Like clockwork, the Sunset Shelter picnic tables at Franklin’s Province Park were jam-packed with trays of warm fried chicken, homemade noodles, crunchy cabbage salad — not to mention the tables abundant with cupcakes, pies and cakes.
The Hommel Family gathered for its 95th reunion. Madam President Kelly Benbow (aka cousin Kelly) attempted with great success in bringing order to the hungry Hommel masses and managed the miracle feat of having a group photo taken BEFORE lunch, music and kids games.
If I was writing in biblical geneology form, instead of informally referring to Cuz’n Kelly, I would note: Ralph and Florence Hommel begat eleven children, six sons and five daughters. The first begotten daughter was Shirley who was betrothed to and married John Neumann and they begat Peggy, Kenneth, David and Angie. Angie, betrothed and married Terry Logsdon, and they begat a son Darren, and daughter, the present Madam President Kelly Benbow — who also betrothed and married husband Brent and begat sons, Brentley and Kyren.
That’s only 1/11th of the begatting, not to mention that Grandpa Ralph was also the youngest of eleven siblings.
Back at the reunion, Kelly read the minutes and noted that our first Hommel Reunion was held at J. E. McClains on Sept. 20, 1925. Our seventh reunion, held Aug. 30, 1931 was held at Pioneer (now Province) Park in Franklin, where Frank Hommel was the youngest in attendance at 7-months-old. Lil’ Frank Ray happened to win the award for the eldest male Hommel this year.
Elected reunion officials in 1931 were Lon Hommel, Montie Hommel and Lola Fitzpatrick. The entertainment committee consisted of Lakie Pevler, Vernon Hommel, Holland Smock, Ned Joyce, Nora Hommel and Bessie Hommel. The collection taken that year for reunion expenses came to a total of $4.80 — starting with 31 cents, then spending 18 cents for card expenditures, making the balance a respectable $4.93.
In 95 years, the names have changed a bit, but the food, faces and games have a sense of comfortable familiarity. Frank, our youngest baby in 1931, served as a reunion officer in past years, and this year entertained the family with songs and tunes on his guitar. This year our youngest baby was 3-month-old Mason Sutt, the begatted of Isaiah and Cassie (Pendleton) Sutt. Someday Mason may also be president.
Private Hommel Family communication: Happy Anniversary to cousin Mike and April Hommel Jones — we are glad that you got away to celebrate your 20th, even if it was during the always “first-Sunday of August” reunion.
Note to second cousins Carlee Jo, Cody and Casey Johnson: The just-established Hommel Reunion Absentee Board requests a written excuse in defense of not attending the 2019 reunion. You were missed and if excuse is deemed invalid you will promptly be elected to a 10-year reunion officer role. Thank you for being family.
