The 103rd annual Spencer Benham family at Schell Park in
Milledgeville, Sunday, June 10. The reunion brings together
descendants of Naaman and Diantha Benham Spencer and is one
of the oldest family reunions in the state of Illinois. It is
one of the few reunions chartered by the state, the charter
having been granted on Oct. 12, 1921.
Approximately 90 relatives and friends gathered together
and the afternoon started with a potluck dinner. After dinner
the family gathered for the Pledge of Allegiance and singing
"God Bless America" led by the reunion president, Ralph Witt
of Elmhurst. One of the annual highlights is the presentation
of the reunion spoon by the oldest member present to the
youngest member present. This year the event was even more
special because the oldest member present, Mrs. Myrtle
Spencer of Rock Falls, presented the spoon to the youngest
member present, her granddaughter, Mari Beth Garland, born on
May 2, 1973, is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Gary Garland of
Sterling. Mrs. Carol Garland is the daughter of Myrtle
Spencer. Mrs. Spencer, Mrs. Garland and Mari Beth are
descendants of both the Spencer and Benham families. Mr. and
Mrs. Earl Ruby of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, were being presented
with a gift for being the descendants who had traveled the
farthest.
The officers were retained for next year. They are:
President, Ralph Witt; vice president: Mrs. Dorothy Bruns of
Kent, vice president and secretary-treasurer Mrs. Judy Witt
of Elmhurst. Games and contests were held for the children.
Various family members who gave talent presentations were
Mrs. Betty Scykes of Tampico, Miss Gayle Spencer of Rock
Falls, Miss Teena Matuska of Thomson, Mrs. Lowell Spencer of
Rock Falls, and Mrs. Vada Waites of Elizabeth. All family
members joined in a sing along.
Next years's reunion will be held in Nim's Park in Rock
Falls on the second Sunday in June. Family members are to
bring their instruments for a family band and a square dance.
