Reunion Update from John Fowler

Dear All:

It is time for another reunion reminder!   I hope you have all been able to allot time and make travel arrangements to attend part or all of the Fowler Family Reunion on July 3-8, 2012.

Based on responses received to date, I can inform you that the Don Fowler family will be well represented.  Don himself is planning to attend along with a contingent including Betsy, Jr., Ann and Dutch Henry and several members of their family and, hopefully, from Denmark, Don and Karen and one or more of their family.  The last family cribbage champion was Alice, and we are expecting her to appear to defend (risk) her title. (We will, of course, also repeat the contests for lawn bocce, not to mention best buns, i.e., cinnamon rolls.)   I will report in future missives the names of other committed attendees, but can report now that the number is large, over 50, and growing. 

You may recall that the last reunion included a 26-page self-guided tour of the Fowler family house as it stood (somewhat precariously) in the year 2000.  An incentive to participate in 2012 is the opportunity to see the house as it has changed substantially in the years since.  It sits 18" higher above a greener lawn, has a restored, wrap-around front porch on the east and north sides and, on the inside, has been redecorated with what look like Virginia farmhouse, golden-brown wooden floors, authentic old oriental carpets, period furniture (older than the 1876 house), reproduction Victorian wallpaper, and 19th century art.  Among other secret, or just interesting, features, there is, in the new full basement, an exact scale model reproduction of the former front parlor, complete with the original upright Kimball piano topped with graduation pictures, the 108 year old "oriental" carpet, Pealy's portrait paintings, Sophie's chairs and much more.

View toward kitchen of Elk Point Fowler home

It is impossible to describe how much the Fowler family's move into this house in 1924 meant to its members, or, in consequence. its profound effect, however unarticulated, on each of you.  Suffice it to say, until Don elaborates in greater detail at the reunion, to move the family of then-8 persons from small, crowded houses with no running water or indoor bathrooms, to a larger house with those amenities and some prestige, achieved much more than mere convenience.   The enhancement of self esteem and confidence led directly to dreams and aspirations which have culminated in educational opportunities and achievements totally absent in the previous 300 years of family history.  Come see it and contemplate!

Some attendees are planning side trips to the Black Hills and other tourist attractions. For that endeavor, "before" is probably better than "after" the reunion, as crowds and heat increase after July 10th.  In future "reminders", I will list other lesser known but interesting historical and geological sites closer to Elk Point, such as the nearby pipestone deposits from which peace pipe material was distributed to Native Americans over a substantial part of the U.S.

Love,  "Uncle John"
April 4, 2012