109th Fairbanks Family Reunion

 

 

 

On August 14, 2011, under sunny skies, 125 Fairbanks descendants enjoyed the 109th Fairbanks Family Reunion! The crowd was treated to a spectacular and informative day. Highlighting the events was a lecture by Brigham Young University professor Dr. Jenny Pulsipher, a recognized scholar on 17th Century Native America (Indian) culture and Native Americans in Massachusetts Bay.

 

Peter and Nancy Cook of Berwick, ME, were on hand to demonstrate spinning and weaving. The 17th Century came to life in the form of a one-woman play based on the life of Grace Fairbanks performed by Boston actress Beth Goldman.

 

The business meeting held under the tent featured speeches by Allen Blood, president, Fairbanks Family in America; Jonathan L. Fairbanks, First Vice President; a treasurer’s report by Lynn Fairbank; an update on activities at the house by Business Operations Manager Lee Anne Hodson; and an update on the Fairbanks genealogy project by Chair Bill Fairbanks.

 

Once again, this year awards were give out for Oldest Male, Oldest Female; Furthest Traveled and Youngest in attendance. The awards were given to:

 

• Oldest male, Neal McKay of Wellesley Hills, MA
• Oldest female, June Rooney of Foxboro, MA
• Youngest in Attendance, Isabel Rose Cronin of Millbury, MA, 4 years old
• Greatest distance traveled, Joy Robbins of Arizona

 

The day also marked the memorial dedication for long-time Fairbanks House docent Elizabeth Bowers. Several of Elizabeth’s family and friends were present to view the spirea and a marker adorned with Elizabeth’s name and the date of her passing.