RELEASE DATE: JUNE 3, 2007
KINSEARCHING
by
Marleta Childs
P. O. Box 6825
LUBBOCK, TX 79493-6825
[email protected]
All types of reunions are held throughout the year, but summer is probably the busiest time for such gatherings. Edith Wagner, editor and publisher of the popular Reunions Magazine, perhaps knows more than anyone about every aspect concerning reunions. She generously shares some of her expertise in a recent news release, part of which is reprinted below:
"...Like most endeavors, reunions benefit from the innovations of new technology. Emailing cuts the cost of postage to communicate. Conference calling facilitates committee meetings with members all over the country. Web sites are used for sharing news and family history, announcing the reunion program, gathering registrations and after the reunion, sharing memories and pictures.
Reunions Magazine's content rich web site, www.reunionsmag.com, is a go-to online resource for persons planning reunions. A forum (http://forums.reunionsmag.com) encourages organizers to share ideas, ask questions and learn from others.
Probably most exciting, podcasts and streaming video are new to the mix of ways to learn how to plan reunions. More podcasts will be added regularly. These are particularly helpful for persons just starting out to listen to and share with other reunion members as they decide how their reunion will take shape. Because these are short presentations, each concentrates on one detail at a time. The first podcasts are about how to set a date for your reunion (not always as easy as it sounds), ...create oral history and sort through mystery photos and artifacts. They also will celebrate their ethnicity and the diverse interests found in all families.
Some families will go camping, enjoy nature and engage in physical activity because it's what they like to do. One survey found that 20% of all family reunions enjoy a game of golf--probably very important in keeping 20% of reunion attendees happy. Planning for kids at reunions is vital to avoid the cry of boredom and begging to go home. Physical games, crafts and contests go a long way to keeping kids engaged, and many can relate to family history as well. Hotel swimming pools and game arcades are popular, but must be supplemented with activities that engage and interest kids in the idea of family.
All around the country, classmates also will be gathering. Zephyrhills (Florida) High School Class of 1966 members will celebrate their 40th anniversary. Then they'll join an all-school Alumni Reunion that provides an opportunity to see friends from other classes and teachers, too. At the much larger Anchorage (Alaska) Bartlett High School Class of 1986 reunion, 60% of class members will return with their families for the first time in 20 years. And then there's the 50th anniversary reunion of Manor, New York's, Briarcliff High School's Class of 1956; they're going to Orlando, Florida, to celebrate."
(End)
In the course of their family research, genealogists become aware of the value of data obtained from advertisements. Researchers may be able to ascertain facts about their ancestors such as residence, place of business, occupation, or how long they have been in business. Information from advertisements also furnishes details about merchandise available during the various eras in which their ancestors lived. Some products were made during certain time frames while others have been on the market for years. Genealogists may be able to deduce which goods or services their forebears may have used.
These selected ads come from December 15, 1910, issue of The Baptist Standard (Vol. 22, no. 50), which was published in Dallas, TX:
Dr. Abell D. HARDIN of Dallas had an advertisement on page 24.
The Reily TAYLOR Co. in New Orleans had an ad for Luzianne coffee on page 31.
An ad for John WHITE & Co. of Louisville, KY, can be found on page 25. Established in 1837, the company offered the highest market price for raw furs and hides; wool was bought on commission.