The Bixbys lead hymn singing and devotions before the potluck meal. As usual, there was much good food. The Gerking Family Association furnished the main entree, with Martha Wells being kind enough to purchase and bring it to the potluck, and the Bixbys furnished drinks for all.
After the meal, President Martha Wells called the meeting to order. Everyone introduced him/herself and told the group which Gerking he or she was descended from.
Martha said that due to her health she would not be able to continue as President. She asked for volunteers, but no one indicated a willingness to take on the job, so for the time being there is none for next year, unless someone volunteers.
The 1994 meeting minutes were read and approved.
Martha entertained a motion that the Gerkings continue to donate $50.00 to Kees (Blue Mountain) Cemetery. The motion was seconded and carried. Discussion was held about vandalism at the cemetery, fencing, and who contributes to the maintenance of the cemetery. Apparently there is a funding project to “buy” a brick for that purpose. A motion was made, seconded and carried that a brick be purchased for $50.00 with the inscription to read “The Gerking Family.”
Martha said that Beth Johnston is on the east coast visiting her children and unable to attend this reunion. However, Beth has said she is willing to remain secretary-treasurer of the organization, and she was unanimously voted into that position. Martha also suggested that when additions or corrections need to be sent to Beth that family members with Gerking books photocopy the page involved and make corrections directly on the copy being sent.
Sterling and Arthena Cox came the farthest distance for the reunion. At 85 years young, Opal Ritchie was the oldest person present, and Katie Hammond, 8 years old, was the youngest.
The Beck family reunion is held the last weekend of July at the Forest Home Stock Farm near Estacada, and they would enjoy having Gerkings attend. They have a Saturday 9-hole golf tournament and Springwater, with camping, hot dogs, and singing on Saturday night. There is breakfast Sunday morning, church services, and dinner at 1:00 p.m. at the Stock Farm. It was suggested that a list of attendees at this reunion be sent to those in charge of the Beck reunion.
The hat was passed and a total of $94.50 was collected. The Youngs sent $20.00, making a total of $114.50 to help the treasury.
Dwight Thomas and his mother, Maxine, have tentatively volunteered to have the reunion at Walla Walla next year. Dwight has just become involved in the Gerking book and says he knows of other Gerking descendants in the Walla Walla area that have not heard of our reunions. As they are of a younger generation than those attending Gerking reunions in recent years, it would be great to get them involved.
President Martha thanked the Bixbys for hosting the reunion, then the meeting was closed with more entertainment by the Bixbys. They were great! The Bixbys also had favors for each person attending.
Respectfully submitted,
Betty Van Meter, Acting Secretary
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