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

Eighty-three persons, relatives of the HENDERSON-DURNO-KERR families, attended the reunion last Thursday at the C.M. Kerr farm on Henderson Prairie. Out-of-town folks included:
-Mrs. David B. Henderson, Miss Belle Henderson, Mrs. Angie Peaslee and Geraldine Peaslee -- of Dubuque.
-Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Henderson, Miss Mae Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Shaidlow -- of Cherokee.
-Mrs. Robt. McIntosh and Fred, Robert and Mary Helen McIntosh -- of Lake Inden, Mich.
-Mrs. Ida Thomas and Juan and Harold Thomas -- of Charles City.
-Mrs. Ella Baumgardner and Karl C. Baumgardner -- of Sioux Falls, So. Dak.
-T.G. Henderson and John Gillen -- of Sioux City.
-Mr. and Mrs. T.J. Henderson, Mrs. Vera Carpenter and William, Cathrine and James Henderson -- of Riceville.
-Mr. and Mrs. Frank Henderson, Earl and Marjorie Henderson, Mrs. Ethel Kirk and Mrs. Helen Ketcham and son, Robert -- of South St. Paul, Minn.
-Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ramsey and son, Robert -- of Racine, Wis.
-Lorin and Pauline Johnson -- of Lime Springs.
-Mr. and Mrs. Mort Henderson, Helen and Ernest Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Henderson and Marion Henderson -- of Waterloo.
-Mrs. Anna Knee and Lucille and Gwyneth Knee -- of Independence.
-Mr. and Mrs. Joel Dodge, Mabel, Dorothy and Wallace Dodge and Mr. and Mrs. Jay Parsons -- of Newton.
-Mrs. Agnes McLean -- of Boise, Idaho.
-Mrs. Minnie Montgomery and Miss Anna Tyeburn -- of Alexandria, So. Dak.
-Mr. and Mrs. Mark Platt -- of Chicago, Ill.

source: August 25, 1916 Volksblatt, Postville
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
transcribed 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

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

1941 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

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 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

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

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

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 SiresFamily Reunion

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