Minutes of the 108TH DETWILER REUNION –
August 21, 2004
Seventy-six (76) descendants of Henry and Catherine (Latshaw)
Detwiler gathered Saturday, August 21, 2004 to celebrate
their 108th reunion. There were many photographs to share
and family history as well. Prior to the covered-dish meal
all sang the Doxology and then Richard H. Lusch of
Phoenixville gave the invocation. Christopher Fetters played
background piano music while family members filled their
plates with the large variety of dishes brought by each
family.
Prior to the business meeting, some accomplishments of the
Detwiler Family over the past 108 years were shared by Dick
Lusch who had done much research at the Historical Society
of the Phoenixville Area. Highlighting this years reunion
was a display of family wedding memorabilia including the
wedding dress worn by Esther Miller, a descendant of John
Detwiler, when she married Vere B. Riley on June 28, 1917.
The same dress was worn by her daughter, Eleanor Riley, when
she married Richard G. Fetters of Kimberton on September 27,
1941. Members brought wedding photos to be scanned and saved
in a computer file by Terry Lusch of Kimberton, and a
photographer from the Evening Phoenix took photographs of
the officers with the wedding memorabilia display.
After the meal and fellowship time, the children enjoyed
games, including the “traditional peanut scramble”, while
the adults conducted a business meeting. They were also able
to enjoy a Kids Korner with crafts and activities throughout
the afternoon. Games and activities were coordinated by
Chris (Lusch) Roussey, Wendy (Lusch) Zern, and Mandy
Fetters. Fun and prizes made many memories for the younger
members of the Detwiler family.
A group photo was taken with a background of the family
quilt, made by Martha Weed for the 100th reunion in 1996,
when over 200 descendants gathered to reunite. On that day
of celebration the Heirloom quilt was signed by each one
attending. The quilt is now placed in one family member’s
home for one year and will reside at the home of Scott and
Lisa Sifford of Phoenixville until the 109th Reunion in
2005.
The business meeting was called to order by President, Sandy
Detwiler Lusch presiding. Secretary, Cecile Fetters read the
minutes of the 2003 Reunion business meeting and Scott
Sifford, Treasurer, gave the Treasurer’s report. Historian,
Terry Lusch had received word of 2 births and 2 deaths over
the past year and asked for any other new information on
changes in the family. Frank Young, a descendant of Sarah
Detwiler, married Cathy Corbin on June 24, 2004 and thus
received a prize for being the most recently married to
attend the reunion.
Dave Fetters also presented gifts to the following
attendees: the oldest man present was 90-year old Harry
Styer, a descendant of Elizabeth; the oldest lady present
was Ruth Clevenstine Keim, a descendant of Abraham Detwiler
; the youngest family member present was 17-month old
Brooklyn Mackey, a descendant of Isaac Detwiler, while
Christopher Fetters, a descendant of John Detwiler traveled
the farthest from New London, Connecticut. Anneleise Sifford
won the President’s Game Quiz, which all had had the
opportunity to play while waiting for the business meeting
to begin.
Under “new business” Sandy asked for suggestions as to how
to get more people to come to the Reunion. She wondered if
more would come if we had an air-conditioned location such
as the Kimberton Fire Hall, However, the Siffords expressed
preference for the many activities such as the swimming pool
and canoeing that are possible at Camp Innabah. After much
discussion a committee was formed to look into alternate
locations and report back with possibilities by next year.
Other suggestions were for each person present to make a
personal invitation to another family member to come next
year, and for a “get-to-know the family” section in the
Newsletter, highlighting information about some of the
people who come each year.
The following family members were elected as officers for
the upcoming year: President: Sandy Detwiler Lusch;
Secretary: Cecile Fetters and Treasurer: Scott Sifford.
Richard Lusch was elected as Historian for the coming year.
Next years reunion date was announced and will be held on
Saturday, August 20, 2005.
Respectfully submitted,
Cecile Fetters, Secretary
