Iowa
Old Press
[?] Oskaloosa Herald
Oskaloosa, Mahaska co. Iowa
September 21, 1907
The Tandy Reunion
The Tandy reunion met September 21st, 1907, at the home of A. H.
Tandy, about two miles west of Beacon, which is the old
homestead. The day was a typical one, the sunshine and shadow
intermingled to note the coming of autumn. This home is
picturesque and appeals to an observer as rather romantic. The
house stands at the top of a little incline just a short distance
from the public highway--a bridge with its tiles of secrets,
history and romance must be crossed on the way to the house, and
beside this unassuming bridge stands a silver thorn tree, with
its silver white leaves fluttering in the breezes. But when any
member of the family views this picture he shakes his head, for
to him it is incomplete--he looks back and sees a memory picture
of not the modern home, but in its place sees the old homestead
and looking beyond the bridge and silver thorn tree, on up the
incline, until his eye rests on the two dear old people sitting
on the front porch--the father and mother, the grandfather and
grandmother, the great grandmother of this Tandy reunion--then a
tear falls, for this picture is no more, these loved ones have
said good-bye; only their fond memory remains and the spot is
sacred and loved as home. It was here where sons and daughters,
grand children and other relatives and friends met for a day of
pleasure as well as a day for viewing the past.
Those present were: Henry Tandy, wife and daughter Pearl and
grandson Andrew Oswandle; Chas. McWilliams, wife, daughters Effie
and Mrs. Vernie Vermullen from Des Moines, and her children,
Floyd, Edgar, Hazel and Lelia; Mrs. Henly, daughter Grace and son
Walter; Thomas Tandy and wife, A.B. Tandy, wife and chldren,
Clarence and Myrl; William Tandy, wife and children, Ethel, Fred,
Chas. Roy and Melvin; Arthur Webb wife and children, Loval, Marie
and Ina, of Pleasant Plain; Fred Oswandle, wife and son Frank;
Mrs. J. H. Boston and gradson, Ray Black; R. H. Williams, wife
and son Wilbur. This company was heartily welcomed by A. H.
Tandy, wife and daughters, Roxie and Edith.
The bountiful dinner was placed on a long table in the yard
prepared for this occasion. The goodies and dainties as well as
the fried chicken was proven palatable by the empty dishes
standing gaunt like ghosts after all were served. Following this
enjoyable repast, Mrs. Henley took the pictures of this company.
Then a program was given by the children which was very
interesting, after which a praise service was held consisting of
song, testimony and prayer. It was surely good to be there and
receive real soul food from the testimonies given. A short
business meeting followed. Henry Tandy was elected president and
Effie McWilliams secretary. The outgoing officers were A. H.
Tandy, president, and A.B. Tandy, secretary. When the hour of
departure came, all felt a profitable time had been spent and all
desired to meet again. The brothers and sisters from the Western
states were not (unreadable) and it was regretted that
(unreadable) so far away. It is hoped that (unreadable) can be
present at the next reunion.
[transcribed by J.D.P., January 2005]