Seventy-Plus at the Seventy-Fifth and… that’s not all!

"IECHEYD DA!"

“IECHEYD DA!”

In most parts of the world (or at least the United States), yesterday was Labor Day Sunday.  But here on the Peninsula it was the Williams Clan Annual Picnic – the 75th to occur (as far as is known) every Labor Day Weekend Sunday since 1941!  That’s quite-a-many!

And, too, there were quite-a-many in attendance at this year’s location, the Tim Williams residence in Ocean Park!  “More than 70” said hostess Marni Williams.  “I’m not sure it’s an accurate count because they wouldn’t stop moving!”  Especially the little kids and there was a raft of them!  “Enough to ensure seventy five more years of reunions,” remarked Clan Elder, Mike Williams.

Clan Elder Mike Williams

Clan Elder Mike Williams

Though Mike wore a cap announcing his “Clan Elder” status and took on the role of emcee, he paid homage to the two absentee older elders –his brother Tom (at 90 ½) and his cousin Warner (at 96).  “They probably won’t be making it to future reunions either,” Mike said, “so it’s up to Kris (Kristina Williams Jones) and me” — both young whipper-snappers in their mid-seventies.  Kuzzin Kris joined him, front and center, to lead the crowd in singing “God Bless America” and a few other old Williams’ favorites.

At that point Nyel and I had to beat feet back to Oysterville for the final Music Vespers Service of the year.  We were in time to get a seat in the quickly filling church.  Starla and Cate Gable drew a standing-room-only crowd – a crowd who expressed their appreciation with generous contributions to the collection baskets.  The Oysterville Restoration Treasurer later reported that the amount topped all other vesper services as far back as remembered!  Wow!

Starla and Cate Gable

Starla and Cate Gable

And what a memorable service it was!  There were the sweet harmonies of the Gable sisters, sing-alongs and audience responses to the musical question “What would you do if you were brave.”  Pastor DeWayne LaPointe spoke about the peace he feels when he just “sets a while” in the old Oysterville church and suggested that we all take time now and then to do the same.  Tucker told about last week’s Great Scavenger Hunt and how his favorite Oysterville Moment is that vision of a string of kids running gleefully down Territory Road in search of the next clue!

The day left us feeling totally contented with just the right mix of nostalgia and anticipation.  From family reunions to gatherings at the Oysterville Church, the sweetest things of life are family and friends.  We feel blessed to have shared yesterday with plenty of both and look forward to many more to come.

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