Why go to North Carolina?

That is the question on my mind. It isn't a question that I need to answer for me. I have answered it for myself long ago. It is the question I would answer for those who haven't been there for a reunion.

Several years ago, I went to North Carolina in response to an invitation from Judy Fulbright and Catherine Houser. It was one of those trips that was more like a homecoming than a visit, and I had never been there before!

As I drove into the Smokies, I shall never forget their beauty. I drove into western North Carolina late in the evening. It was a perfect evening. The mountains were truly smoky. As I drove into the mountains, I can only say that I kept thinking, "Grandpa, why did you leave?" I knew that he left for better opportunities in the Louisiana Purchase, but the beauty of the mountains was almost breathtaking. It was something that I had not considered as I wrote about Grandfather John Fulbright. On the other hand, there was a sense of "homecoming" that I cannot describe.

Fulbright Cove, really a beautiful valley, and other points of family history are there. Robert Fulbright showed me the area as he quietly gave me a run down on local and family history in western North Carolina around Waynesville and Canton. You will see these places too. Lake Junaluska is worth the price of the trip! It too is simply beautiful. For the more ambitious who have not viewed the original land holdings of our common ancestor, John William Fulbright (Johann Wilhelm Volprecht/Vollbrecht), the Hickory, North Carolina, area is just down the road to the east.

Seeing the land, learning about the family history in the area, and meeting some truly gracious relatives give one three reasons for this reunion. This list does not include the wonderful time that we have each time we get together.

I hope to see you there next June. It should be a memorable reunion for all of us. If you have questions about the trip, contact Judy Fulbright at 704-241-9557 or me at 816-833-3797. We shall be glad to talk with you about the trip. It will be well worth every moment you spend in going and every penny you spend in paying for it.

This is one of the cardinal points of Fulbright history. We know much more about the area than we do about Pennsylvania and the Fulbrights. Information is much more difficult to come up with for Pennsylvania. Perhaps, one day we can go there, but first, let's all gather in North Carolina. Meet us there on June 27, 28, and 29, 1997!

PLEASE, READ THE INFORMATION BELOW FROM JUDY AS IT GIVES THE ARRANGEMENTS THAT WE EACH NEED TO MAKE TO ATTEND THE REUNION.

The information is precise. Watch out for the deadlines, family members!

--David Fulbright

Judy Fulbright, our local arrangements chairperson for the 1997 reunion in North Carolina has just completed some of the details for our time together. We shall be staying at the Lake Junaluska Assembly. Our arrival day is June 27, 1997. Our departure date is June 29, 1997.

We shall be at the Lambuth. The FFA has 37 rooms blocked for 60 guests. We have a combination of rooms. Eighteen have one double bed. Twelve have twin beds. Seven have queen size beds. A single is $53.00. A double is $60.00. A triple is $66.00, and a quad is $72.00.

All meals are included in this cost, beginning with dinner on Friday. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday are included with an additional charge of $2.00 for the Saturday night meal. On Sunday, breakfast and lunch will be served.

A deposit of $25.00 per adult will be due 21 days after each individual makes their reservation. Any rooms not assigned will be released 60 days prior to our arrival date unless a deposit is made to hold the room. Cancellations made within 30 days of our arrival receive no refund. If you have to cancel, do it at least 31 days before the reunion. To make reservations, call 1-800-222-4930 or 1-704-452-2881. Please, notice that we really need to make our reservations early. The Assembly site is far enough from other facilities that you will need to stay there rather than at a nearby motel or facility.

Lake Junaluska is close to Canton, North Carolina, if you wish to locate it on your travel maps.