One hundred twenty-five members of the Spencer-Benham family met for their 43rd annual reunion at the Paul Weigle Home at Eagle Point, Ill., Sunday.
With several friends of the family, all enjoyed a bountiful picnic dinner beneath the maple trees where many reunions have been held in years past. This is the old home of Mrs. Clarinda Case, who was the daughter of Diantha Benham and Naaman Spencer, Sr., who are the founders of this branch of the family.
The children were entertained with games, and stunts, and the winners were awarded prizes. Games of ball and horseshoes entertained the older group.
The president, Richard Peterson, called the meeting to order and the group joined in singing "America" and gave the pledge of allegiance to the flag. After Rev. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Myers offered prayer, the business meeting was held. Mr. Peterson read an address of welcome which had been given by Luke Case in 1899, also some short sketches from the report of that meeting.
A short talk relative to the booklets of the summarized history of the family was given by Frank Spencer, and pictures of Naaman Spencer, Sr., who was born in 1789 were given to the those who owned the booklets.
Richard Peterson of Racine, Wis., was reelected president for the ensuing year, and Mrs. Bertha Spencer of Sterling, vice president. Mrs. Grace Spencer Peterson of Racine, was elected secretary and treasurer, and Mrs. Oleta De Puy, historian. Mr. Peterson appointed Mrs. Grace Woodin of Polo, Mrs. Bertha Spencer of Sterling and Mrs. Klea Deets of Oregon and Hal Spencer of Rock Falls on the entertainment committee. The decorating committee consists of Mrs. Grace Woodin of Polo, Mrs. Emma Woodin and Mrs. Beulah Schreiner, also of Milledgeville.
The next reunion was planned at the old Spencer homestead, now the home of Mrs. Mildred Etheridge.
A short memorial service was held for the eight relatives who had passed away in the past year, Mrs. Fred Myers sang "Shadows," accompanied by Mrs. Mildred Weigle. Eight marriages and two births were reported by the historian, Mrs. Oleta De Puy.
The oldest member present was Mrs. Clarinda Spencer Elsey, 93, and she presented the silver spoon to Dixie Lee Bender of Freeport two years, who was the youngest member present. She represented the sixth generation and is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Guy Bender.
Relatives registered from Rockford, Elgin, Forreston, Freeport, Chicago, Mt. Carroll, Chadwick, Racine, Wis., Rock Falls, Sterling, Polo, Oregon, Genoa and Savanna.
A very enjoyable program was given by the three children and the Spencer orchestra of Rock Falls consisting of Floyd, Wayne, Harold and Hal Spencer, who played several selections; solos, Hal Etheridge, Paul Spencer, Norma Spencer, Lois Jean Spencer, Gene Givens and Norma Smith; reading, Gene Givens and Nora Irene Woodin; duets, June and Lillian Fee, Carol and Phyllis Schreiner, Doris and Phyllis Weigle, cornet solo, Gail Spencer, and a one-act play by Martin and Charles Deets. At the conclusion of the program ice cream and cake were served and the rest of the afternoon spent in visiting.
