Write-up to The Phoenix to be included with
Photo taken by Barry Taglieber.
Detwiler Family’s 108th Reunion,
Saturday, August 21, 2004, Camp Innabah, Pughtown, Pa.
Seventy-six (76) descendants of Henry and Catherine Detwiler
assembled for their 108th Detwiler Family Reunion
at Camp Innabah, Pughtown, Pa. at noon on Saturday, August
21, 2004. The weather was overcast with some rain and
thunderstorms at times. The focus at this year’s reunion was
“Shared wedding memories through the generations”. A
“welcome sign” made by Zachary Zern greeted members as they
arrived to “sign in” at the record book.
Along with past reunion and family photos to view, a wedding
display area was set up. Two wedding gowns were displayed.
One of the gowns was worn by Esther Miller on her wedding
day to Vere Riley on June 28, 1917. Eleanor Riley, their
daughter, wore the same gown on Sept. 27, 1941, when she
married Richard G. Fetters. The other gown was worn by
Cecile Fetters when she married Dave Fetters on Aug. 2,
1969. Mandy Fetters, their daughter, who will be married to
Jim Collier on Nov. 2, 2004, showed special interest in the
display.
The display also included wedding cake tops, framed wedding
photos and wedding albums, and hand stitched pew ornaments.
Family members brought wedding day photos, which were
scanned by Historian Terry Lusch. An album will be created
capturing these memories for future generations.
Prior to the business meeting Dick Lusch, incoming Family
Historian, gave a presentation on Reunion history. Some
information he researched at the Historical Society of the
Phoenixville Area from the year 1903 to present. Using this
information a spreadsheet showing the year, location,
officers and number attending was developed. Many copies of
Daily Republican (currently The Phoenix) articles during
that period were available for the members to read. In 1903
the family decided to always hold the reunion on the 3rd
Saturday in August. In 1910 Harry L. Detwiler was elected
the first President and served in that capacity 37 years
until 1947. He was the grandfather of the current
President, Sandy Detwiler Lusch who was elected President in
2002. In 1910 the decision was made to be organized and
become officially known as the “Detwiler Family Reunion”
even though they had met informally since 1897.
Christopher Fetters played background piano music while
family members filled their plates with the large variety of
dishes brought by each family. This was followed by the
traditional group photo with the backdrop of the heirloom
quilt, which was made and signed by all who attended the 100th
year reunion, in 1996.
Children enjoyed games, relays, crafts from a “make and
take” table as well as the traditional “peanut scramble”.
Games and activities were coordinated by Chris Roussey,
Wendy Zern and Mandy Fetters.
Prizes were given to the most recently married: Frank &
Cathy Young, oldest man present: Harry Styer 90 years old,
oldest lady present: Ruth Clevenstine Keim, the youngest
family member present was 17-month old Brooklyn Mackey.
Christopher Fetters traveled the farthest distance from New
London, Connecticut. Anneleise Sifford won the Presidents
Game Quiz.
The following family members were elected as officers for
the upcoming year. President Sandy Detwiler Lusch;
Secretary: Cecile Fetters and Treasurer: Scott Sifford.
Dick Lusch was elected as Historian for the coming year.
The next Reunion will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2005.
