Family members enjoy lunch together in the Richland Center Memorial Hall. Overmyer Family National Reunion - 2009



It's Monday morning, July 27, 2009. . . . Wow!

So many made it a historically wonderful celebration.

Who could have imagined such an epic moment in time?


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(1) Gary Jacobson prints wood cut art piece on Fulton County Historical Society press in history village shop.
(2) Cousin Larry Cornwell dressed in Revolutionary War period reproduction uniform. Presented life as a soldier.
(3) SAR Honor Guard carries Betsy Ross reproduction flag at Overmyer Family memorial service.
(4) Marilyn Barnes, Charlotte Gunther, Pamela Gerali gather after historic family memorial service. . . all smiles.
(5) Glen Overmyer's family had worked hard to make the homestead beautiful. Marlinda Overmyer poses by the historical marker. Notice the flowers that add a special touch of welcome to the homestead.
(6) Family members had special tags provided by the reunion registration staff. Thank you for getting us organized!

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH TO ONE AND TO ALL! THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE!


The last three days have been so wonderful, joyous beyond expectation, beautiful, incredibly exciting and historically extraordinary! WOW!


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You'll have to wait a few days, weeks and months as we bring to fruition the various processes that are in motion for us to articulate and respond to the greatness of what just happened. I hope that makes sense. No doubt we will continue to formulate the best response possible to accomplish that end. The evolving response of managing the historical imprint we just leaped into will require immense time and manpower. Maybe to illustrate that concept I can describe a couple of insights.

If you ever need to clear a room, empty a building, and conclude an event in the fastest way possible, announce a family association organizational planning session and you'll have a stampede! I say that humorously, but also seriously.


SAR Honor Guard awaits ceremony in burial grounds. (Richland Center, Indiana)



Most of the reunion participants traveled so far from home and at great distances, we were glad that they stayed as long as they could. So with a quick bite to eat and out the door leaving in time to make airline flights, or drive long distances is understandable. Thank you.

Many of you made extraordinary arrangements for co-workers to cover work assignments and responsibilities so you could make the time to attend the reunion. Thank you.

Some had to call favors in by family, friends, neighbors or others to care for livestock and agricultural responsibilities so you could attend. Thank you.

There were family members who attended that had physical needs that required special care, conservation of energy, and sensitivity to medical treatment and therapy. These made a personal sacrifice and commitment that is uniquely sacred and special. Thank you.

Some painfully made arrangements for younger children or elder parents to be cared for so you could make this journey. Thank you.

These and many other needs required many of you to "have to" leave sooner than later, and that is very realistic and understood by all. Thank you.

So let's all take some time to let the wonder of it all hoover over us, the emotional impact settle in. Sip from a warm cup of family memories and savor the blessedness we all shared in. Don't ever forget these days, they were our days, our times of gathering, our celebration of past, present and future hopes!

This morning I have practically no voice, just a whisper. I've over worked it. But, I rejoice in all the glorious conversations I had with all of you. . . face to face.

The family van is parked in the driveway packed to the windows with all the stuff that needs to be repacked, sorted, labeled, put away etc, and awaits me only. . . because I shouldn't ask another favor of my precious family. But before I go into the "put-away-mode" of sorts, I'll be gathering about me some new Overmyer heirlooms to relax with.








The gift of a new beautiful blue book,

words of insight spoken in a poem tribute,

some pieces of quilters thread,

a wood cut print art piece with wet ink,

pine cones from a sacred burial place,

splinters of old wood from a great homestead barn,

dressed in a comfortable old red pullover shirt,

and a soul full of ten thousand memories.

God bless the Overmyer family. . . in all our times and seasons!


Respectfully Yours,


Bruce S. Hansen





Phyllis Bock (in red) exclaims joy at Nancy Overmire (Larry's wife) winning quilt at the hog roast. Kevin Overmyer (in straw hat) and his family worked hard to provide a fun setting for the family to gather. At first we thought his sister Nancy was the winner of the quilt. All of use will never forget our two Nancy's (what good sports). The hog roast was a tribute to the gathering of all Overmyer families, of the past, present and future. Thank you Perk Overmyer for letting us feel the heritage of the Overmyer Homestead. As Mike and Kevin expressed their father Glen Overmyer would have been pleased.