Pritchards and Related Families

1999 Minutes

The 67th edition of the Pritchard Reunion was held on July 11, 1999 at the farm of Susan (Pritchard) and Darron Aucoin near Alcove, Quebec. It was hot and sunny. Out-of-town visitors included the Vandergon family from Anchorage, Alaska, and the youngest guest was Molly Elizabeth Vandergon.

Ian Pritchard gave an informative history of the farm and surrounding land. The farm was the homestead of John Pritchard and Jane Steenson, and the site of the first two Pritchard picnics. The house, which was built about 1856-1858, is now occupied by sixth-generation Pritchards.

Homestead of John Pritchard and Jane Steenson, built about 1856-1858

Cheryl Pritchard-Layer organized the games, including a tug-of-war for "kids" young and old. Ruth Buckland and Don Finless agreed to take over organizing the games for next year. It was voted that the rest of the executive remain in place: Eric (Rick) Johannsen (President), Elizabeth Pritchard (Secretary), and Sondra Dillabaugh (Treasurer).

Six people showed up for the cemetery clean-up on May 29, 1999. Bing Thompson rented a chipper to dispose of a pile of branches. The cemetery is less overgrown. Turnout was a little sparse; volunteers are always welcome. The clean-up is always the Saturday after the Victoria Day long weekend in May.

A "Pritchards and Related Families" website has been set up with family news, history, a guest book, and photos from past reunions.

Ruggles and Marika Pritchard volunteered to host the 2000 reunion at their home near Greely, Ontario.

As a final note, this newsletter is mailed out by Bing Thompson, and each year some are returned with incorrect addresses. If you move (or aren't on the mailing list), please call Bing (613-722-2363), write to him at 484 Dovercourt Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, K2A 0T6, or send an email to Rick Johannsen.

Elizabeth Pritchard
Rick Johannsen