Written By Krista Taylor, Archivist, Middlesex Centre Archives
It is not uncommon in modern times to only have “family reunions” at funerals. Phrases such as “we have to stop meeting like this” or “we need to get together, but not at a funeral” are familiar. Someone says, “yes, let’s do that” only to agree it should happen, but rarely does anyone take the initiative to plan and host.
Family reunions came into vogue in early 20th century, held annually or bi-annually, bringing together multiple generations. For those who had moved out of the area, they could plan their vacation accordingly, knowing they would be able to see a large number of family members at one event. The best salads and desserts would be made and shared. Sometimes, recipes were exchanged. Everyone was dressed as if it was Sunday (one has to look good for the photo). Games would be organized for the kids, and the “old-timers” told stories from before they were born. Photos and news were shared and then everyone would gather for the panoramic photograph to commemorate the event. A road trip to the family reunion was not uncommon.
Those who were local to the “homestead” or a location significant to the family’s heritage made the arrangements to meet at the home farm, church, local park or even the beach! To put it simply, reunions were large family parties that gave different generations the time to reconnect or perhaps meet for the first time, all the while celebrating family.
As the years went on, committees were established, a chair and a secretary/treasurer were appointed. Family reunions became serious business. Attendees would be notified a year or two of the next reunion date. Attendance was expected, the date was known and there was no good reason why one would not attend. After all, you didn’t want to disappoint grandma.
But now, the large reunions that once filled parks in the summer are starting to wither down. In recent years, some of the families that traditionally hosted a regular reunion have folded. COVID-19 put the final nail in the coffin for some of the reunions. Committee members were aging out and no new members would join the committee. The interest was waning. Folks did not want to go. The younger generations did not want to spend their holidays at a family reunion. Whatever the reason, the reality was that reunions, in the traditional sense, were no longer popular or for some, economical.
The Middlesex Centre Archives has a variety of archival materials related to longstanding family reunions, including minute books, ledgers and panoramic photographs, (ranging in size from 1m to 2m when rolled out).
In this area, Poplar Hill Park and Springbank Park were favourite gathering spots. Shoebottom, Fletcher, Baker, McEachern, Campbell, Davies and Zavitz are just a few of the surnames that were known to have regular, large family reunions.
In 2022, after almost a century of family reunions, the McEachern clan that met locally, closed the books on the family reunion and generously distributed the funds between the Elgin County Archives and MCA, and donated the archival materials to Elgin. It was the end of an era.
With the resurgence of interest in genealogy, perhaps the revival of the family reunion may not be too far behind? The next time someone suggests a family reunion is needed outside of a funeral, consider exchanging contact information and making plans to chat about it before you part ways. After all, with each passing generation, family history and tradition are lost. Perhaps you could be the one who slows down the loss.
