The 85th annual Brown Reunion, descendants of John and Elizabeth Brown, was held Sunday, August 18, 2019, at the Brown Park south of Bogota, IL. Our day started very warm with a chance of rain. Around 12:30 P.M. Shirley Brown lead us in singing our traditional song “Supper Time.” Dean Brown asked the blessing and thanked all those present for coming. Everyone’s plates were filled with the variety of food that had been prepared for this special family day. Emily and Melanie Dion led us in singing the “Little Brown Church in the Wildwood.” Tom Brown asked for a moment of silence for all our deceased loved ones. He also thanked the families who came and those who helped set up for the reunion.
The gold dollars were presented to the following people: oldest: Dorthy Brown, 93 yrs.; traveled the farthest: Michael T. Brown & Suzi Perlman, Phoenix, AZ; largest family present: Donna (Brown) Coad’s family with 11 family members; youngest: Allison Coad, daughter of Doug Coad & Ashley Bouvy, granddaughter of Donna (Brown) and the late Dennis Coad.
The election of officers resulted in the retention of the three existing officers: President, Thomas H. Brown; Vice-President, Jenny (Bridges) Stadge and Secretary-Treasurer, Faye A. Brown.
Tom Brown has been mowing and maintaining the park.
Thank you for your donations to keep this Reunion going.
The porta potty was again rented from Snearley’s, Martinsville, IL.
The guest book was signed by: Thomas H. & Faye A. Brown, Newton, IL; Michael T. Brown & Suzi Perlman, Phoenix, AZ; Dean & Shirley Brown, Clay City, IL; Dorthy Brown, Newton, IL; Amber Emmerich, Newton, IL; Loretta (Brown) Emmerich, Newton, IL; Larry Brown, Newton, IL; Doug Coad, Ashley Bouvy & Allison Coad, Henderson, KY; Shannon, Sherry, Nathan & Isaac Stark, Cedar Rapids, IA; Carole (Dewhirst) Roberts, Evansville, IN; Donna Coad, Newton, IL; Warren & Jill Birk, Newton, IL; Danny, Jonathan & David Coad, Toledo, IL; Lori (Birk), Emily and Melanie Dion, Newton, IL; Deanna, Coady, Christy & Caden Kerner, Arcola, IL; and Melvin & JoAnn Birk, Newton,
IL.
Next year the 86th reunion will be on August 16, 2020 (third Sunday in August) at the Brown Park. Please bring your families, food, (lunch starts around 12:30 P.M.) tableware, lawn chairs, pictures to share and any updates for the family tree. The drinks will be furnished. Looking forward to seeing you next year!
