For the 77th time in the past 79 years, on August 6, 2006 the descendants of Albert and Emily Snavely held their annual reunion. The place was, as usual, Morrison's Cove Memorial Park in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania. This year about 75 folks attended, down from the 110+ that has been the norm for the last few reunions. The children of Albert and Emily attending this year were George Washington Snavely (93), Isabelle (Izzie) Louise Snavely Stiffler, Frances Millicent Snavely Woomer and Florence (Babe) Irene Snavely Stacey. The other surviving daughter, Ada Fern Snavely Munchak, was not able to attend.
This year we were honored to have Shirley Evans Lytle, wife of our late cousin John Lytle, in attendance. Shirley brought news and photos of the family members who attended John's funeral. We all mourn John's loss, and we thank Shirley for being with us. We greatly admire her strength of spirit.
The families pooled their goodies to form a delicious luncheon buffet, which began at 12:30 PM. After the meal we had a family meeting (which your correspondent skipped out of to observe the bowling). Official minutes of the meeting will be posted as soon as I get them from Secretary Betty Davic.
At the auction emceed by Dick and Gary Stacey, some spirited bidding raised about $202.00 for the family treasury. As usual, Aunt Frances counted the money and made sure we all paid up!
I believe the decision has been made to hold the 78th reunion at Memorial Park on August 5, 2005. In conjunction with next year's events, arrangements are being considered for a car tour of the family genealogical sites in the Southern Cove, led by Uncle George!
We hope that everyone can come next year, and make it a record turnout.
