Reunion News Articles
'33 Reunion
Gatineau Valley Is Scene
Large Family Reunion
Ottawa Citizen article, probably by Birdsall "Birdie" Robb
(James Pritchard > Ann (Stevenson) > Judith (Robb) > Birdsall)
ALCOVE, July 24 -- James Pritchard and his wife Jane Stevenson [Ferguson], came from Northern Ireland in 1830 and settled on a grant of land near what is now the village of Alcove. They had a large family of sons and daughters most of whom settled in the Gatineau Valley. One son moved to Lowell, Mass. Their descendants are now scattered in various parts of the world. On Saturday last, descendants residing in the Ottawa district, to the number of almost one hundred, gathered at the old homestead, now the farmstead of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Pritchard, [not the Pritchard homestead in Alcove] in a family reunion. After partaking of a luncheon served on tables arranged under the trees, the afternoon was spent in a social time renewing old acquaintances and making new ones. A short program at which Rev. Manley Pritchard, of Athens, Ont., was the chief speaker, added to the afternoon's enjoyment. An invitation was accepted and arrangements were made to hold the reunion next year at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Colborne Nesbitt, Montreal road.
'35 Reunion
Pritchard Family Reunion is Held
More than 100 Descendants Attend Gathering at Alcester Hall
More than 100 descendants of the old Pritchard family, among the pioneers of the Gatineau section about a century ago, gathered on Saturday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Colbourne [Colborne] Nesbitt, "Alcester Hall", Montreal road, in the annual reunion of the Pritchard family association, and spent an enjoyable day under ideal conditions.
Mrs. Nesbitt was formerly Miss Mary Pritchard, daughter of the late Abraham Pritchard, and many who still bear the name were among the guests.
The beautiful old-world stone house formed an admirable background for a tableau of contrasts presented. A lady's side-saddle and costume worn more than 100 years ago were set-off against the latest in stream-lined automobiles and a young miss in the mode of 1935. Races were enjoyed and dinner was served. Later, speeches were delivered by Ben Rothwell, M. Glass, Rev. Robert Gamble, Dr. W. H. Pritchard and Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Pritchard. Election of officers for the ensuing year resulted in unanimous selection of Mrs. Lila Johannsen as president.
Thanks to the host and hostess and those responsible for the gathering were passed, and presentation of a silver plate was made to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Pritchard, of Alcove, Que., who some years ago were foremost in organizing the society of descendants of the family, and in keeping the association alive.
It was announced that Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Pritchard would act as hosts for the next year's reunion. Those responsible for the success of the 1935 celebration included, S. Pritchard, Arnprior, president, J. A. Pritchard, Manotick, convener, Miss Abby Pritchard, Wyman, Que., secretary, and D. A. [C.A.] Johannsen, Gordon Moore, Dr. W. H. Pritchard, and Jack Dinning, committee.
Ottawa Citizen article. Mary Nesbitt was the daughter of John Pritchard's brother Abraham, so it was established that one need not claim John as a grandfather to be a true "bald" Pritchard. Alcester Hall was expropriated by the federal government for the wartime expansion of the National Research Council. Joe and Clara Pritchard were presented a silver tray in appreciation of their role in the first two reunions. Joe Pritchard died within days, on July 12, 25 years to the day after meeting Clara at an Orange celebration in Cantley.
'36 Reunion
Pritchard Reunion
Ottawa Citizen
More than 75 members of the Pritchard family attended the annual Pritchard reunion held this year at Manotick at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Pritchard. Dinner was served on the lawn and later a short program was enjoyed under the convenership of Mrs. C. A. Johannsen. The young people were entertained with races and games, the sports committee being composed of Dr. H. Pritchard, Mr. C. A. Johannsen, Mr. J. Moore and Mr. J. W. Dinning.
The next gathering will be a basket picnic up the Gatineau on the last Saturday of June, 1938. Mr. R. Pritchard will be the chairman of arrangements, Mrs. E. Pritchard will be in charge of refreshments, Mr. Fred Pritchard will be convener of program and Miss Abbie Pritchard will be secretary.
The practice of meeting alternately in the Gatineau and Ottawa valleys was talked about, and probably followed.
'61 Reunion
Pritchards Hold Reunion
Ottawa Citizen
Members of the Pritchard family from Ottawa and district held their annual reunion at Vincent Massey Park. J.I. Thompson presided at a meeting at which greetings were read from family members in Australia, California and Northwest Territories. It was decided at the meeting that the bi-annual newsletter should continue to be published. Executive members for 1961-62: President, James Pritchard of Deep River; vice -presidents, Dr. Ian Pritchard and Russell Pritchard of Ottawa; secretary-treasurer, Mrs. Doris Craig of Osgoode; assistant, Miss Bessie Pritchard of Ottawa.
'66 Reunion
Pritchard Clan Reunion
Ottawa Citizen
July, 1966 -- At the annual Pritchard Clan reunion held at "The Homestead" summer home of Col. and Mrs. Bing Thompson, Dr. Athol Kenney, historian, reviewed the family history in Gatineau from early in the Nineteenth Century. Succeeding Mr. Jim Pritchard as president of the clan will be Dr. Joseph Pritchard. Vice-presidents are Miss Maralyn [Marilyn] Pritchard and Mr. Norman Gillen. Secretary-treasurer is Dr. Hilliard Pritchard.
'82 Reunion
Even after 150 years,
Irish immigrants still hold family together
By Doug Kelly
Citizen staff writer
ALCOVE, Que. -- When they set foot in Canada 150 years ago, James and Judith Pritchard had no idea of what their arrival would lead to.
For them, settling in the rugged hills of the Gatineau after emigrating from Ireland was a hardship. But it was the start of a tradition for their descendants.
A century after James and Judith's arrival, the first Pritchard family reunion was held to pay tribute to those early settlers and bring the ever-growing family together under one roof.
The 50th annual family reunion was held Saturday in this quaint Quebec town 45 kilometers north of Ottawa, with more than 200 relatives turning up from as far away as Vancouver and Ireland.
The family's legacy was everywhere, with old photographs, documents and maps being passed around or on display.
The event was also made special by the location. The relatives gathered at James and Judith Pritchard's second home on the banks of the Gatineau River near here. Built in the 1840's, it was the home for James' and Judith's nine children, many of whom settled in the Wakefield area. The house has remained in the family, with Mary (Pritchard) Thompson and her husband now occupying the picturesque home.
The oldest member in attendance was 88-year-old Peggy Pritchard, who had been to more than 30 of the gatherings. "I sure feel a lot of nostalgia being here and looking around, seeing the many relatives," she said.
Now living in Ireland, Dorothy (Pritchard) Miller said she remembers the first reunion "as clear as day". "They always start off a little stiff because you haven't seen many of these people for years, but things soon warm up."
Miller said the reunion is also fun for new family members because they get a chance to meet all those people they've heard so much about.
A book entitled The Pritchards and Related Families was prepared especially for the occasion by Patrick Evans, another descendant [sic]. It includes numerous photographs, shots of earlier reunions, and an extensive family tree.
Jim Pritchard, one of the organizers, said this year's gathering was the largest he can remember for quite some time. He said an extra effort was made this year to bring together relatives who have settled outside the Wakefield area.
Reunion activities included a hike to the family cemetery to view the ancestoral [sic] tombstones, a baseball game, a family swim and lunch and dinner contributed from every part of the family.
The day closed with an evening of dancing at the Alcove Hall.
Among the family in attendance was Rev. David Mainse of the television evangelical program 100 Huntley Street. Mainse said "with instabilities in families and hard economic conditions, it's important for people to know their roots as it gives them a sense of purpose and history."