The 48th annual reunion of the Spencer-Benham family was held at the Frank Spencer home, south of Coleta, when 130 relatives registered from Racine, Wis., Afton, Ia., Oshkosh, Wis., Pine River, Minn., Polo, Dixon, Eagle Point, Milledgeville, Minonk, Arlington, Heights, Elgin, Rockford, Winnebago, Chadwick, Thomson, Genoa, Freeport, Sterling and Rock Falls.
The tables were set under the trees on the lawn where the picnic dinner was served to the entire group. The business meeting was called by the president, Richard Petersen, and was opened by all singing America, repeating the Lord's prayer and pledging allegiance to the flag, which was suspended between the trees.
Greetings were extended to all members by the president, the vice president, Mrs. Frank Spencer, hostess of the reunion, and the host Frank Spencer. Letters were read from relatives unable to be present, also from Sgt. Maynard Spencer, who is in the armed forces now stationed in Italy. Also from the oldest member of the family Mrs. Candace Shook, who is 89 years old.
Lt. Martin Deets, glider pilot, was welcomed home. He flew from England, arriving here Saturday. He served four years and 10 months, saw service in many countries, has several decorations and stars. He served in six major battles, the Normandy invasion and other landings. He gave a talk on some of the places and people he had seen.
The historian, Mrs. Oleta Spencer De Puy, reported 34 members of the family in the armed services, one being a wave. Two members have died in this war. Honors were also given to Clyde Spencer, who served in the Spanish-American war, to Wesley Morgan and Lee Hunt of World War I. Two families each have four boys in the service. Three deaths, five births and three marriages were reported by the secretary, Grace Petersen. A moment of silent prayer was held for the ones who had passed away.
A summarized history of the family was read which disclosed the fact that the first reunion was held 75 years ago, July 1, 1870. Other reunions were held in succeeding years, then in 1897 the Spencer- Benham Reunion association was organized, since which 48 reunions have been held. This, the western branch of the family, was founded by Naaman and Diantha Benham Spencer, they both being from Connecticut.
The oldest Spencer present was Mrs. Myra Sarber; the oldest Benham was Mrs. Bertha Spencer of Rock Falls. The youngest member was Judith Ann Bruns, daughter of Corp. Glenn Bruns and wife. She was presented a sterling silver spoon by her grandmother, Mrs. Hazel Bruns. Her great grandmother, Mrs. Bertha Spencer, made three generations represented. Mrs. Ruth Hunt of Pine Rover, Minn., came the greatest distance.
Officers for 1946 were elected; President, Richard Petersen, Racine, Wis.; vice president, Mrs. Frank Spencer, Sterling; secretary- treasurer, Grace Spencer Petersen, Racine, Wis.; historian, Oleta Spencer De Puy, Sterling; program committee, Floyd Spencer and Beulah Schreiner.
The Floyd Spencer family entertained with musical numbers on guitars, violin and vocal numbers. Those taking part were Floyd, Lowell, Harold and Lorna, and little Carol Sue, who danced.
Jeanette, Vada Marie and Betty Spencer, daughters of Charles Spencer, sang several songs. Mrs. Geo. Gerdes gave a reading entitled "Managing a Husband." Mrs. Gerdes and Frank Spencer, as Susan and Otto, gave a humorous skit, "Is it Raining?" Several musical numbers were played by the Spencer boys and the rest of the afternoon was spent in visiting. The next reunion will be held the first Sunday in July, at the Frank Spencer home.
