The "Why" of the Dreisbach Reunions
The Dreisbach Family Journal, Vol 1, No. 1, October 1913, pp. 7-8
by Ammon Peter Dreisbach, President of the Dreisbach Family Association in 1913
Several years ago, while attending the funeral of a relative, the writer of this article was introduced to some persons whom he had never met before, and re-introduced to others whom he happened to meet only upon such sad occasions. The thought occurred to him, "Why not come together upon other than such sorrowful occasions; why not meet under conditions where joy and happiness reign supreme and when the ties of kinship and friendship may be established and strengthened?" This in turn suggested the idea of a family reunion once a year, with believing it to be the simplest way of becoming acquainted with one another.
Happy as a boy with his first knife, we did what the women always do,-- we mentioned this matter to others, who not only agreed with us, but at once named a time when a meeting could be held for the purpose of making arrangements for A Family Reunion. Our present secretary, Frank S. Dreisbach, called the meeting, which was held at our home in Allentown. We have forgotten the date,-- a sign of advancing age. At that meeting the following persons were present: Messrs. George Dreisbach, of Mauch Chunk; Charles Weitknecht, of Beersville; Mr. and Mrs. Mertz, nee Dreisbach, of Weissport; Frank S. Dreisbach, of Allentown, the writer, and several others, whose names I cannot recall,-- additional proof of advancing age. The writer was chosen as chairman and F.S. Dreisbach, as secretary. Many matters were discussed, plans were suggested, and some progress was made; but for some reason or other we could not bring about the much desired results. At this juncture our drooping spirits were quickly revived when we were informed that the Rev. S.A. Bridges Stopp, who has since become our efficient historian, was deeply interested in this whole matter, having made a well-nigh exhaustive research in his efforts to gather the data of the Dreisbach Family. Accordingly another attempt was made, the royal edict announcing the First Reunion of the Dreisbach Family, at Central Park, Sept. 3rd, 1910. Although there was a grand "tea-party" that day,-- Jupiter Pluvius doing the pouring,-- there was nothing that could dampen the ardor of those who gathered there, for when they realized how inadequate the accomodations were, they adjourned to meet in regular session at the home of the Rev. Mr. Stopp, in Allentown. The formal organization was effected by the election of officers all of whom have been continued in office ever since by reason of their ability and willingness to assist in so praiseworthy an undertaking (the President is too modest to include himself.)
In addition to those named, we remember the names of William and Miss Bertha Dreisbach, of Philadelphia; M.L., John J. and Alvin M. Dreisbach, Mrs. F. L. Snyder and Miss Adele Dreisbach Snyder, of Easton; W.F. Dreisbach, of White Deer, Pa.; G.P. Dreisbach, of Mountain Grove, Pa.; Col. C.R. Lilly, of Muncy, Pa.; Ed. W. Dreisbach, of Weissport; John L. and Miss Jennie Dreisbach, of Siegfried; Miss Elda Dreisbach, Mr. and Mrs. John Stopp, O.D. Knauss, Mr. and Mrs. C.W. Dech, Mrs. F. L. Robbins and daughter, Margaret, of Allentown. If any names have been omitted, kindly pardon the writer, and at some convenient time call his attention to it so that proper credit may be given. That which gave impetus to this movement was the interesting paper entitled "The Early History of the Dreisbach Family in America," prepared and presented by the Rev. Mr. Stopp. The appreciation and enthusiasm manifested were just the kind needed, and at once the formation and maintenance of The Dreisbach Family Reunion became a reality. Col. Lilly exhibited some very interesting relics, among which were an embroidered wedding apron in gay colors, 276 years old, and a beautifully embroidered colored leaf on a piece of bolting cloth from John Dreisbach's mill, near Bloomsburg, Pa.
Such, then, has been "The Why" of the Dreisbach Family Reunion. Judged by the reunions which have been held annually ever since each of which has witnessed a larger attendance and a more intelligent and wide-spread interest, we believe that our labor of love has been crowned with success, that the results thus far attained have more than justified all the expenditure of time and toil, and that with your continued co-operation we may accomplish to a greater degree the laudable purpose for which we have organized.
ESTO PERPETUA.