Minutes of the 117TH DETWILER REUNION – August 17, 2013
Fifty-five (55) descendants of Henry and Catherine (Latshaw) Detwiler gathered on Saturday, August 17, 2013 to celebrate their
117th reunion. The focus of this year’s reunion was “Family Traditions”. Members were given index cards to write about their
family’s favorite holiday, family gathering, reunion, Reunion recipe, etc. These will be added to the ongoing family
“Memories” book created by Zachary Zern in 2007. The Display Table represented Reunion Traditions, begun at the first
reunion and continues to this date. Each table had a centerpiece created by Megan Roussey representing this theme.
A moment of silent prayer and singing of the Doxology preceded the covered-dish meal. After the meal and fellowship time, a
group photo was taken with a background of the heirloom quilt.
The business meeting was called to order by President, Sandy Detwiler Lusch. There were no additions or corrections to the
2012 minutes. Secretary Cecile Fetters asked all present to check the address list for additions or corrections and to sign-up to
bring supplies to next year’s reunion and to help with Reunion activities next year. Sandy asked members if they would like to
take a look back at some of the homesteads of the original children of Henry and Catherine Detwiler and asked members to
please share any information they may have about the exact location of any of these homesteads and any old pictures they may
have of these homesteads. Then they will try to contact the current owners, get plot plans, and get pictures of the properties as
they are today. Lisa Sifford offered to assist with the project.
The following family members were then given special recognition: the oldest man present, 99-year old Harry Styer; the oldest
lady present, Thelma Fisher, 95-years old; and the youngest family member, Matthew Fetters, 7 months old.
Thirty-six (36) descendants of John and Mary Jane Detwiler were the largest family group represented at this year’s reunion.
Historian, Dick Lusch had placed on each table a Historian’s Report which showed 9 births, 9 deaths, and 4 marriages in the
Detwiler family since the last Reunion. Dick noted he has added 128 individual names, 26 surnames and 42 marriages to the
genealogy records since the last reunion. He also noted that the web site (www.detwilerfamily.org) had received 103 visits the
month prior to the reunion. The contracts for the domain name and with the web host company do not need to be renewed until
April / July, 2014. The members agreed for Historian to renew both.
Eric Fetters gave the Treasurer’s report noting that the amount in the treasury has continued to remain at a relatively stable
amount. However, each year the expenses associated with renting Camp Innabah and using the pool increase a little beyond the
amount collected during the day. Eric then passed a basket for donations to help defray the cost.
Wendy Zern had collected 6 door prizes which were won by Sandy Lusch, Zachary Zern, Kerwin Springer, Mary Ann Springer,
Ruth Seder, and Pam Schwartz. Prizes and games were prepared by Jean and Pam Schwartz which the younger children enjoyed
during the business meeting. The “peanut scramble” has been a family tradition since our earliest reunions and was thoroughly
enjoyed today. Additional prizes were also donated by Chris Roussey. A make and take craft was prepared by Amy Roussey for
the children to take home.
The 100th reunion family quilt will reside at the home of Noah Fetters, and the framed family crest will be placed in the home of
Zachary Zern until the 118th Reunion in 2014.
The following family members were elected as officers for the upcoming year: President: Sandy Detwiler Lusch; Secretary:
Cecile Fetters, Treasurer: Eric Fetters, and Richard H. Lusch, Historian. Next year the reunion will be held on Saturday, August
16, 2014. The focus for the 118th Reunion will be Family Homesteads.
After the business meeting, all enjoyed ice cream and visited with the family members who were present.
Respectfully submitted,
Cecile Fetters, Secretary