Happy is the man who recalls his ancestors with pride and realized that fate has linked him with a race of goodly men. -- Goethe
The July 2008 Annual Germanna Historical Conference and Reunion celebrated some good times and some great history. After reviewing the highlights of the 2008 events, you will want to start planning for your trip to the 2009 events.
Activities began on Friday morning July 17 with two special tours focusing on First Colony and Second Colony venues. Deciding which tour to take presented a formidable challenge though whichever one people selected, they felt that they got the best one! After everyone boarded their appropriate bus, the action was non-stop.
Tour of Geographical Areas Related to the First Germanna Colony
After enjoying lemonade and cookies, the descendants of Siegerland settlers listened attentively to Ed Dandar and others tell the fascinating story of the archaeological discovery of the remains of Elk Run Church.
An Elk Run volunteer describes the outstanding archaeological work carried out at the site. In the background is the framework for a small cruciform museum building that will enable visitors to see an actual exposed corner of the church's foundations
This was the established church parish that all the Germantown settler were required, along with all others in the area, to attend one Sunday a month. The minister, Reverend James Keith, was the grandfather of John Marshall, an important Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, who was born at Germantown in the midst of the Germanna settlement.
Some of the tour group hiked across the original Fishback land at Germantown to the land that Thomas Marshall and his wife Mary Randolph Keith purchased and where their son, John Marshall, was born in 1755. The pyramidal stone marker indicates the site of the Marshall house.
At the chimney remains of the Spilman house in Spilman Park, local historian Perry Cabot entertained the Germanna group with fascinating stories on the history of the site. Perry Cabot added to the historical understanding of the German settlers who came to Little Fork in the 1720s. These settlers were relatives of the Germanna First Colony group providing evidence of communication between the First Colony settlers and their relatives in Germany. (For more information on the Little Fork settlers go to History of Germanna) Here is an old photo of the Spilman house built in approximately 1740.
After lunch in Warrenton, the Fauquier County seat, we visited Don Tharpe's Liberty Heritage Museum, where we saw a sword that belonged to Governor Alexander Spotswood and a pocket watch that George Washington gave to Lafayette, among other fascinating artifacts.
Fleetwood, the Frederick Fishback house in the Jeffersonton area was a special opportunity for the group. Ann and Bill Cox gave our group a wonderfully warm welcome and captivating tour. For years they have lovingly restored the house and outbuildings while maintaining and caring for the old cemetery where many Germanna descendants and other area residents are buried.
Little Fork Church in the Jeffersonton area of Culpeper County was the established (Anglican) church parish where the Germanna settlers who came to the Little Fork area in the 1730s and 1740s were required to worship once a month. This is still an active parish, and its interior has been accurately restored to its colonial appearance, with a raised pulpit and canopy on the long west side opposite the door, and its communion table with the retable with the ten commandments and Lord's Prayer above it on the east wall. The parish historian gave us a warm welcome and informative tour, and parish members provided lemonade and cookies for us afterwards.
Important for Germanna members is the fact that the Reverend John Thompson, one of the early ministers, married Butler Brayne Spotswood, the widow of Governor Alexander Spotswood, and built Salubria for her.
Tour of Geographical Areas Related to the Second Germanna Colony
The Second Colony Tour wended its way through many areas in Madison County, Virginia that were the stomping grounds of Germanna ancestors long before the American Revolution. Emily Williams led the tour sharing the rich treasure of knowledge she possesses as a life-long resident of Madison County.
Everyone enjoyed the vistas of the rolling hills of Madison County.
The rare octagonal barn
The beautiful farm land
Some interesting places
A little humor
Downtown Madison.
The historic Arcade of Madison
A tasty lunch was provided by the Women's Auxiliary at the Hebron Lutheran Church. Here are the happy campers ready to eat.
The Hebron Lutheran Church built in 1740 by members of the Second Germanna Colony.
Here is the beautiful Hebron Church ceiling painted by Joseph Oddenino.
The historic Hebron Church organ.
With full stomachs, everyone sat back enthralled as John Blankenbaker recounted the history of the Hebron Lutheran Church right inside the church.
Friday evening witnessed an informal barbecue at Salubria.
Saturday's Historical Conference
The Germanna Community College was Saturday morning's venue. The activities kicked off with J. Marc Wheat, President of the Board of Trustees, sharing an exciting vision of the future of Germanna.
All the presentations on Saturday seemed to be in an unspoken competition to outdo the others. All were winners, especially those in attendance who were graced with historical insights on European immigration patterns that influenced Germanna by John Blankenbaker,
Some Sherlock Holmes like historical research by Barb Price provided new perspectives on Germanna related activities in Fauquier County involving the Ashlawn Estate,
Katharine Brown's riveting look at the lives of 18th century women of Germanna cannot be adequately described here. You can enjoy this amazing presentation by going to the Women of Germanna page.
Katharine Brown flanked by her husband Madison on her right and Jim Albin on her left.
The vendors' hall gave attendees many temptations to purchase a variety of offerings.
Kids Kamp
Parents can bring their children to the Conference and Reunion and the children will have a great time and want to come back. A full day of supervised activities for the children allows parents to attend the seminars, while their children enjoy a day of fun and games at Salubria.
An 18th century theme for the activities provides the children with a fun learning experience in a safe and supervised atmosphere.
They explored the 18th Century mansion, learned 18th century games and crafts, made their own toys, and enjoyed great snacks and lunch. They even got to do some archaeological digging.
They even learned how to make their own butter for their afternoon snack time.
Most importantly, they all left as happy kampers!
Saturday Evening's Dinner and Auction at Salubria
Saturday evening at SALUBRIA
found members doing the Virginia Reel,
memorializing the fun,
and just watching the good times.
There was good eating and good conversation.
And the always fun auction with a bounty of one-of-a-kind items, precious historical items and some just-for-fun items.
Sunday Morning Keynote Address
Back at the Germanna Community College Sunday morning, everyone thrilled to the presentation by keynote speaker Dr. William Kelso of Jamestown, Virginia, author of Jamestown the Buried Truth.
Dr. Kelso's speech and power point presentation provided a powerful view back in time to early colonial Virginia. The beginning of America as an English speaking country started in Jamestown and Dr. Kelso took us on a guided time tour of that period.
All who attended left enriched by the experience and excited about next year's Historical Conference and Reunion.
Cousin to cousin we'll always be, Special friends from the same family tree.
Mark your calendar for the July 17-19, 2009 Annual Germanna Historical Conference and Reunion.