DETWILER FAMILY REUNION TRIVIA
Presented at the 2004 Reunion by Richard H. Lusch
1903 - 6 surviving children of Henry and Catherine Detwiler
attended. Isaac, Mary, David, Abraham, Lizzie and Susan.
1907 - Decision made to hold the reunion on the 3rd Saturday
in August and those formal invitations would not be sent as
has been the custom for earlier reunions.
1910 - Decision made to form a permanent organization called
the “Detwiler Family Reunion”. Harry L. Detwiler was elected
the first President. “After doing justice to a bountiful
repast, the bachelor and benedict members of the family
crossed bats in a neighborhood field. The bachelors
demonstrated the fact that a man cannot come back by
defeating the double harness men to the tune of 21 to 7.”
1912 - Total number of decedents of the family was 344. 203
attended the reunion.
1915 - 184 out of a possible 350 attended.
1918 - George A. Detwiler, Secretary, outlined plans for a
family tree, and reports were expected to be made on the
tree at the next reunion.
1920 - There are 340 members of the family. 190 attended the
reunion.
1921 - No reunion was held this year because of the death of
Norman Detwiler, son of Elwood Detwiler. This was to be the
celebration of the 25th Reunion.
1922 - Celebration of the 25th Reunion. Mary Funk (86) and
Susan Jacobs attended the reunion. They were the only
surviving children of Henry and Catherine.
1924 - At this time there were 567 decedents, 469 living and
208 attended. The Association went on record in favoring the
movement of the Diamond Rock School Association which was
formed to take care of the Diamond Rock School house and
grounds.
1925 - Harry Heiston (sp) was the oldest attending at age
73.
1928 - 471 descendants, 220 attended.
1929 - Five generations attended. The roll indicated the
clan numbered 495. 225 attended.
Typical happenings at reunions: Ball games between married
men and single men, addresses by members of the clergy and
prominent people of the surrounding communities, musical
entertainment, ice cream and cake were served, always gave a
count of births, deaths and marriages and also friends of
the family attended at times.
DID YOU KNOW?
1. “Five Pines Farm” was the residence of Mr. and Mrs.
Willis Yeager in Kimberton (1933).
2. The first President, Harry L. Detwiler (Sandy Detwiler
Lusch’s grandfather) served as President from 1910 until
1947, 37 years! He continued as “Honorary President” for at
least 2 more years.
3. The office of Vice President was an active office for
many years. The Vice President at times presided over the
business meeting in the absence or inability of the
President to conduct the meeting.
4. About 300 members attended the 1923 Reunion (27th) and is
the largest number I have found. Only 48 attended the
Reunion in 1993, the smallest attendance I have found.
