent possessed by those present.

Several readings were given by Maud Ramsey in her inimitable way. She had to respond repeatedly to encores.

Some folk dances were artictically presented in special costume by Marjorie Henderson; especially pleasing were the sword, Spanish and Scotch dances.

Paul Marston gave a humourous impersonation.

James Henderson recited a Scotch selection with which his father used to regale family gatherings in the olden days. He also traced the history of the family from the fifteenth century to the present time. He recounted the advice of Grandfather Henderson to his boys as they departed to the Civil War and paid a tribute to each, and to the only surviving widow, Mrs. D.B. Henderson, who made a special effort to be present.

The program was interspersed with music, which included piano and violin numbers, vocal solos and choruses by the younger people. Messages and photographs from those who could not be present were received and enjoyed by the family.

Those present from Postville were [note: the first line of names has a fold in the paper and is not readable] John Durno, Miss Josephine Durno, Miss Blanche Durno, Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Durno, Mr. and Mrs. E.P. Durno, Mr. and Mrs. F.W. Tuller, Mr. and Mrs. Bert Marston, Florence, Karl, Paul and Barbara Marston, Mr. and Mrs. C.M. Kerr, Kate, George, Kenneth, Helen and Malcolm Kerr.

Those present from out of town were: Mrs. D.B. Henderson, Miss Belle Henderson, Mrs. Angie Peaslee, Miss Geraldine Peaslee, Dubuque, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Henderson, Miss Mae Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. William Shardlow, Cherokee, Iowa; Mrs. Robert McIntosh, Fred, Robert and Mary Helen McIntosh, Lake Linden, Michigan; Mrs. Ida Thomas, Juan and Harold Thomas, Charles City, Iowa; Mrs. Ella Baumgardner, Karl C. Baumgardner, Sioux Falls, S.D.; T.G. Henderson, Sioux City, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Henderson, Mrs. Vera Carpenter, William, Catherine and James Henderson, Riceville, IOwa; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Henderson, Earl and Marjorie Henderson, Mrs. Ethel Kirk, Mrs. Helen Ketcham and son Robert, South St. Paul, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ramsey and son Robert, Racine, Wis.; Loren and Pauline Johnson, lime Springs, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Mort Henderson, Helen and Ernest Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Henderson, Marion Henderson, Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. Anna Knee, Lucile and Gwyneth Knee, Independence, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Joel Dodge, Mabel, Wallace and Dorothy Dodge, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Parson, Newton, Iowa; Miss Agnes McLean, Boise, Idaho; Mrs. Minnie Montgomery, Miss Anna Ryeburn, Alexandria, S.D.

Guests of the family were: Mr. and Mrs. Mark Platt, Chicago, Ill.; John P. Gillen, Sioux City, Iowa; John Moir, Miss Margaret Mitchell, Postville.

The second day the hospitable home of Mr. Kerr was thrown open to the old settlers, the friends of "auld lang syne." A similar program of songs, folk dances and readings was given by the family as on the previous day, with the addition of selections from friends present.

Impromptu speeches were given by W.S. Webster, who shared with John Durno the honor of being the oldest continuous settler of Postville.

Hall Roberts spoke of the early church privileges and the earnest christian workers of ye olden times.

Mrs. Wm. Larrabee, Sr. gave an apt incident of horseback riding of the early days.

Hugh Shepherd spoke of what attracted people of Scotland to the prairies of the west.

Fred Williams gave a graphic description of travel by stage coach in the sixties.

A few words by John Gillen and a reading by G.W. Harris filled out a program long to be remembered by the families and old settlers present.

~Postville Review, September 25, 1916
~contributed by S. Ferrall

1926 Old Postville People Picnic in California
Have a Grand Reunion and Talk Over the Happy Days of the Long Ago at Long Beach, Calif.

Gathering for their regular quarterly meeting about seventy former residents of Postville, Ia., who are now making their homes in Southern California or visiting here, enjoyed a mid-winter picnic in Bixby park on Thursday. Among the cities represented were Seattle, Portland, Minneapolis, Los Angeles, Pasedena, Glendale and other smaller California cities.

The reunion opened about 11 o'clock when picnickers arrived with lunches which were spread at 12:30. An informal program in the afternoon included a talk by F.W. Roberts, who with his family has enjoyed a tour of the east, spending considerable time in Florida. They are now visiting for a time in Los Angeles before returning to their home in Seattle, Wash. Reading of a number of letters from old settlers of Postville was also enjoyed, the remainder of the time being spent in recalling former days and visiting with long-time friends. The next reunion will be held in Brookside park in Pasadena.

Present from Long Beach were Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Ripley and daughter, Mrs. Cora M. Cassil; Mr. and Mrs. A.B. Shroyer, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Webb, who are wintering here; Mr. and Mrs. G.E. Eaton, Mr. and Mrs. F.W. eaton, Mr. and Mrs. J.P. Parker and daughter, Miss Minnie Parker; Mr. and Mrs. Will Luce, Dr. Katherine Van Velzer and Mesdames Jennie McCormick, L.W. Thoma, M. Alward, J.W. Ward, Ella Hardwick, Kate Lards, Jennie Easton, Miss Margaret Turner, W.S. Webster and E.T. Courson.

From Los Angeles were Mr. and Mrs. A.E. Cornell and their son, Harvey Cornell, of Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Booth and Mesdames Velma Shepherd, Alice Dodge, Bessie Blessin and Lucy Chriss.

Pasadenans present were Mr. and Mrs. W.C. McNeil, Mr. and Mrs. H.A. McNeil, Mrs. E.W. Spurr, Mrs. Janet McNeil Sutton and Professor J.F. Smith.

Other out-of-town visitors included Mr. and Mrs. Charles Skelton and daughter, Miss Lena Skelton, of Glendale; A.J. Patterson of Puente; Mrs. John Finey, of Buena Park; Mr. and Mrs. R. Eaton and Mrs. M.L. Collins of Seal Beach; Mr. and Mrs. B.F. Taylor of San Gabriel; Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Parker and Mr. and Mrs. W.H. McAllister of San Pedro, and Miss Mary McDaneld, of Watts.

From the northwest were Mr. F.W. Roberts and daughter, Miss Stella Roberts of Seattle, Washington, and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Templeton of Portland, Oregon, who are visitors in the Southland. --Morning Sun, Long Beach, California, Jan. 9, 1926

Family Group is Entertained at Ripley Home

After enjoying a reunion with friends at the picnic of former residents of Postville, Iowa, on Thursday, a family group went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. A.C. Ripley and their daughter, Mrs. Cora M. Cassill, at 19 Orizaba, for dinner and a social evening. Chinese lillies and yellow candles made an attractive table at which covers were laid for Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Templeton, of Portland, Oregon, who spent Thursday and Friday with the Ripleys. Mr. and Mrs. Will Luce, Mr. and Mrs. H. Curtis Cassil, Mrs. Jennie Easton and Mrs. Bessie Blessin of Los Angeles. Mrs. Templeton is a niece of Mrs. Ripley and with her husband is enjoying a visit in Southern California. -- Morning Sun, Long Beach, California, Jan. 9, 1926

~source: Postville Herald, January 21, 1926
~contributed by Sharyl Ferrall

1926 Evan Swenson family reunion

Happy Homecoming on Memorial Day--there was good cheer and happiness in abundance last Sunday in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Evan Swenson of this city occasioned by the homecoming that day of a goodly number of their children and grandchildren. Though the family circle was not complete nevertheless those present brought to our good friends that joy unspeakable which pervades parental hearts when the children gather together again under the old home roof. Good eats, splendid sociability and happy reminiscences made it a pleasure and satisfaction. Those present were Mr. & Mrs. Joe Harris, Alder, Washington; Mr. & Mrs. W.G. Wallace, Winnifred and Mary Ann, of Minneapolis; Mr. & Mrs. J.F. Swenson, Vernon and Hartley of Rochester, Minnesota; Mr. & Mrs. C.B. Davenport, Marie, Robert, Margaret and Donald of Mt. Hope, Wisconsin; Mr. & Mrs. A.A. Dresser and Evelyn of Postville; and Mr. & Mrs. Hall Swenson of Elkader.

source: Postville Herald, 6/3/1926
contributed by Sharyl Ferrall (Evan & Eliza Swenson were my gg-grandparents)

1927 Shuff family reunion

A family party of about 50 persons, who were grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great, great grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. William Shuff, now deceased, assembled at the Old Shuff Farm Home southeast of Rossville on Sunday last and enjoyed a basket dinner and a few hours of happy recollections of the olden days. "Uncle Billy Shuff" as he was called, passed away in 1912 (1905 on stone), and it is many years since some of the party had visited the Old Shuff Home. Those present were: Mr. & Mrs. M. E. Wells; Mr. & Mrs. Sam Stewart and 3 sons; Mr. & Mrs. Will Wells and 3 children; C. Llewellyn and George, all of Randalia, Iowa; Mr. & Mrs. G. A. Brooks and 2 daughters, Postville; Mr. & Mrs. G. W. Stahl; Mr. & Mrs. Cecil Stahl; Mr. & Mrs. Abe Evans, Arthur and Addie; Mr. & Mrs. William McMillian and children; James Fish, Robert and Mildred; Mr. & Mrs. Earl Ralston and 6 children all of Rossville community; and Mrs Lizzy McMillian of Volney.  (Lizzy was a daughter of William Shuff Sr.)  Her son, William McMillian lived on the farm at that time.

source - part of a sheaf of papers passed down in the family for years, the papers also have the family history on them
contributed by Janet Koozer

1929 Guider reunion

Pleasant Gathering of Guiders.
On Sunday, June 23, at the Carl Johnson home in Lafayette, a most pleasant reunion of the children of Mrs. Lucy Guider was held. Mrs. G. is past eighty years and hale and hearty for one of her years and always enjoys these family gatherings. Besides Mrs. G. and son Bob of this city, others in attendance were the Carl Johnson family, J. F. Guider and wife, the M. D. and Matt Guider families, of Lafayette, and the Augie Anderson family of Waukon. The guest of honor on this occasion was Miss Clara Guider of San Francisco, Calif., who came on the 18th inst. to spend her annual vacation. Miss Clara is employed there as a stenographer in the employ of the government.

source - Allamakee Journal & Lansing Mirror, June 26, 1929
contributed by Ann Krumme

1930 Hoth Family Reunion

The Hoth family held their annual reunion and picnic last Sunday at the West Union fair grounds, where 114 of the clan assembled and spent a very happy day visiting and discussing good eats, and had just the best time ever. Those present were:
-Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stahr and family, Mr. and Mrs. West and family & Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Pixler and family, West Union.
-Mr. and Mrs. Aug. Mahnke and family & Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kalke, Farmersburg.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hoth and family, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Hoth and family, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hoth and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wilharm and family & Mr. and Mrs. Charley Hoth and family, Sumner.
-Mr. and Mrs. Will Hoth and Raymond Hoth, Waverly.
-Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Hoth and family, and E.A. Hoth, Postville.
-Mr. and Mrs. F.E. Gilster and family, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Baade, Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Baade and family, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Baade, Wm. C. Baade & Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Hupfer, Monona.
-Mr. and Mrs. Henry Glave and family, St. Olaf.
-Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Shanewise, Waverly.
-Lester Hoth, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Thies, Cedar Falls.
-Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Henning & Mr. and Mrs. Glen Mundt and family, Ossian.
-Mr. and Mrs. Herman Gipp and family, Decorah.
-Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kliefoth and family & Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Schutta, Frankville.
-Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Anderson, McGregor.
-Mr. and Mrs. John Hewitt and family, Westgate.
-Mr. and Mrs. H.J. Kliefoth & Mr. and Mrs. Herman Klotz and family, Fredericksburg.
-Mr. and Mrs. John F. Westpfahl and family, Mr. and Mrs. Emil Neverman, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Kurth, Mr. and Mrs. John Kliefoth & Mr. and Mrs. Herman Westpfahl, Des Moines.

source: July 10, 1930 Postville Herald
contributed by S. Ferrall

1930 Christofferson Family Reunion (partial list)

The Mrs. Mary Christofferson family held a reunion Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Christofferson in this city with all members of the family in attendance. It was an occason of socialbility and fine eats that will be long remembered by all participating in it. Those present were Mrs. Mary Christofferson, Leonard Christofferson, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Backhaus, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bente and family, Mr. and Mrs. Hary Bente of Elkader, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Christofferson of Monona, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Christofferson ....
[remainder cut off]

source: July 10, 1930 Postville Herald
contributed by S. Ferrall

1930 Kerr Family

There was a very enjoyable 4th of July picnic held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kerr and family on Henderson Prairie, and reports are to the effect that it was one grand and glorious occasion of feasting and sociability. Among the guests were eight babies, all under four years of age, and yet they didn't have even a bawl game. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Chas. M. Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. George Kerr, Mr. and Mrs. Harry N. Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Turner, Rev. and Mrs. R.F. Galloway and Mr. and Mrs. H.E. Roberts and their families, Ennis Slagle, Miss Margaret Mitchell and Mrs. Bert Marston ... all of this city, and Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Kerr and baby of Ames.

source: July 10, 1930 Postville Herald
contributed by S. Ferrall

1930 Boardman Family

Last Thursday, July 24th, was a memorable day for the Levi Boardman family, when eight of his nine children and their families assembled at his home for a family reunion and the first time the family was together for several years. Julius and family of Dubuque were unable to be present. A sumptuous dinner was served at 6:30 o’clock from well filled baskets brought by the different families, after which a very pleasant social evening was enjoyed by all. Those present were: B. M. Williams, Effie, Jim, Carl, Richard and Deloria, Mr. and Mrs. D. G. Boardman, Laurayne, Leslie, Ferne, Mark and Leonette, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Boardman, Mr. and Mrs. Clem Cassidy and Duane, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Mohn, Merle, Marie, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hawes and Letha, Mr. and Mrs. Phil Gavin and Mary Lou, Mr. and Mrs. L. Boardman, of this vicinity; Mr. and Mrs. Heimer Boardman, Cletus and Wanda, Lynxville, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Boardman, Mrs. Forrest Trump and son Everson, Mishawaka, Ind.

source: July 30, 1930; Lansing newspaper

1930 Ruckdaschel Reunion

On Friday, Sept. 19th, there was a large and happy gathering of relatives held at beautiful McGregor Heights in honor of Ernest Ruckdaschel, Mr. and Mrs. Otto Pozehl and sons of Staplehurst, Nebr., and Mrs. Louisa Fehlhafer of Utica, Nebr. The day was spent most agreeably to all in picnicking and visiting and to say that it was a delightful occasion is putting it all too mildly. Aside from the guests in whose honor the gathering was held those present were Mr. and Mrs. Christ Ruckdaschel, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Ruckdaschel and family, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Ruckdaschel, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Oldag and daughter, Mrs. Wm. Kluss, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Welzel and daughters, John Ruckdaschel Sr. and Lenora, Mr. and Mrs. Erni Ruckdaschel, Mr. and Mrs. John Ruckdaschel and son, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Thoma and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. John Bareis and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Dickman and son, all of Postville. Mrs. Levi Schultz of Luana; William Dickman, Amanda, Melinda and Othmar, Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Wirkler, of Garnavillo. Mrs. Wm. Fuelling, Mrs. Fred Vogt and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Glave of Farmersburg; Mrs. Katie Buckheim, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Seeland and family, of Clayton Center.

source: October 25, 1930 Postville Herald
contributed by S. Ferrall

ca1936 Dixon Reunion


Dixon family reunion, Hanover township about 1936

The man in middle is Joe Schrube, a Catholic missonary to China
The woman 2nd from right is Kit Sullivan Dixon, the woman third from right is Mayme Beede and the woman first on left is Kathlyn 'Sis' Dixon Simon. The littlest girl is Mary Kay Simon and the girl holding the doll is Justine O'meara.

~contributed by Mary Kay Gleisner

Pioneer Homecoming

The Pioneer Homecoming sponsored along with this year's Big-Four-Fair attracted several hundred former residents of this community who came to attend the programs put on for them in their honor and to renew acquaintances and visit with relatives and friends. Although a registration booth had been set up for the reception of the pioneers and homecomers, many failed to register, but among those who did, we found the following listed whose visits "back home" have been less frequent than others:
-Mr. and Mrs. Mike BARRETT and J.M. BARRETT of Forest City
-Mr. and Mrs. Frank BELLOWS and Mrs. Bessie STOLTZ of Dubuque.
-Ella Mae Murray FOSTER of Britt.
-Mrs. Maude Phillips STEWART of Red Bluff, Calif
-Mr. and Mrs. Ray BURNHAM and Merle COLE of Minneapolis, Minn
-Col. and Mrs. Fred HAINES and Mrs. Kate Van ALLEN of Chicago
-Mr. and Mrs. Lynn GORDANIER and son Don, of Kalamazoo, Mich
-Roy SCHULTZ of Lombard, Ill
-L.V. CANDEE of Anamosa
-Roy CANDEE of Volga City
-Vic SCOFIELD and son of Milwaukee, Wis.
-Elmer MARSH & William MEIER of McGregor
-Mr. and Mrs. Christ HECKMAN of Ossian
-Louise and Amelia SCHROEDER, Art GROFF, Mrs. J.E. PERRY & Mrs. Gurton BJELLAND [may be Bielland]of Cedar Rapids
-Mrs. Mattie Pearson DUNNING of Alva, Oklahoma
-Anna R. SCHROEDER of Wellman
-Lona B. HECKER of LaPorte City
-Hugh SHEPHERD of Bettendorf
-Mr. and Mrs. H.C. BURNHAM, Judge H.E. TAYLOR,John LYDON & Anna BARRETT of Waukon
-A.C. HENTHORN of Hazelton
-Kenneth ELLIS of Auburndale, Wis
-Fred O'BOY, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. PECK & Mr. and Mrs. Fred PLIESTER of Decorah
-Mr. and Mrs. Charles BOLLMAN of Harpers Ferry
-Mrs. Susan MARSTON of Earlham
-Mrs. Will ROLLY of Des Moines
-Mrs. Joe KLUSS of Marquette
-Perry COOK & Charles FAY of Waterloo
-J.W. FORAN of Elkader
-Charles ANDERSON of Clermont
-Mr. and Mrs. George TERRILL of Sheffield
-Walter TERRILL of Castalia
-Merritt BISHOP of Nashua

The oldest person present and registered was Charles ANDERSON of near Postville Junction, father of Mrs. W.R. STARKEY, who is 92 years old. At Sunday's program Mrs. Lena B. HECKER recounted her experience as a school teacher and of the progress made in Postville and the surrounding community since 1900. Fred LUHMAN acted as chairman at the program and Mrs. Lillian EAMES read letters and telegrams that had been received. A.L. MEIER led the community singing and Mr. LUHMAN interviewed some of the "old-timers" via the microphone at the conclusion of the program.

At Monday's program, which was featured by the address of Judge H.E. TAYLOR of Waukon, Mrs. Evan SWENSON, 85 years old, was crowned the Queen of the Homecomers. She had recently returned here from her stay in Washington. Miss Gretchen MYERS was her attendant and Mary SANDERS and Nancy KNEELAND were the flower girls at the coronation. An old fiddlers' contest was held at which Mike BARRETT, Fred SCHARA, Ray PUTNAM, Ben SHAFER and Karl ERB played old-time dance tunes and during which Make BARRETT, Bert WATERS and Ed McNEIL did the calling of the square dances. Ben SHAFER won first place in this contest and Mike BARRETT received second honors.

When old-time Postville baseball players get together, many are tales of their prowess of these former [illegible]. And last Sunday during the ball game at the Big-Four-Fair, an outstanding group of these olden days athletes could been seen recalling games that were played in years ago when the fame of the Phil Sheridans and later of Postville Famous First teams [illegible] spread far and wide. Mike BARRETT of Forest City [illegible] was among the visitors here to attend the Pioneer programs at the fair, is, as is known, the only living survivor of the old Phil Sheridan ball team which had as its members players from Frankville, Postville and Clermont. The Famous First team was represented by six former members: Deputy Sheriff Fred O'BOY of Decorah, [illegible] KOEVENIG, Arthur HARRINGTON, Geo. SCHULTZ, Joe HECKER and Frank HANDGARTNER. Another member of the team, Fred THOMA, was in town too, but wasn't at the unplanned "reunion".

source: Postville Herald, 9/3/1941
contributed by S. Ferrall

1953 Sutter-Ulrich-Plank Family Reunion Held

The 33rd annual Sutter-Ulrich-Plank family reunion was held Thursday, June 18 at Pike's Peak in McGregor. There were 100 persons registered from Iowa. Wisconsin and Missouri. |

The oldest member attending was Ellis Pease of Madison. Wis., who is 97 years old. Also present was James Ulrich, 89, of Cedar Falls, who has never missed a reunion in the 33 years. The youngest person present was Kevin Doyle Kammerer, four months, son of Mr. and Mrs. Justus Kammerer of Froelich.
The park at Oelwein was chosen as the site for the 34th reunion to be held on the third Thursday in June of 1954. Officers were elected as follows: President, Kenneth McCardle, Independence; first vice president. Alfred Menzel of Stanley: second vice president, Rolland Smith of Winthrop; secretary-treasurer, Marie Zimmerman of Cedar Falls.

Those in attendance at the reunion were as follows:
James Ulrich, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Ulrich. Ralph and Virginia, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Ulrich, Roger and Robert, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Zimmerman. Cedar Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Eiffert, Leroy and Robert, Mrs. Justus Kammerer, Karen and Kevin. Froelich: Herman Jones, Arlene Jones, Harold Jones, Harlan Jones, George Jones, Donald McCormick, Harpers Ferry.

Mrs. Arnold Holle, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Dlouhy, Allen and Jeanette, Kenneth McCardle and Patricia, Mrs. Mabel Blank, Dr. F. T. Plank, Independence: Mr. and Mrs. F. R. Campbell, McGregor; Blanche Eiffert, Clara M. Sutter, Mr. and Mrs. John Allert, Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord A. Schlitter and Judith, Maxine, Cheryl and Sandra, Monona; Theodore Schlitter, Mr. and Mrs. Eldred S. Schlitter. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Larson and Dale, Gary and Merle, Postville.

Nettie Sutter. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Menzel and Roger, Robert, Linda Kay and Richard, Stanley: Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Fritz and Mary Jean and Ronnie, Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Snitker, Emmet Jones, Mrs. Viola M. Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Leo Jones, Carol and Elaine. Charles Schulte and Everett, Waterville; Mr. and Mrs. L. (?) J. Kurth, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Selberg, Mr. and Mrs. Everett Schlitter and Roger and Stanley, Mrs. Donald L. Snitker, Barbara Arlyn and Steven, Waukon.

Vernon Boland, Hazel Boland, Wanda Boland. Merle Boland, Waukon Junction; Pearl Plank, Canton, Mo.; Ellis Pease, Madison, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Fred C. Heiz, Prairie du Chien, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Hamann and Randy; Mr. and Mrs. Earl Jones, Woodman Wls.; and Jean Boland of Waukon Junction.

source: Bulletin Journal, Independence, Iowa, June 26, 1953
contributed by Cindy Lovell

1956 Letz Family Reunion

Lansing, Iowa (Special)-The seven brothers and sister in the family of the late Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lenz with members of their families met in reunion Sunday, Aug. 19 at Rochester. They include Will and Mrs. Freemont Bauman, Lansing; Mrs. C.L. Yahnke, Garden Grove, Minn.; Ed, Eagle Bend, Minn.; Tade, Abbotsford, Wis.; Harry, Mabel, Minn.; and Mrs. Edna Hanson, Elkhorn, Wis.

~source: La Crosse Sunday Tribune, August 26, 1956
~contributed by Aubrie Monroe

1957 Sires Family Gathering

The Sires Family reunion was held Thursday, July 4, at the Community Hall, Decorah, Iowa, with a potluck dinner. Attending were Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Grahlman and family, Oelwein, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Britain and family, Spring Grove; Robert Sires, Cass, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rosendahl and family, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Kurth and Mrs. William Kannenberg and family, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Sires and Mr. and Mrs. E.H., Middendorf, Caledonia; and Mr. and Mrs. Ben Rosendahl and family, Dorchester.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Crowley and Mrs. Leo Ehde and family, Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Vern W. Sires and family, Dike, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Britain and family and Mr. and Mrs. Roy Sires, Hawkeye, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. James Sires and family and Mr. and Mrs. Roy T. Sires and family, Marshalltown; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Sires and family and Mrs. Sophia Sires, Waterloo, Iowa; Mrs. Christina Sires, Prairie du Chien; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Sires, Fort Wayne, Ind.; and Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bednarek and family, Fox Lake, Wis.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sires and family, Palatine, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sires and family, Cedar Falls, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Bert Pokorny, Mr. and Mrs. Dervin Rocksvold and family, and Mrs. Sardius Sires and family, Decorah; Mr., and Mrs. Marvin Sires and family, East Moline, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Sires and family, Omaha; and Donald Sires, Blacksburg, Va.

Attending from New Albin were Mr. and Mrs. William Sires and family, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Sires and family, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Sires and family, Mr. and Mrs. Cleon Sires and family, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Sires and Gladys, Mr. and Mrs. James Sires, and Mrs. Ronald May and family.

The next reunion is planned for July 4, 1959.

~source: newspaper clipping, hand-dated 1957
~contributed by Errin Wilker

1958 Lett Family Reunion

A Lett family reunion was held at the Wm. Waldron cabin near Harpers Ferry and this has been the first time they have been together for some years. Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. L. D. Scott and family at Daleville, Alabama; Mr. and Mrs. Aulger Paulson and Judy of Clermont; Mr. and Mrs. Byron Livingood and Willis and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Livingood, both of Waukon and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Waldron and family of Waukon. They spent a social afternoon.

~source: Allamakee Journal, Wednesday, August 20, 1958
~contributed by Diana Henry Diedrich

1963, Hahn Descendants Hold Reunion

Descendants of John and Margaret Hahn held a reunion at Bellon’s Hall at New Albin August 4th. Raymond Sires was master of ceremonies. A prize was given to Mrs. Russell (Barbara Hahn) Lane, Waukon for being the oldest present; Mrs. Dan Sires (Annie Hahn) was presented with a prize for having the largest family in attendance; Mrs. Pearlie Cartwright (Carmeletta Bulman), Bisbee, N.D. for coming the greatest distance.

Those attending were: Earl Hahn, Caledonia; Mrs. Russell Lane (Barbara Hahn), Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Lane, Waukon; Christine and Becky Lawlor, Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman, Robert and Susan; Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rosendahl, Barbara, Gloria, Teletha, Gary, Gail and Marjorie, Mrs. Leo Ehde, Debra and Priscilla, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith, Linda, Randy, Fred, Patricia and Wilfred Smith, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sires (Anna Hahn) and Gladys, Mrs. Florence Gantenbein, James Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Sires and Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Fink and family, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Fink and Judy, Mrs. Velma Fink, Sheila, Mike, Sherry, Donna and Diane, Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Crowley, Mr. and Mrs. Cleon Sires, Douglas and Lanny, Alana and Steven Smerud, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sires, Robert, Sheryl and Linda of New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Roy Sires, (Lena Hahn); Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Britain and Karla of Hawkeye, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Grahlman and James, Mrs. Dervin Rocksvold and Thomas, Mrs. Ronald May, James, John Thomas and Kathleen of Clayton; Mr. and Mrs. John Smith and Merle Smith of La Crosse; Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Sires, Karen and Lanette, Tulare, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Bulman, Linda and Daniel, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Lowell R. Britain of Ames; Mr. and Mrs. Salmer Westlind of Cando, N.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sires, Cassopolis, Mich.; Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Kannenberg, Louise, Karen, Thomas, Jane, John and Richard of Vandalia, Mich; Mrs. Pearlie Cartwright, Bisbee, N.D.; Calvin Sires and Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf, Caledonia, Minn.; Miss June Grahlman, Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Britain and Norval, Spring Grove, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. James Sires, Judy and Kenny of Marshalltown; Mr. and Mrs. Ben, Rosendahl and Lee of Dorchester; Mr. and Mrs. Junior Kurth and Debbie, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Herman, Stanley and Susan, Waukon and Vernon Gydol of Spring Grove, Minn.

Visitors in the afternoon were Mr. and Mrs. Earl Beardmore, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Shefelbine, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Bulman, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Howes of Dorchester; Mrs. Anna Piequet, Auburndale, Wis. and Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Swenson of Waukon.

~unknown newspaper clipping, 1963
~contributed by Errin Wilker

1963 Sires Family Reunion

A family reunion of the Sires family was held Thursday, July 4, 1963, with a dinner at the Memorial Hall at Postville. The following were present: Mr. and Mrs. Roy Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Britain and family of Hawkeye, Ia.; James Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Dan Sires and Gladys, Mr. and Mrs. Cleon Sires and family, Rick Zarwell and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Crowley, New Albin; Mrs. Christina Sires, Mrs. Eva Anderson and Crystal, Prairie du Chien, Wisc.; Mrs. Jane Domek and family, Palatine, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Meyer, Margaret Housh, Minocqua, Wisc.; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Britain and family, Spring Grove, Minn.; Miss Rebecca Britain, St. Paul, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Britain and family, Charles City, Ia.; Mrs. Hazel Sires, Madelia, Minn., and daughter, Lois and husband, Sioux Falls, S.D.; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Bird and family, Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sires and family and Thomas Walton, Waterloo, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. James Sires and family and Judy Shobe, Marshalltown, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf, Calvin Sires and Earl Hahn, Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs, Clayton Grahlman, Reggie Pokorny, Mrs. Dervin Rocksvold, Mrs. Ronald May and family and George Brouses, Clayton, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Ben Rosendahl and family, Dorchester; Mrs. Pearl Ehde and family, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Rosendahl and family, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Herman and family, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Gordon and family and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Stegen, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Sires and family, Cedar Falls, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. John Sires and family, Algona, Ia.; and Mrs. Walter Kurk Jr., and Debbie, Waukon. A social hour followed the dinner. It was voted to meet at the same place in 1966.

source: Allamakee Journal, July 1963
contributed by Errin Wilker

1965 Burroughs Family Reunion

The family of Mrs. David Burroughs met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Waters of Caledonia, Mn., for a family reunion Sunday, Nov. 7, 1965. Nine of the ten children were present. Mrs. Gerald Just of Clarkfield, Minn., was unable to attend but telephoned in the afternoon and talked to her mother and brothers and sisters.

Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Helgeson, Decorah; Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Burroughs, Dubuque; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Burroughs and Ernest, and Mr. and Mrs. Roland Burroughs, Becky, Paul, Mark and Dean of Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Garland Burroughs and Ray, Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. James Waters, John, Marylyn, Lorna and Mary Jane, Caledonia; Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Burroughs, Bloomington, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burroughs, East, Dubuque, Ill., and their son and family, Mr. and Mrs. William Burroughs, Menominee, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Radloff and their entire family, and Mr. and Mrs. David Radloff and family, Dickeyville, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Wagner and family, Dubuque; and Delmar, Janice and Gary, who are at home.

Also present were other friends of the family, including Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Hall of Waukon.

~source: newspaper clipping
~contributed by Errin Wilker
~note: The David Burroughs family was originally from the Dorchester area.

1972 & 1973 Hahn Family Reunions

The reunion of the descendants of the six Hahn sisters, namely: Mrs. Fred Smith (Lizzie), Mrs. Russell Lane (Barbara), Mrs. Roy Sires (Lena), Mrs. James Sires (Sadie), Mrs. Ray Bulman (Cora), and Mrs. Daniel Sires (Anna), was held with a potluck dinner at the Waukon park with the afternoon and evening spent visiting. The group met Sunday, July 16th.

Present were: Mr. and Mrs. Haugstad, Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Guillaume and family, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Ole Haugstad and family, Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. George Wintheiser and daughter, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Rick Haugstad, Minneapolis, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Bauer and family, Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Hess and family, Lansing; Bessie Kumpf, Dorchester; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith and family, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Merlin Nelson and family, Dorchester; Mrs. Roger Freese and Pam, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Colsch and family, New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Lennie Mellick and family, Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. William Sires and family, Spring Grove, Minn.; James May, Clayton, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Doug Sires, new Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Nierling and family, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Larry Donahue and girls, New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Gordon and family, Waukon; Mrs. Velma Mack, Donna and Diane Fink, New Albin; Wilfred Smith, Waukon; Neil Kumpf, Dorchester; Mrs. Bill Reynolds and family, Ocean Side, Calif.; Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Herman and family, Waukon; Roy Sires, Hawkeye, Ia.; Gladys Sires, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf, Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Britain, Omaha, Neb.; Mr. and Mrs. Bennie Rosendahl, Dorchester; Mr. and Mrs. Joe Fink and family, New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Fink and family, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Pete Fink and girls, New Albin; Mrs. Pearl Ehde and daughters, Postville; Mr. and Mrs. James Sires, Marshalltown, Ia.; Mrs. Ron Stegen and family, Spring Grove, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Goltz and family, La Crosse, Wis.; Mrs. Thomas Smith, La Crosse, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Warner Smith, La Crosse, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Dervin (Goldie) Rocksvold, Prairie du Chien, Wis.; Merl Smith, La Crosse, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Sires, New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Cleon Sires, New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Otis Britain, Dorchester; Mr. and Mrs. William Behrend and family, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Junior Kurth and family, Luana, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Grahlman, Clayton, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Britain and family, Charles City, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Norval Britain and family, Spring Grove, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grahlman, Waukon; Mrs. Joe Crowley, New Albin; Mrs. John Smith (Liz), La Crosse, Wis.

~unknown newspaper clipping,, July 1972
~contributed by Errin Wilker

~*~*~

Sunday, July 22, the annual Hahn family reunion was held at the Waukon City Park. Those in attendance were: Mr. and Mrs. James G. Sires, La Crosse, Wisc.; Mr. and Mrs. Dervin Rocksvold, Prairie du Chien, Wisc.; Kathleen Brosius, Scott and Billy, Stoddard, Wisc.; Pearl Ehde, Postville, Ia.; Roy Sires, Hawkeye, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Grahlman, Mrs. Sylvia May, and John T. May from Clayton, Ia.; Nancy Leuchtenmacher, St. Olaf, Ia.; Ruby Middendorf, Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs., Rodney Fink and family, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith, Peg, Greg, Randy and Fred, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Freese and Pam, Mrs. Janice Kurth, Debbie and Dave, Mr. and Mrs. William Behrend, Herb, Marsha and Matthew, Mr. and Mrs., Virgil Herman, Stanley and Susan from Waukon, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Mellick, Dave and Janice and Mr. and Mrs. John W. Fink, Becky, John John from Cedar Rapids, Ia.; Mrs. Alvin Sires, Frosty Sires, Mae Crowley, Mrs. Velma Mack, Mike Fink, Janice Kester, Mr. and Mrs. Donald "Pete" Fink and girls, Donna Fink, Diane Fink, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Colsch and family of New Albin, Ia. and Bruce Strub from Lansing, Ia.

~Allamakee Journal, Lansing, IA, July 1973
~contributed by Errin Wilker

1974 Sires Reunion

Descendants of the James Sires family held a pot luck dinner at the Town House in New Albin on Sunday, June 27 honoring Lt. and Mrs. Craig Lee and daughters, Errin and Heather, of Minot, North Dakota; Mrs. Donald Sires and daughters Julie and Jodi of Enumclaw, Washington; and Mr. and Mrs. Lance Sires, daughter Samantha and son Jason, of Marseilles, Illinois. Table decorations were in keeping with a bicentennial theme. Music furnished the afternoon entertainment, taking group pictures and reminiscing. Those attending were Mr. and Mrs. Gus Sires and Timothy of Onalaska, Wisconsin; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman of Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grahlman of Postville; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf of Caledonia, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Lynn Sires, Steve, Michelle, Kim and Tammy, of Houston, Minnesota; Rev. and Mrs. Clyde Lee, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Sires, Mrs. Lillian Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Cleon Sires, Mrs. Douglas Sires, Andy, Chad and Sarah Jane, Mr. and Mrs. Don Sommermeyer and Eric, and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Crowley, all of New Albin.

source: Allamakee Journal, June 1976
contributed by Errin Wilker

1976 Hammel Family Reunion

Mr. and Mrs. Ray Zoll of rural New Albin hosted the Hammel family reunion at their farm on Sunday, July 4, 1976. A potluck dinner was enjoyed by all. Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. William Hammel, New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Ingles,  Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Roger Thomas and family, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Weber and family, and Doug Gerren, Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. John Ingles and family, Cedar Falls; Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Hammel, Mr. and Mrs. Bob Lewey, and Mr. and Mrs. Bob Neizel and family, all of Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Moerike and Kim, Westby, Mont.; Mr. and Mrs. Loren Voss and family, Circle, Mont.; Mr. and Mrs. Paul Kavon and family, Plentywood, Mont.; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hammel and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Jacobs, and Rick and Mary Jane Renk, all of Beloit, Wis.; Mr. and Mrs. David Mayhew and family, Junction City, Kansas; Mr. and Mrs. Don Zoll, Dubuque; Bill Zoll and Barb Nelson, Kokomo, Ind.; William and Oscar Seimetz, Bonfield, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Seimetz and family, Des Plaines, Ill.; Alice Bowers, Kankakee, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Gowen and Sarah, Cedar Rapids; Mr. and Mrs. Gale Burroughs, Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Allie Becker and family, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Becker and family, and Mrs. Garland Burroughs, all of Lansing; Marie Kelson, Buchanan, Mich.; James Brown, La Porte, Ind.; Mr. and Mrs. George Hammell, Sr., Rev. Linus Rasing, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Mitchell and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Kubitz and Kenny Mulholland, Mr. and Mrs. David Mitchell and family, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Mitchell and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Earl Mitchell and family, all of New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Mitchell and family, Alburnette, Iowa; Mr. and Mrs. Ray Mitchell and family, St. Louis Park, Minn.; Mrs. Mary Colsch and family, Caledonia, Minn.; Mr. and Mrs. Alan Mauss, New Albin; Helen Maerg, Keokuk, Ia.; Joan Wood, Pekin, Ill.; Mr. and Mrs. Kent Mesecher and family; Ted Runge and children, Mr. and Mrs. John Runge and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dick Runge, Mr. and Mrs. Ray Runge and family, and Mr. and Mrs. Al Runge and family, all of Keokuk, Ia.; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Rungel and family, Fort Madison, Iowa; Earl Runge and family, Alamo, Texas; Mr. and Mrs. Richard Wendel, Minneapolis, Minn.    

source: Allamakee Journal, July 7, 1976
contributed by Errin Wilker

1977 Burroughs Reunion

A Burroughs, family reunion was held at the New Albin city park Sunday, June 26. Those signing the guest book were: Mrs. Howard (Elnora Burroughs) Daniels of Bridgeport, CA; Mr. and Mrs. John Daniels, Matt and Debbie of Mammoth Lake, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf, Mr. and Mrs. Jessie Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. Darrell Rose and Amy, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Augedahl and family, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Waters and Jessica and Mr. and Mrs. James Waters and family, all of Caledonia, MN; Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Just and Judy Just of Clarkfield, MN; Mr. and Mrs. James G. Edie of La Crosse, WI; Mr. and Mrs. David Radloff and family of Dickeyville, WI; Raymond Reeder of Waupaca, WI; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Radloff and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Burroughs of East Dubuque, IL and Mr. and Mrs. William Lunde and family and Mr. and Mrs. Sheldon Spores and family of Waterloo, Roy Sires of Hawkeye, Mr. and Mrs. John May, Tim and Tammy and Mrs. Sylvia May, all of Clayton, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Burroughs of Dubuque, Sandy Conzett, Renee, Roxann and Colette of Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. James Spores, Gaylord and Darrell, Malcolm Shefelbine, Mr. and Mrs. Gades Shefelbine, Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Spores and Fred, Sharon and Kim Kumpf, all of Dorchester, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Helgerson of Decorah, Mrs. Joe Crowley, Forrest Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Erling Lundering, Mary Shefelbine, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Colsch and family, Mr. and Mrs. Lennie Mellick and family, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Donahue and girls, Mrs. Doug Sires and Sarah, Mrs. Don Sommermeyer, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Fink and girls, John Fink, Becky and John Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Otto Lutchens, Esther Schroeder, Leone Luktenberg, Sally and Luke Smerud, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Feuerhelm, Joe, Mike and Donna Fink, Mrs. Velma Mack and Sally Schneider, all of New Albin, Mr. and Mrs. Ray O’Hare and family, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Reisner and family, Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Reeder and family, Mrs. Myrl O’Hare, Mr. and Mrs. Francis Howes, Mr. and Mrs. Norris Shefelbine, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman, Mr. and Mrs. J.C. Baumgartner and family, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. James Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Burroughs and family, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Fink and family, Mr. and Mrs. Gale Burroughs and family, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith and family, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Smith, Troy, Travis and Chris Nierling, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Reeder and family, Eliza Mohwinkle, Wilfred Smith and Mrs.George Shefelbine, all of Waukon, Mr. and Mrs. [illegible] Thompson and family of Davenport and Mr. and Mrs. Garland Burroughs of Lansing.

Several other members of the family attended but didn’t sign the guest book.

source: newspaper clipping, hand-dated 1977
contributed by Errin Wilker

1977 Moore Reunion

The annual Moore family reunion was held Sunday, July 31, at New Albin, and was attended by approximately 140 people. Those present included: Leonard and Josephine Moore, New Albin; Katie Hurley, Caledonia, MN; Clarence and Leonette Eikens with Anita, Paul, David, Lee and Monica Myrhe, Caledonia, MN, and Gary of Minneapolis, MN; Earl, Kay and Remi Moore, New Albin; Arnold and Dolly Moore, Connie, Karen and John, Youngstown, OH; Donald and Marilyn Moore, Chris and Kelly, New Albin; Marlene Imhoff, Brian, Nathan, Damian and Kendran, New Albin; Joe and Ruth Burke, New Albin; Greta Burke, New Albin; Ray and Betty Burke, New Albin; Mayme Rossiter, La Crosse, WI; Oris and Connie Hegge, La Crosse, WI; Gladys Peterson, La Farge, WI; John and Mike McCormack, Bismark, ND; Ray and Helen Moore, Cedar Rapids; Dennis and Noreen Wampler, Laura and Willie, Omaha, NE; Dorothy and Pat Strub, Dubuque; Walter Moore, Lansing; Ellen Moore, Mt. Sterling; Mary Alice Moore, Chicago, IL; Elizabeth Batteen, Lansing; Clarence and Edna VanBrocklin, Wayne, Jim, Mike and Heidi, Minneapolis, MN; Al Moore, Des Moines; Ken and Mary (Moore) May, and Maureen, Cedar Rapids; Bob and May Engle, Dennis, Barn and Casey, Cedar Rapids; Matt Freilinger, Monona; Donna (Freilinger) Moanum, Liza, Tommie and Travis; Rod and June Freilinger, Bonnie, Beverly and Beth, Monona; Mark and Jackie Hector, Kerry and Bobby, Minneapolis, MN; Dave and Alyce Hector, Minneapolis, MN; Chris Hector and Nancy Patter, Minneapolis, MN; Liz Hector and Gary Jamison, Minneapolis, MN; Susan Hecor and Dick Wonlfe, Minneapolis, MN; James and Virginia Moore, Tom, Pam, Mary, Tim, Karen, Keith, Paul and Melanie, New Albin; Mr. and Mrs. Clem Moore and Christy, Lansing; Joanne Moore Kiesvicz; Jim and Mildred Exworthy, Hopkins, MN; Roy and Carol Moore, Sara, John and Maria, Lansing; Jan Walsh, Kathy and Jim, Rochester, MN; Tom, Shirley, Jane and Derrel Westerlund, St. Paul, MN; Roger and Mary Axel and Allsion, Australia; Ann Metzdorf, New Albin; Roy and Rita Garrett, Lansing; Sandra Moore and two children, Columbus, OH; and Pat and Mary Welsh, Chicago, IL.

Mayme Rossiter came to the reunion on a motorcycle

The eldest living member of the family, Mayme Rossiter, who resides at St. Francis Nursing Home in La Crosse, surprised everyone by arriving on the back of the motorcycle of her grandson, David Hegge. According to rumor, she was persuaded to get on the Honda a few blocks away. Excellent food, fun and games were enjoyed by young and old, and a vote was taken to hold the reunion every year on the last Sunday of July in New Albin.

source: Allamakee Journal, Lansing, IA, hand-dated 1977
contributed by Errin Wilker

Sires Family Reunion, June 17, 1979

Descendants of Levi, Tom, Frank, James, Dan and Roy Sires gathered at the Decorah Community Building to hold a reunion with "Uncle Roy Sires" of Waukon. Over 100 relatives attended from seven states and enjoyed a potluck dinner and family music.

Those attending were: Mr. and Mrs. Charles McKeown of Boring, Oregon, Mr. and Mrs. Lowell Britain of Lincoln, Neb., Mrs. Roberta Kannenberg, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sires of Cassopolis, Mich., Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bednarek of Fox Lake, Wis., Mary Jane Bednarek of Beaver Dam, Wis., Mary Jo and Mary Ann Bednarek of Rice Lake, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Dervin Rocksvold and Mrs. Ed Anderson of Prairie, du Chien, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. James Oestreish and family of La Crosse, Wis., Mrs. Mary Helmbrecht of Hutchinson, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf of Caledonia, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Dean Carolan and family of Canton, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Marsden and family of Mabel, Minn., Mr. and Mrs. William Sires and Billy, Mr. and Mrs. Noel Britain and family, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Stegen and boys of Spring Grove, Minn., Mrs. Beryl Pokorny of Havanna, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sires of Waterloo, Iowa, Mary and Harry Sires and Julie and Dawn Woolridge of Dubuque, Dean, Gary and Mrs. Pete Sires of Oskaloosa, Mrs. Jerry Hilegerson and Jeremy of Postville, Mrs. Pearl Ehde of Frankville, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Britain and girls of Charles City, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Grahlman, Mr. and Mrs. John May and family, and Mrs. Ronald May of Clayton, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest Sires and Mrs. Joe Crowley of New Albin, Mrs. Lorraine Britain, Roy Sires, Gladys Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Gordon and family, Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Herman and Susan, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman, Stanley Herman, Ellen Connor, William Behrend and family, Linda L. Smith and Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Sires, Jr. and Nikki, all of Waukon.

Another reunion is planned for next year at the Decorah Community Building the third Sunday in June. Committee for the 1979 reunion was Mrs. Ron Stegen of Spring Grove, Minn. Committee for the 1980 reunion will be Mrs. Crystal Oestreich of La Crosse, Wis., Mrs. Mabel Sires of Spring Grove, Minn., Mrs. Mae Crowley of New Albin and Mrs. Goldie Rocksvold of Prairie du Chien.

~Allamakee Journal, Lansing, Iowa, June 1979
~contributed by Errin Wilker

1979 Russell Family Reunion

The children and grandchildren of the late George and Della Jones Russell gathered at the home of Donald and Julie, Tina and Travis Russell in rural Waukon Sunday, August 12 for a potluck dinner and social afternoon.  Guests of honor were their aunt Mrs. Mabel Russell Tischhauser of Dubuque, only surviving sister of the late George Russell, and her friend Edna Meyer, also of Dubuque. The following family members were present: Mrs. Mable Russell Ashbacher, Mr. and Mrs. James Wilder, Christina and Melissa, and Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Ashbacher, Michael and Brent, all of Decorah; Mrs. Jennie Russell Sass, Charles Russell, Mr. and Mrs. David Carlson, and Mr. and Mrs. Merton Phipps, Roxanne, Tom and Tim, all of Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. George Ashbacher and Larry Joe of Rossville; Mrs. Delbert (Ruth) Russell and Donna of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Ashbacher, Randall, Rodney and Rhonda of Frankwille; and Mrs. Dorothy Zezulka, Eddie, John, Amy, Carmen and Junior, and Roger Russell, all of Dorchester.  Unable to attend due to illness were Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Russell of Mazomanie, WI and Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Russell of Waukon.

~source: unknown newspaper
~contributed by Janet Koozer

1981 Rush Family Reunion

The Rush reunion was held Aug. 16  1981, at the Waukon city park, with a potluck dinner. There were 84 people present: Mr. and Mrs. Bob Burwinkel and family, Mr. and Mrs. Gary Stahl and Jennifer of Cedar Rapids; Mrs. Bill Hoover and family of Norway; Mr. and Mrs. Dave Niedert and family of Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Knight, and Mr. and Mrs. Randy Knight and family of Des Moines; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Walters, and Mrs. Robin Hanson, of La Crosse, WI; Mrs. Lauryne Prouty, Larry Rubash, and Mr. and Mrs. Richard Thornton and Laurie, of Marquette; Mr. and Mrs. Gary Dundee and family of Ossian; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Klatt and Steve of Fayette; Mrs. Leona Troester, Allan and Phil, of Monona; Mrs. Jerry Mathis and family of Harpers Ferrry; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Gundacker and family of Galesville, WI; Mr. and Mrs. Dick Stahl of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Neil Leas, David and Jim, Mrs. Ruth Brandsmeier, Mrs. Peggy Berg and family, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Fahey and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Rush, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Rush and family, Bernard Brandsmeier and June Halverson, all of Waukon; Mrs. Ethel Walters, Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Dundee and Audrey, Cindy Dundee and Jessica, and Brian Stahl, all of Postville.

~source: local newspaper
~contributed by Janet Koozer

Sires Family Reunion October 10, 1982

Back L-R: Forrest Sires, William Sires and Genevieve (Sires) Grahlman
Middle L-R: Lorraine (Sires) Britain, Gladys Sires, Beulah (Sires) Rogers, Celia (Sires) McKeown, Emerald (Sires) Grahlman, Mae (Sires) Crowley, Ruby (Sires) Middendorf, Raymond Sires and Cleon Sires
Front L-R: Goldie (Sires) Rocksvold, Roy Sires and Roy Thomas Sires

The descendants of the James, Roy, Daniel and Frank Sires gathered at the Townhouse in New Albin on Sunday, October 10. The honored guests were Roy Sires, 94 years young, of Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Sires of Enumclaw, WA; Mrs. Celcia Sires McKeown of Boring, OR; and Mrs. Beulah Sires Rogers of College Place, WA. Other guests included Mrs. Lorraine Britain, Mrs. Emerald Grahlman, Miss Gladys Sires and Mr. and Mrs. Claude Grahlman, all of Waukon; Mrs. Goldie Rocksvold of Prairie du Chien, WI; Mr. and Mrs. William Sires and William, Jr. of Spring Grove, MN; Lynn Sires and daughter Michelle of Houston, MN; Mr. and Mrs. James Sires, Tim and Lindsey, Mrs. Lanette Herrman and Dustin, all of Onalaska, WI; Mr. Roy Thomas Sires and friend Deborah Klein of Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grahlman and Brandi of Postville; Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf, Mrs. Mae Crowley, Mr. and Mrs. Tat Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Frosty Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Cleon Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Sires and Joey, Mrs. Susan Sommermeyer, Eric and Jon, Mr. and. Mrs. Douglas Sires, Andy, Chad and Sarah, Mr. and Mrs. Craig Lee, Errin, Heather and Stephanie, Colleen Donahue and Mrs. Lillian Sires, all of New Albin.

After a delicious noon luncheon was served, the afternoon was spent reminiscing, taking pictures and viewing a display of the Sires family pictures dating back to the year 1821.

~unknown newspaper clipping, Oct. 1982
~contributed by Errin Wilker

1983, Burroughs Family Reunion

A Burroughs family reunion was held Sunday, Aug. 21, at the VFW hall in New Albin. Those attending were Elnora Daniels, John Daniels and Karen McCue of Bridgeport, CA; Mr. and Mrs. Delbert Burroughs, Bloomington, IL; Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Just, Clarksville, MN; Mr. and Mrs. Karl Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Burroughs, Mrs. Richard Burroughs, all of Dubuque; Karen Fink, Dillon, CO; Shelly Thompson and Bill McRae, Davenport; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lunde and Darrell Spores, Waterloo; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Spores, Sharon and Kim Kumpf and Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord Spores, all of Decorah; Mr. and Mrs. James Waters, Caledonia, MN; Mr. and Mrs. Gale Burroughs, Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Smith, Cindy Kirkeby, Roger Freese, Mr. and Mrs. Randy Smith, Heather and Ryan, Mr. and Mrs. Rodney Fink, Gregg and Jim, Norris and Marie Shefelbine and Myrl O’Hare, all of Waukon; Mr. and Mrs. Garland Burroughs, Gene and Ray, and Neil Galema, all of Lansing; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Spores and Mr. and Mrs. Jimmy Spores, all of Dorchester; Erling and Julia Lundering, Loretta Spores, Velma Mack, Mr. and Mrs. Pete Fink, Mr. and Mrs. John Fink and family, Frosty Sires, Mae Crowley, Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Middendorf, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Fink, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Feuerhelm and girls, Donna Fink, Mr. and Mrs. Lennie Mellick, Janice and David, Joe Fink, Lori Fink, Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Colsch, Ken, Beth and Shelly, all of New Albin.

~unknown newspaper clipping, August 1983
~contributed by Errin Wilker

1988 Middendorf Family Reunion

The Gerhart Middendorf family reunion was held July 3, 1988, at the Community Center in Eitzen, MN. Those attending were: Lucille Fuehrer, Tulare, S.D.; Melvin and Leona Roeber, Huron, S.D.; Joan and Gilman Meyer, New Albin; Alan and Kathy Meyer, Holmen, WI, all descendants of Rosena Roeber; Forrest and Gina Sires, Karen, Craig and Stephanie Lee, New Albin; Lynette and Dustin Hermann of Onalaska, WI, descendants of Alvina Roeber; Gladys Richards, New Albin; Dave, Sue, Corey and Kris Richards, Lansing; Tim Darling, Tom, Shirley and Kelly Richards, New Albin; Greg, Jean, Mike, Aaron and Luke Middendorf, Caledonia, MN; Mark and Jeff Middendoef, Eitzen, MN; Iris, Cleon, Doug, Linda, Andy, Chad and Sarah Sires of New Albin; Lance, Fran, Samantha and Jason Sires, Marseilles, IL, all descendants of Walter Middendorf; Marie House, Joyce, Tom, Jerald and Troy Schroeder of Caledonia; Gary Dahle, Edin Prairie, MN; Floyd and Bernice Wild of New Albin, all descendants of Ella Muenkel; Wilma and Jody Sherman, Matt Molenar of Phoenix, AZ; Sandra Kirsch, Dick and Rick, Kip, Shelby, Colby and Colyn Sherman, Kent Sherman, Julie and Jamie Leigh, Mound, MN; Lois Meyer, Eitzen, MN; Joye, Kari, Renee and Jason Dietzenbach, Cresco, IA; Gaye, Don, Todd, and Toby Einck of Decorah; Irey, Juanita, Shawn and Missy Meyer, Jill Meyer and Tim Heiderscheit of New Albin; Jean Meyer and Eric Myhre of Caledonia; Mary Lou, Bud, Toby and Jean, Gary, Kim and Kaytie Burrichter, of Eitzen, MN; Don, Deb and Matt Burrichter of New Albin; Jeb, Peggy, Jenny, Rob and Mike Burrichter, Spring Grove, MN; Holly and Greg Dougherty, New Albin; Janice, Paul and Julie Adamson, Doug Polsen of Blaine, MN; Jeff, Diana, Derek, Jacquie, Dani and Jinny Adamson, and Pam, Randy and Rachael Meiners, of Caledonia; all descendants of Edward Middendorf; Mrs. (Frank) Violet Middendorf, Lansing; Sandy, Richard, Jodi and Janelle Drake, Creston, lA, descendants of Frank Middendorf. Many pictures and videos were taken and a potluck dinner was enjoyed by all.

source: Allamakee Journal, July 3, 1988
contributed by Errin Wilker

1991 & 1996 Sires Family Reunions

The James Sires family reunion was held Sunday, October 20, 1991, at the New Albin Town House. After a delicious potluck dinner, the family spent the afternoon visiting and reminiscing about the 'olden days.' Those who attended were Mr. and Mrs. William Sires and Mr. and Mrs. Ronald (Darlene Ehde) Stegen of Spring Grove, Minnesota; Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grahlman, Brandi and Brian, Postville; Mr. and Mrs. James "Gus" Sires and children, Tim and Lindsey, and Mrs. James (Lanette Sires) Herrmann and son, Dustin, all of Onalaska, Wisconsin; Emerald (Sires) Grahlman, Goldie (Sires) Rocksvold, Lorraine (Sires) Britain, Norman Rosendahl, June Sweeney and Claude Grahlman, all of Waukon; Mrs. Donald (Susan Grahlman) Sommermeyer and sons, Eric and Jon, Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Sires and children, Andrew and Sarah, Mr. and Mrs. Cleon Sires, Mrs. Lillian Sires, Mr. and Mrs. Forrest "Frosty" Sires, and Mrs. Karen (Sires) Lee and daughters, Errin, Stephanie and Heather, all of New Albin.

source: Allamakee Journal, October 1991
contributed by Errin Wilker

~*~*~

The annual Sires reunion was held at the New Albin Town House Sunday, October 13, 1996. After a potluck dinner, the afternoon was spent visiting and looking at pictures. Jonathan May entertained with his magic. Those present were: Norman Rosendahl, Stephanie Lee and Chris Ahles, Janice Kurth, Goldie Rocksvold, Tom Rocksvold, Jim, Alyce and Jonathan May, Lorraine Britain and Emerald Grahlman, all of Waukon; Susie Sommermeyer, Sarah Sires, Lillian Sires, Cleon and Iris Sires, Karen Lee and Aubrie Lee, Forrest "Frosty" and Virginia Sires, and Raymond "Tat" and Gladys Sires, all of New Albin; John May of Garnavillo, Lance and Fran Sires of Marseilles, Illinois; Lynn and Dustin Herrmann of Onalaska, Wisconsin; Eleanor Sires of Marshalltown; Norval and Janet Britain of Spring Grove, Minnesota; Ronald May and Kathleen Brosius of Stoddard, Wisconsin; Daniel and Joyce Britain of Charles City, Bob, Barb, Brandi and Brian Grahlman of Postville; Richard and Teresa Hall of Corona, California; Opal and Karla Britain of Lincoln, Nebraska; Norvene Watts of Diamond Bar, California; Lowell and Cleo Britain and two girls of Redding, California; Doug Sires of Houston, Minnesota;
 and Donald Sires of Lynwood, Washington.

source: Allamakee Journal, Lansing, October 1996
contributed by Errin Wilker