Peter and Anna Hammes family reunion

The Peter and Anna Hammes 31st biennial reunion was held on June 23, 2019, in the historic church of Ss. Peter and Paul, Clear Creek Township, near Harper. The church was historically the family church of the Hammes family. Approximately 186 people were in attendance.

The day began with a potluck dinner followed by a business meeting. Tom Baker gave the Historic Association report, which consisted of a history of the church, rectory, and cemetery, and the land on which it sits, as well as the various areas of renovation. Possible upcoming plans and those costs to be incurred were explained. A collection was taken to aid in those costs. Kate Berg reported on the funds held in the reunion fund.

A generational report was given. Third-generation members were recognized, and some described their memories of the early days of the church. Those traveling the farthest were Marilyn Marble, Ann and Eric Morgan (Constant), of Los Angeles, Calif.; Barbara Roulston (Lena) and her granddaughter, of Edmonton, Canada; Shannon and Murray Young (Lena) of Winnipeg, Canada; Connie and Evan Harrison (Margaret) and Connie and Jim Weber (Constant), of Phoenix, Ariz. The oldest person there was Norbert Hammes, 106 (Constant). He since passed away. The youngest person there was Wil Reed, 2 ½ (Margaret).

Jerry Jackson, family historian, gave each second-generation family a copy of their family tree to check for errors and/or omissions as well as the newly updated births, marriages and deaths. A new family tree will be printed following the reunion.

Cindy Reed provided maps of the adjacent cemetery for a self-guided tour. Second-generational families were identified by colored flags indicating each ancestor and/or family member. Plat maps of Clear Creek Township from the years 1874, 1895 and 1931 were on display for people to peruse. Historic and older family pictures were displayed for people to appreciate. The church and the rectory were open for people to visit, to experience and enjoy their heritage.

The remainder of the day was spent with visiting, exploring the historic church, cemetery, and rectory, and eating excellent food.

The next reunion, in 2021, will be hosted by the family of Zeno and Edna Hammes.