NICHOLS FAMILY REUNION
JULY 18 AND 19, 1970
This year’s reunion will be held July 18 and 19
The business meeting will be held at 7:30 P.M. Saturday at Red and Louise’s. Please bring your own beverages for yourselves and children as you did last year.
The clam steam and chicken barbeque will be held Sunday at Donald’s, again please bring your own beverages for yourselves and children as you did last year.
If you don’t like chicken or clams, pack your own lunch and come anyways. We would like to see everybody.
COMMITTEES
Purchasing: Elsie
Clams and chicken: Ted and Florence
Barbeque: Donald, Roy, Dot, and Derwin
Set Up: Roland, Jim (Louise 2nd), Buddy (Leslie 2nd), and Harold
Clean Up: Kenny (Roland 2nd), Butch, Russell, Beth (all three Louise 2nd), Judy
(Roland 2nd), and Sharon (Florence 2nd)
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Leslie, Elsie, Roland, and Ted
The younger generation will be asked to express their opinion of the reunion weekend at the business meeting.
July 17, 1970
The minutes were read, such as they were (the original set to be found at the bottom of the Lake George dump) and after a motion by Buddy and a second by Uncle Donald were approved.
Due to the absence of Uncle Ted, Uncle Les gave the Treasurer�s report. After a competent report from which little was learned, Aunt Louise reported for the Memorial Committee, “We’re broke!” However, after a search through old minutes, it was revealed that the memorial committee actually had $15. At this point Aunt Esther made a motion that a voluntary collection be taken on Sunday with the dues. Uncle Donald seconded this motion, and it was carried.
Uncle Les reported for the nominating committee:
President – Uncle Roy
Vice-President – Buddy (Leslie 2nd)
Secretary – Sheila (Donald 2nd)
Treasurer – Uncle Ted
Corresponding Secretaries – Aunt Jane and Aunt Louise
Uncle Harold made a motion seconded by Merwin (Roy 2nd) to accept the slate and the motion carried.
If there was any old business, it was to be found at the bottom of the Lake George dump. So, there was no old business.
A discussion followed as to whether the reunion would be the second or third week of July next year. Aunt Dot made a motion seconded by Buddy that the reunion tentatively be set for the 17th and 18th next year.
Aunt Louise then announced that Ted and Marge Dineen (Marge was a cousin, the daughter of John and Edith Whittemore) had been invited to the clam bake, and had declined in a letter to Aunt Florence. She also announced that Aunt Edith (John Whittemore’s wife) would be 90 on July 30. It was also reported that Donald and Lois Hamilton (Lois Whittemore Hamilton was the daughter of Minnie’s brother Ed) and Marion Rogers (Marion McKernon Rogers was the daughter of Minnie’s sister Jennie) had been invited and had had to decline. There was some question as to the status of Merrill and Marcia (Merrill Whittemore was Lois Hamilton’s brother and Marcia is his daughter). Aunt Louise then read a letter from Howard Slocum.
Sandy (Harold 2nd) then led the discussion about the hospitality committee. After some debate, Jean and Nelson (Ruth 2nd) and Merwin and Joyce (Roy 2nd) were reappointed as the hospitality committee and it was decided that anyone of the cousins desiring housing should let the president know each year as early as possible. Buddy made a motion seconded by Butch (Louise 2nd) the secretary send out the minutes and a letter reminding everyone of the reunion dates around the first of the year. It carried.
Uncle Roland made a motion seconded by Beth (Louise 2nd) for adjournment at precisely 9:47. Uncle Les then showed some slides.
Butch Danforth, Secretary
Treasurer’s Report 1970
Since I am somewhat indisposed I am going to ask my somewhat shy and somewhat silent brother-in-law to read my treasurer’s report for 1970.
During the 1960’s, as you all well know, business trends were ascending at a very good pace. We were all very prosperous and we always had two nickels to rub together. Investments were booming and there was very little unemployment. Plenty of money in circulation. Everyone was happy. However, the money situation has changed somewhat in 1970.
We as a group can be compared to the largest corporations. We must have intake in order to have output. In our case the output preceded the in-take. Most of the expenses of the year are taking care of except the salaries of the officers. Since the cost of living has sky-rocketed, their remuneration should be increased by 50% more than it was last year. Did I hear a nay in the crowd?
There is still one large bill unpaid and that is to the secretary of this fine group of people. We realize that we get $0.18 worth of mail service for a mere 6 cents but at least we should reimburse the secretary for his (her) expenses. Please step up and report expenses. A check will be forth-coming.
The expenses of these many goodies for this year’s feast are being audited and the cost will be pared to the bone. The cost of the grand meal that you are to have will surely surprise you. As my former manager stated a word to the wise is sufficient. Bring a good appetite and don’t forget your wallet or your money belt. Loose change will not do the job.
Oh yes, we do have a few dollars bank balance.
Treasurer Family Nichols Fund
July 17, 1971
The Treasurer’s report was read by Merwin (Roy 2nd), in Ted’s absence. The report said, “there is about $20.00 in the checking account” and “the cemetery bill was about $15.00 this year – we are still solvent.”
The Memorial Committee’s report was made by Louise. She reported that she doesn’t have the money from the 1970 collection, and that she doesn’t know exactly the amount of funds available, though the Committee is still solvent. A $15.00 rose arrangement was sent to the family of Mrs. Everett (Elizabeth) Bristol. A $12.00 arrangement was sent to the family of Jarvis Keyworth and the usual $10.00 for altar flowers was given at Easter and Christmas in memory of Minnie and Ransom Nichols. Merwin suggested that “we accept voluntary contributions for the Memorial Fund.” The motion was seconded by Les and was carried.
The Historical Committee report was presented by Louise. Old photographs of reunions from 1953-1971 were requested. From Aunt Ruth’s papers a paper(s) was found in Minnie Nichols’ handwriting of her family’s genealogy. (Back to the 1700’s) Esther suggested that photostatic copies be made of the original papers. Sandy Steele (Harold 2nd) has the Nichols’ family genealogy. Louise said that if anyone wants either or both genealogies; contact her for a typed copy.
The Nominating Committee, with Barbara as their spokesman, announced the following slate:
President – Donald
Vice President – Myron (Dorothy 2nd)
Treasurer – Ted (with Merwin)
Secretary – Kathie (Roland 2nd)
Corresponding secretaries – Louise and Jane.
Butch (Louise 2nd) motioned approval of the slate and Mac (Leslie 2nd) seconded the motion, which was approved.
The new business consisted of there being no corn available for the 1971 reunion. So the date of July 22 and 23 was decided upon for 1972. Karren Steele (Harold-Sandy 3rd) introduced her new brother, Andrew (Harold-Sandy 3rd). Louise said Marion Rogers was invited and may attend.
It was announced that Les had slides of the 1970 reunion, New Hampshire, and Maine; which he would show following the meeting. Roy invited all to the slam steam on Sunday, and adjourned at 9:10.
Sheila Hoover, Sec. (Donald 2nd)
Florence has been after me to make a report on the status of the Reunion Fund so here goes. At the present time there is about $20.00 in the checking account and this is about what we had last year at this time. The money that we take in for the clam steam will be put in the checking account to be used to purchase the food next year.
The cemetery bill was $15 this year instead of the usual $20 so we are still solvent.
The report has been made, now I will add a note. We can’t be with you but we can be there in spirit. So have a drink for Florence and me. We will be thinking of you both Saturday and Sunday. Hope the weather is fair for you.
Florence & Ted
July 22, 1972
Louise read a letter from Kathie in which she reminded us that next year will be our 20th anniversary. She suggested that everyone bring slides or photographs they might have of former reunions and perhaps a skit could be put on as a means of celebrating it.
Louise, as Chairman of the Memorial Comm., reported that $8.50 was collected last year and she spent $16.05 for Aunt Edith (wife of Minnie brother John) and $12.84 for Mrs. Burch for a total of $28.89. $10.00 for flowers for the altar was spent at Christmas and Easter. It was decided to use money from the treasury for memorial flowers instead of making a special collection.
Donald received a telegram from Les, Es, Buddy and Connie (Leslie 2nd) and Catherine and Birkie Smith wishing us greetings and wished they were with us. Donald appointed new corresponding sec. to send Les and Es a card with signatures of those present at the reunion tomorrow.
Louise wanted everyone’s birth dates for the historical records. Also she suggested it would be nice if everyone wrote out their favorite recipe for the records.
Under new business Laura (Donald 2nd) announced the arrival of Amy Lucille Demarest (Donald-Kalista 3rd), born June 23, 1972.
Louise said she invited Marjorie and Ted Dineen to come to the clam steam and they hoped to be able to make it. It was agreed that the Sec. invite some cousins to come next year.
A motion was made and carried that Laura and Kathie work one a program for next year.
Roy presented a slate of officers for next year as follows:
President – Myron Alberding (Dorothy 2nd)
Vice President – Beth Danforth (Louise 2nd)
Secretary – Doris Nichols (Harold 2nd)
Treasurer – Ted Stanley
Corresponding Sec. – Florence Stanley
Historical Committee – Louise Danforth
Motion made by Harold and seconded by Nelson that the Sec. cast one ballot for the slate. Carried.
Nominating Committee for next year was appointed by the president as follows: Harold, Jane, Les, Es, and Denise (Harold 2nd).
It was noted that Dec 7th will be Roland and Barb’s 25th wedding anniversary. Every one of the brothers and sisters should give money to Ted and he will write a check to send them. The Alberdings, Beth (Louise 2nd), Doris (Harold 2nd), and perhaps Sandy and Scotty (Harold 2nd) will try to get together with them to help them celebrate, weather permitting.
Next year the meeting will be held the 3rd weekend in July. At 9:40 P.M. Louise made the motion we adjourn, seconded by Ted.
Dorothy Alberding, Sec. pro tem
PRE-MINUTES of NICHOLS’ ANNUAL MEETING
OCTOBER 5, 1973 8:07 P.M.
Ted announced that he couldn’t handle such a rowdy aggregate on his own, so acting officers had, somehow, (?) been appointed to assist him. They were: Acting President – Les Acting Secretary – Ken (Roland 2nd)
MINUTES OF NICHOLS’ ANNUAL MEETING
October 5, 1973 8:16 P.M.
The question was raised, “Should we have reunion in the fall?” After allowing the multitudes to air their various opinions simultaneously, Les called the meeting to order. He and Louise suggested that we alternate, fall, one year, – summer the next: whereupon Esther moved that next year’s reunion be held in early October, Motion was seconded and carried.
Donald arrives at 8:39 P.M.
The minutes from last year’s meeting were read and accepted: The treasurer’s report was read (it stated we had $36.10 in the family account as of October 5, 1973) and accepted in the unbelievable time of 2 minutes, 51 seconds. Amazing.
In a statement that had to be paraphrased and reiterated several times, due to the apparent misinterpretation of it by both the president and secretary, Nelson (Ruth 2nd) moved (and read this carefully): That dues be paid as per the rate established in 1964, with the further stipulation that, should the balance in the family account fall below $100 at the close of reunion, additional assessments will be made on adult members to bring the balance up to the aforementioned sum. Esther moved that we amend this motion to provide for a separate fund of $50 (memorial) to be maintained by the first generation, to buy flowers for friends known only by that generation. To this was added the qualification that this fund would be added to the original account. Motion was seconded and defeated. After careful deliberation over the various ramifications of Nelson’s motion as restated by the secretary, Harold decided to take the plunge and second it. Motion was carried.
The memorial report was read, stating that $45 was spent from the general fund this year on remembrances for Red, Myron, and Roy Foss because everyone was concerned. The report was accepted.
The historical committee’s report was given next, and amended to show Doris’s (Harold 2nd) wedding gift. Their report was accepted with commendation.
Kathie (Roland 2nd) raised the question of who qualifies as an adult. Louise moved that an adult be defined as anyone 18 or over (students included). Motion was seconded and carried. Seeing that the political momentum was in her favor, Louise moved that Kathie and whoever she chooses will review and reorganize the constitution and its bylaws. Motion was seconded and carried.
At this point, Florence finally finished her coffee, and immediately thereafter moved that the meeting be adjourned. Motion was enthusiastically seconded and carried – 9:45 p.m.
Ken – your secretary, 1973
Beth (Louise 2nd) – President
Butch (Louise 2nd) – Vice Pres. Pro tem
Ted – Treasurer
Ken – Secretary a la gauche
NICHOLS’ FAMILY REUNION
July 20, 21, 1974
Nichols Ranch, Adamsville, New York
(If you don’t know where Adamsville is, tough!)
Business meeting (hah!), July 20, 7:30 P.M.
Clam steam & barbecue, July 21, 12:30 P.M.
Committe Assignments:
Barbeque: Roy, Derwin, Dot, Louise
Clam Steam: Ted, Leslie, Nelson (Ruth 2nd), Charles (Ruth 2nd)
Set-up: Russ (Louise 2nd), Elsie, Mike (Roland 2nd), Harold
Clean-up: Sandy (Harold 2nd), Laura (Donald 2nd), Jane, Dick (Donald- Claire 2nd), Steve (Donald-Sheila 2nd)
Nominating: Sharon (Florence 2nd), Esther, Jean (Ruth-Nelson 2nd), Jim (Louise 2nd)
(Editor’s note: If you cannot make your committee assignment, notify your president NOW or suffer the consequences.)
Due to the high cost of clams, we are asking those people who like them to contact Beth Danforth by July 1st to let her know how many people in each family will want them, as those persons eating clams will be assessed an extra amount.
Beth’s address: Fort Edward, N.Y. RFD #1 12828
President; Butch Danforth (Louise 2nd)
Vice President: Johann Mead (Dorothy 2nd)
Secretary: Jane Nichols
1975 REUNION MINUTES
The 22nd Annual Reunion Meeting was held Oct. 11, 1975 at the home of Louise Danforth. (note this is actually the 23rd reunion and the miscounting continues for years)
President Butch Danforth (Louise 2nd) called the meeting to order at 8:06 pm, succeeded on the second try at 8:07 pm.
The first order of business was introduction of new members present:
Butch’s Katie
Sharlene’s Carm (Florence 2nd)
Doris’ Daryl (Harold 2nd)
Laura (Donald 2nd) reported the arrival of Pat (Donald 2nd) and Paul’s daughter Cara Kristen on Oct 4 and Scott’s (Donald 2nd) wife – Melissa. Minutes of last meeting were read. Jean N. made the motion that they be accepted. Laura seconded it. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s report. Ted reported that with the contribution of $.01 by H. O. Nichols the balance in our treasury is $10.00. Report accepted by a motion by H.O. Nichols and seconded by Sharon (Florence 2nd). At this time the Treasurer suggested beginning next year the Secretary write all members and ask that they definitely let her know how many are coming to the Reunion dinner. This will help with the ordering of food.
Correspondence. Thank you notes for the Weir and Stanley families.
Committe Reports
Memorial – Louise Danforth reported the following expenditures.
$5.00 at Christmas and $5.00 at Easter in Memory of Parents
$10.00 Argyle Rescue Squad in Memory of Ralph Weir
$10.00 Ft. Edward Rescue Squad in Memory of Carol Stanley
She said that we need money in the Memorial Fund. Volunteer contributions will be accepted when dues are paid.
Constitution – In the absence of Kathie (Roland 2nd) (who was to rewrite and clarify the Constitution) Dot reported that she (Kathie) still has the books and will present it next year.
Nominating – The President asked for the report of the Nominating Committee. It was presented by Louise Danforth as follows:
President – Donald Nichols
Vice President – LeRoy Nichols
Secretary – Joyce Nichols (Roy Merwin 2nd)
Treasurer – Who Else?? T.S.
Motion made by Les, seconded by Beth (Louise 2nd) that the slate of officers be accepted. Motion carried.
Unfinished Business – Sandy Steele (Harold 2nd) has the books on Nichols Genealogy and was to be working on it. She is absent tonight. Will check with her tomorrow.
Laura made the motion that a committee be named to update the Nichols genealogy plus the Whittemore and Slocums. After much discussion she amended her motion to read that the eldest member of each family of Ransom and Minnie Nichols children get together tomorrow and write up their family’s genealogy. This report to be given to the Committee, which will be comprised of the above mentioned “eldest members” of the 9 families. Seconded by Laura (Donald 2nd). Motion carried.
Ted on clams. All who hope to eat them tomorrow, sign up tonight be prepared to pay before eating.
Les moved and Ted seconded if more than 20 sign up tonight we get 1/2 bushel more tomorrow. Motion carried.
Les made the motion, Florence seconded it that the 1976 Reunion be held the 4th weekend in July – the 24th and 25th. Motion carried.
The question of the 1977 reunion will be discussed next year.
Les moved and all applauded a commendation of our Pres. Butch for a job well done in the conduction of tonight’s meeting.
The following nominating committee for 1976-77 officers was appointed: Chairman – Merwin Nichols, Nelson Tilford (Ruth 2nd), Sharon Lasher (Florence 2nd) and Russell Danforth (Louise 2nd).
Es moved and Ted seconded and all approved that the meeting be adjourned at 9:00 pm to the viewing of Leslie’s slides.
P.S. As the pictures of the 1974 Reunion were shown it was obvious that Beth Danforth was President and presiding officer of the 1974 meeting not Les Nichols. Too late to correct the minutes so Les goes down in history as presiding officer in 1974. – So Be It –
Interesting note since no minutes from 1974 seem to exist.
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