The 100th annual reunion of the descendants of Naaman and Diantha (Benham) Spencer was held Sunday, June 14th, 1970 at Schell Park in Milledgeville. Due to inclement weather, everyone had to stay in the shelter, but the visiting and the delicious picnic dinner was enjoyed by all.
This reunion called together the relatives from Brighton, Minn.; Phoenix, Ariz.; Racine, Wis.; LaGrange, Sterling, Rock Falls, Milledgeville, Morrison, Shannon, Mt. Carroll, Lanark, Prophetstown, Thomson, Leaf River, Elizabeth and Kent. 94 members signed the register, not including all the children and friends that were present. The prayer said before the meal, was led by Lester Deets from Leaf River.
The meeting was called to order by the president, LeRoy "Barney" Hart from Sterling. Greetings were read from absentee members. Historian, pro tem, Mrs. Bertha Spencer reported the births and deaths in the past year. The oldest member present was Celia Spencer Morgan, 69, a direct descendant from both the Spencer-Benham families, presented the silver spoon to the youngest member, 17 day old Roger Alan Sneek Jr., son of Roger and Glenda Bruns Sneek, Glenda being the daughter of Glenn Bruns, Glenn being the son of the late Hazel Spencer Bruns.
Election of officers was held for the coming year: Donald Peterson, LaGrange, president; Gary Garland, Sterling, vice president, and Vada Waites, Elizabeth, secretary-treasurer.
Mrs. Oleta DePuy, historian, blood descendant of Naaman and Diantha Benham Spencer, will put the old 1897 record book in retirement and a new one was purchased for the beginning of the 2nd 100 years, . . . and will be a future reference of any interested descendants.
A short impromptu program was give, along with group singing, was enjoyed by all.
The reunion of 1971 will be held again at the Schell Park in Milledgeville the 2nd Sunday of June and in the event of bad weather, will be held in the Grange Hall.
