The annual reunion of the Spencer-Benham families was held
at the home of Mrs. Clarinda Case, 1/4 mile south of Eagle
Point, Thursday, August 28, 1902.
About 9 o'clock a.m. the guests began to arrive and by noon
there was a happy crowd, and many tender greetings were
exchanged among loved ones.
Long tables had been prepared on the lawn and a feast fit
for royalty was spread thereon. There might have been more
cut glass, shining plate and expensive delft, but better food
never gladdened the palate of man than was set before the
guests that day. The food relished most by the older people
was old fashioned chicken pot pie.
There were three tables. The eldest people were all seated
at the center table. Allen Benham Spencer, his two brothers,
Naaman and Isaac, and his sister, Mrs. C. Case, were all
seated at one table.
There were children enough to occupy two larger tables -
all the tables were filled twice. Some of the ladies who
served ate at the last table. One of them saved a dish of
fruit salad and because there was not enough for all, it
became the subject of much merriment.
Mrs. C.E. Spencer, Mrs. S.E. Ripley, Mrs. Henry Elsey, Mrs.
John Riggs and Mrs. C.H. Sword figured in the merry
contention. The dish was passed from place to place and hid
scores of times until it fell into Mrs. Sword's hands and she
ate it, and proved the might of the "sword" even in a contest
for a dish of fruit salad. The enjoyment over this little
incident will be one of the pleasant memories of this reunion
in the years to come.
After dinner there was visiting and social intercourse,
interspersed with music and singing. Geo. Asay's song, "I'm
Always Misunderstood" was very much enjoyed.
Elias R. Spencer of Chadwick was elected president, and
Henry Elsey of Eagle Point, secretary for the coming year.
Henry Dorman of Freeport and Henry Elsey of Eagle Point were
appointed as a committee on badges. Mrs. Clarinda Case and
Mrs. Clarinda Elsey, (they to choose a third person) were
appointed as a committee to purchase dishes for the ensuing
year, as it is a great inconvenience to borrow and return
dishes every year.
