Overmyer Family Reunion - Recently Updated Pages

Reunion and Stories

SIFER — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:18:57 CDT

As a story is told
Life begins to unfold
Families meet and greet
What a joyous time bitter and sweet
Not knowing how we started
Only told by our dear departed
Journeys great and small
Finding our heritage will never fall
As our ancestors build small
Now our families are great and tall
Now a reunion begins to start
Only after a century's mark
Meeting begins with another
Leaving the reunion as a brother
Stories grand and well
Only through war our ancestors fell
In the end will our future live on
By stories told on and on.
Once again I am inspired to write again
By Larry Overmire and his story.

Michael Kevin Meiser 7-28-2009

THE OVERMYER REUNION CHALLENGE - 2009

BSHansen — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:43:59 CDT

All of you who attended the 2009 Overmyer Reunion remember to take the historian's challenge! Write down what just happened. Now is the time to record the many wonderful experiences you had at the reunion. I've listed a few ideas to encourage your important effort.

(1) Describe how you found out about the reunion and what led you to make the commitment to attend.

(2) Who did you invite to journey with you to this reunion and why them?

(3) How did you get to the reunion. What experiences did you have making the arrangements

(4) What were your reunion expectations, goals, and hopes? Was this your first reunion of any kind?

(5) was this your first Overmyer Reunion experience?

(6) Where did you stay?

(7) What did you eat, and who did you share meals with?

(8) Did learn something about yourself of family you didn't know before?

(9) Okay for the ladies . . . what did you wear? (Actually, some of our men folk were dressed to the nines).

(10) Tell about the new friends you made and why they became friends.

WHAT WOULD LIKE YOUR FAMILY TO KNOW ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE ONE HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW?

Feel free to submit your results to me and we'll put a little booklet together that can be shared at our next reunion experience. BSH.

A Tribute to the Overmyer Women

PamelaGerali — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 08:12:40 CDT

Sunday, July 26, 2009 – 11:30 AM

Gone But Not Forgotten—Overmyer Family Reunion Memorial Service

A Tribute to the Overmyer Women

It is my pleasure to welcome you, distinguished members of the John George Overmyer family and guests. We are gathered on this historic occasion to remember our ancestors, to honor our past, and celebrate our heritage. As we pause to take in the full impact of this moment and this beautiful church that our ancestors helped to build, we can sense their presence. What a beautiful place. What an awesome heritage we share.

We are compelled to unearth our roots by a deep desire to know ourselves and to become more aware. This journey of self-discovery takes us back in time. There we learn that our ancestors continue to live through us. Their DNA, character traits, and values have been handed down from generation to generation. The same qualities that brought our forefathers to the land of opportunity, that gave them the courage to fight for freedom and the strength to persevere, are within us. The faith and endurance that sustained our foremothers as the stood beside their mates through good times and bad, is present in us all. We literally keep their legacy alive through our thoughts, words and deeds.

Because of this sacred birthright, we strive to learn and grow. On my quest, I discovered the recipe for joyful living and shared it in my book, Higher Tea: The Essence of Joy. Little did I know that our ancestors had already showed us the way. From Mildred Stanford we realize how important it is to follow our heart and live authentically. As we bring our actions into harmony with our beliefs, feelings, and inner knowings, we learn the delicate art of achieving balance. We become the change we want to see in the world. Perhaps from Mildred I found the courage to choose my own unique path. Unlike most women, I did not have children, but pursued a career in health, wellness and wholeness.

Anna, John George II’s second wife, who cared for the sick and wounded soldiers, taught us about the blessing of purposeful service. From her we discover the circle of abundance, that as we give, we receive. Her son, David from whom I have descended, no doubt became a gifted healer and surgeon. Maybe I became a nurse and pursued a doctorate in holistic healing because of Anna.

From Brigadier General Grote, we learn about unity. She no doubt followed in the footsteps of our great-great-great… grandfather because she discovered the truth behind the Golden Rule. What we do to others, we do to ourselves. We respect and protect all, not just because it is the humane, godly thing to do, but because we are one. No doubt our ancestors passed on their leadership skills and our commitment to freedom for all.

When we blend these three critical elements into our way of being,—Authenticity, Purposeful Service, and Unity, we create Heaven on Earth. The choices we make today are the seeds of love, peace and joy for tomorrow. As we commemorate the past, and live fully in the present, we are creating the future. We are planting and cultivating a brilliant and positive future that will continue to strengthen and sustain our Overmyer descendants. What a gift to our family and all humanity!

Like our foremothers, any of you have brought children into the world who will maintain the bloodline of our ancestors. Others of us are leaving a different legacy. Through our words, our books, our ideas and dreams, we will live on in the hearts and minds of those we touch. This time together has touched me deeply. I am honored to be part of such a dynamic family and to have this opportunity to get to know you. I look into your eyes and see a part of myself. We not only share a common ancestor from a historical perspective, but come from the same spiritual source. We are part of the whole, unique expressions of the Divine; the hands, heart, feet and voice of God.

I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Bruce and his vision to bring us together. Words cannot express our gratitude to you and your family for all that you have done to make this reunion possible. What a fabulous three days we have spent together! And thank you Larry and all those who contributed to his book about our family. I know how much work goes into writing, editing, re-writing, editing, re-writing, printing, publishing, and promoting a book. You have brought our history to life and have given us and future generations something we will always treasure. To those who gave presentations, thank you for inspiring us and for sharing your time, talent and treasures to teach us something new and helpful. Thank you! To everyone who attended, especially those who traveled great distances and spend a great deal to attend, we thank you for going beyond the call of duty to be part of this gathering.

In closing, I would like to share a prayer I was inspired to write and hope that you will be encouraged by these words to live to your highest potential as our ancestors so bravely did:

The Prayer of Empowerment

Grant me the wisdom to embrace my abundant, divine inheritance in harmony with all Creation,

The insight to passionately pursue my unique purpose as an Ambassador of Love,

The strength to joyfully live my truth in a state of peaceful awareness,

And the courage to change the word from within.

Thank you! May you be richly blessed!
Dr. Pamela Gerali www.PamelaGerali.com

REUNION WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!!!

BSHansen — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:02:03 CDT

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?

1 2 3
4 5 6

(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.

Reunion Agenda

BSHansen — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 08:45:35 CDT

BECOME A PART OF THIS HISTORY MAKING NATIONAL OVERMYER FAMILY REUNION.

Day 1 July 24, 2009

Friday Schedule

3:00-5:00 PM - Registration (This helps us keep everyone going in the right direction. Registration will be available everyday)

4:00-5:30 PM - Historical Tour (Overmyer sites of interest)

6:00 PM - Ice Cream Social

3:00-6:00 - Overmyer Cookbook & Memorial Signature Quilt projects

7:30-9:00 PM - Bonfire & Story Telling (Folks are welcome to use the fire to roast fish/hot dogs/marsh mellows)

Day 2 July 25, 2009

Saturday Schedule

8:30-930 AM - Pancake Breakfast

9:00 AM - Welcome/Opening Ceremony

9:30-1200 Fun for Youth: Family crafts, Overmyer Olympic Games, Overmyer "Brothers Ship" Regalia contest.

Workshops

9:30-10:30----Overmyer Cookbook Project: Katy Wendel (See page on this site)

9:30-10:25----Charles W. Meiser: "Internet Research: Using Family Folklore & Stories as Research Tools"

9:30-10:25----Roberta Wunder: "Doing Genealogy & Loving It!"

9:30-10:25----Jackie & Richard Passey: Using Family Search & LDS Family History Centers/Collections

9:30-10:30----Rachel Merrill: "Finding That Elusive Ancester"

9:30-10:30----Shirley Willard & Melinda Clinger: Using Local Historical Societies: Treasures of the Past"

9:30-10:25----Overmyer Memorial Signature Quilt: James & Phyllis Bock Family

Repeat of Workshops (We've had a lot if interest in the subjects, folks didn't want to miss the ideas/info so we repeated them)

10:30-11:25----Charles W. Meiser: "Internet Research: Using Folklore & Stories as Research Tools"

10:30-11:25----Overmyer Cookbook Project

10:30-11:25----Overmyer Memorial Signature Quilt: James & Phyllis Bock Family

10:30-11:30----Roberta Wunder: "Doing Genealogy & Loving It!"

10:30-11:25----Shirley Willard & Melinda Clinger: "Using Local Historical Societies: Treasures of the Past"

10:30-11:25----Rachel Merrill: "Finding That Elusive Ancestor"

11:30-12:30 Keynote Speaker: Laurence Overmire
The title of the keynote address: "One Immigrant's Legacy: The Proud Tradition of the Overmyer Family in America

This address will be a highlight of the reunion events. Larry is the author of the new Overmyer history, "One Immigrant's Legacy." He has had a multi-faceted career as a writer, actor, director, educator and genealogist. He has appeared on Broadway, film and television and is an internationally published poet.

Larry's contribution to preserving our Overmyer history and heritage will be lasting. Anyone searching to discover what it means to be an Overmyer in America, will surely find the answers in his groundbreaking work. It's been over a hundred years since a written history of this depth has been undertaken. Only a historian with a poet's passion would take on such an imposing project. We're confident that most will agree with us that "One Immigrant's Legacy" is magnificent. New generations of Overmyer's will become aquanted with a vibrant American tradition, thus becoming heirs to a legacy for a bright future. His keynote address will introduce the Overmyer's attending the reunion to his historical focus.
Laurence Overmire, Author
For information on ordering your copy click this link: One Immigrant's Legacy

12:30-1:30 Lunch Pitch-in (Reunion will provide seating/tables/ice/drink/ice water/hamburgers/hot dogs, buns, chips, condiments, plates, cups, bowls, spoons, knives, forks)

1:30-2:30 Book Signing: "One Immigrant's Legacy" By Laurence Overmire

This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the author and have him personally sign your book. (See home page for ordering information)

2:30-3:30 Historical Presentation: Larry Cornwell Our cousin Larry will be dressed in authentic reproduction Revolutionary War uniform. Mr. Cornwell descends from Capt. Overmyer through his tenth child Maria Magdalene, who married Peter Witmer, who served in the Revolution. He is a regular at luncheons, in classrooms, and other events such as family reunions, and talks about the life and times of the Revelutionary War soldier.

3:30-5:00 Family Folklore Exchange

5:30-7:00 Dinner/Banquet Program & Entertainment Kathy Overmyer will be performing at this special family banquet. Her beautiful vocal talent has thrilled audiences!

7:00-8:00 Break/personal time

8:00-11:00 PM - Overmyer Legacy Dance (Sunday Best/nice casual) This will be a great social event to meet one another and develop new friendships. The "DJ" tells me they have over 20,000 song titles available for your enjoyment. This is for the young and old. There will be a variety of good music everyone can enjoy! One of our Overmyer cousins built the dance floor at our reunion location.

Bonfire & Story Telling

Day 3 July 26, 2009

Sunday Schedule

8:30- 9:30 AM Breakfast

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Memorial Service/Program at Richland Center Cemetery & Church grounds

Address: 700 North 150 West, Richland Center, Indiana

"Gone But Not Forgotten"

July 26, 2009

Program Begins: 11:30 am

Singing of National Anthem: Kathy Overmyer teaches chorale music at Bremen High School. She is a very talented vocalist and is well known in the nearby communities for her musical involvement community productions. We are so pleased to have her be a part of the Overmyer Reunion celebration.

Ancestral Tribute: A simple tribute to the Overmyer family's historic legacy of service to country.

Scriptural Reading/Reflection/ Poem: Dr. Craig Overmyer has accepted an invitation to write a poem for this special occasion. He will reflect upon the faith value of our family, and read the scriptures that John George Overmyer pondered as he embarked on his historic journey of courage. (These scriptures were written in JG Overmyer's journal).

Salute of Honor: Revoluntionary War Era Gun Salute (Muzzle guns with black powder)

Memorial Speaker: Leonard Overmyer III, is well known in the Overmyer genealogy circles for the tremendeous contributions he has made in being one of the first to sponsor a Overmyerwebsite. He particularly has been encouraging to many Overmyer family members to help one another connect the family history dots. He is a recognized author of Civil War era histories and books.

Message & Blessing: Rev. Don Nunemaker
Nestled in the Indiana country side, where two roads intersect on a little raise in the pastoral fields of Richland Center, is a small church and cemetery. It bespeaks of the great American values of God, family and country. This is the typical scene found so common across this nation, where in a sleepy reach of trees is found a school, church and cemetery. In times past it was the heart and soul of a rural neighborhood, where families subdued the wilderness and homesteaded a future. Even today families farm the land and call the quiet place home. Richland Center is a sacred burial ground for some early Indiana settlers, among them were the Overmyers. We've invited the minister of this little country church to lead us in remembering our family legacy of faith, and to offer a blessing for the future. The organist at this country church is an Overmyer descendant. Inside the church is found a wooden shelf handcrafted by an Overmyer family member who has passed on. This simple place is home to our Overmyer past and present.

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Overmyer Homestead - Burr Oak, Indiana

July 26, 2009 1:30 PM

Hog Roast: A special treat will be a traditional hog roast at the Overmyer Homestead in Bur Oak, Indiana. This will be the final touch to our reunion activities. Here we will tour the homestead and near by Bur Oak cemetery. The offical reunion photo will be taken of participants attending the 2009 Overmyer National Family Reunion. This will be a special moment in the modern history of the Overmyer family!

3:30- Family Business Meeting- Future Gatherings, Choose Reunion Leadership, Looking to the Future, History Projects, From Here Where? etc.

Closing Ceremonies:

We hope that reunion participants will experience the variety of activities scheduled.

OVERMYER FAMILY NATIONAL REUNION

BSHansen — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:12:39 CDT

Overmyer Reunion: July 24-26 2009
On September 16, 1751 our emigrant ancestor, John George Obermayer arrived at the British colony of Pennsylvania, in North America. Traveling several thousand miles through a series of connecting voyages beginning in Germany, he arrived in a new land a 125 days later. What a tremendous journey of courage our common ancestor committed himself to. His contemporaries described him as steadfast, honest, trustworthy and industrious. These personal attributes accredited to him proved to be true. He and his family helped pioneer a new country and way of life for the many generations that have followed.

Over 250 years have passed since the heroic beginnings of our courageous forebears. A grassroots group of Overmyer descendants have organized a 2009 National John George Overmyer Family Reunion. A large portion of the reunion events and activities will focus on the awesome heritage we enjoy. The reunion will be a three day event starting July 24, and ending July 26, 2009. We have reserved the Fulton County Historical Society Museum and Living History Village. Fulton County is in Rochester, Indiana.

Reunion participants will enjoy crafts, youth activities, hog roast, ice cream social, workshops, family artifact displays, Overmyer Memorial Service, picnic, entertainment, story telling, folklore, a dance, food, historical tour/caravan, and more!

The reunion will be just minutes from important Indiana Overmyer family sites; Plymouth, Burr Oak, Richland Center, Argos, Culver, Kewanna, Leiters Ford, Galveston, Bruce Lake, and Tippecanoe River. Many early Overmyer frontiersman and their families settled in this part of Indiana.

Back in 1905 our forebears' organized a national reunion in Fremont, Ohio. Family members came from all over the United States to attend. A majority of those participants came from Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and Pennsylvania. At that historic reunion the now well circulated Overmyer History and Genealogy book was introduced. One of our modern cousins, Mr. Laurence Overmire, has spent many years researching and recording the great legacy we all share. He may have contacted some of you in that effort. He has written a new book with our history for our time that will debut at the reunion. His written contribution to gathering our legacy will impact the Overmyer's for the next century! Such a remembrance, written in our time, will gather the many faces and voices of our family legacy in a most profound way.

Pre-order your copy of: ONE IMMIGRANTS LEGACY, The Overmyer Family in America, 1751-2009.

There are three methods of ordering the just released book. Go to the publisher's website for information, just click the following link: Indelible Mark Publishing

If you don't have regular use of a computer you can call (503) 742-1863

Remember the July 13th order discount ($30.00 saving of regular price) must be received on that date or before. Time is running out.

We are using several forms of communication to get the word out to all interested descendants who wish to participate. It's been many years since this great American family has gathered. We need your help to be successful in this special family endeavor. Please email and pass around freely any items or content from this reunion website.

This web page has been created to focus on that goal of organizing a national reunion and then promoting those plans through a grassroots effort. We are providing a public forum for Overmyer descendants to communicate about that effort.

Be sure to print from this website a reservation/registration form, and mail it to the reunion committee to help us plan for your attendance. You must register (that's different then being a registered website member) with the committee so we can plan for the food and activities. The index in the box to the left of this message contains the page with that form. If you have problems doing that process call us or contact us for help.

Family reunions are a great way to preserve the legacy of American family life that we have inherited from our noble ancestors. Help preserve that legacy. . . let's meet in 2009!

We have a good size crowd planning to come to the reunion. This will be a once in a lifetime chance for some us to gather on a national level. The Overmyer reunion needs your story, your presence, your historical imprint. We hope to see you and your family beginning July 24, 2009.

Getting the Word Out
Reunion Events

RSVP IF YOU ARE ATTENDING THE REUNION

BSHansen — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 23:55:14 CDT

We are now entering the month of July. . . the reunion is a few weeks away! It's exciting. . .

PLEASE let us know if you are coming so we can plan the food (how many hogs to get for roast), supplies, crafts, seating, tables, programs, and a hundred other things. Don't delay.

Unfortanately, these family events do cost money, we don't want to under budget this project. RSVP or early registration/reservation is so helpful and encouraged.

If you dislike using the websit, then email us, or call us, and if needed send a letter. We need to know in a concrete reservation or RSVP.

We set a final deadline for July 1, 2009, but we won't turn anyone away.

Registration will remain open to the opening of the reunion celebration. But let us know so we can plan for you and your family.

Yes, it's true we will take payment and registration at the reunion. . . but, it does add extra pressure on the planners/staff. Remember that's a goal for a deadline. Early reservations are encouraged.

Contact Janalee Jacobson for questions, to register, make a reservation(s), or RSVP.

Telephone: (574) 271-5007 Email: janaleejacobson@sbcglobal.net

For more difficult questions or suggestions, feel free to contact Bruce Hansen, Chairman

Telephone: (317) 581-9386 Email: bshansen45@yahoo.com

(By clicking the blue email address you can send a message directly)

Maps to Overmyer Reunion Events

BSHansen — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 00:44:08 CDT

We have attached the maps that most of you will need to find the locations of the various Overmyer Family Reunion events and activities. We hope they are helpful. If you have concerns with map content, please contact us at (317) 581-9386.

The four maps have the following features:

1) General location

2) Date

3) Address

4) Event (s) described

5) A detailed drawing

6) North/South Compass

The maps are formated as a Microsoft Office Document.
They are attached on the bottom of this page on this site.

Scroll down to the bottom of this page to print them off your own computer printer.

Overmyer Reunion Committee

BSHansen — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 18:08:04 CDT

John George Overmyer National Family Reunion Committee

Chairman/Founder: Bruce S. Hansen

Contact Info: (317) 581-9386 hm
(317) 626-8559 cell

Home Address: 14967 Horseshoe Drive
Carmel, Indiana 46033

Public Email: bshansen45@yahoo.com
Private Email: bshindy@juno.com

Committe Treasurer/Finance Officer: Mrs. Janalee Jacobson

Contact Info: (574) 271-5007

Address: 11403 Goldenveiw Drive
Granger, Indiana 46530

Email: janaleejacobson@sbcglobal.net

Committee Member: Charles W. Meiser (Assignment: Coordinate workshops, presentations, speakers)

Contact Info: (906) 635-5109

Email: SIFER@aol.com

Committee Member: Roberta Wunder (Assignments: Publicity, electronic media)
Roberta has been a "super encourager" in this grassroots effort. Early on she posted notes about the reunion on thousands of "electronic bulletin boards" throughout the United States. Her single effort alone has probably informed millions that the Overmyer's are alive and well!

Contact Info: (574) 936-1848

Email: wkroberta@yahoo.com

Committee Member: Kaylene Wendel (Assignments: Cookbook project, event helps)

Contact Info: (435) 225-2083

Email: wendelbugs@sisna.com

Committe Member: Phillip A. Overmyer (Assignment: Local logistics/Sound System/Entertainment)

Contact Info: (574) 892-5080 hm
(574) 286-2190 cell

Email: phil6150@mchsi.com

Committee Member: John Baum (Assignments: support/re-enactment ceremonies)

Contact Info: (419) 625-2124

Email: johnabaum@bex.net

Committee Member: Kevin Overmyer (Assignments: Hog Roast/homestead gathering/Historical tour)

Email: kovermyer@marshallremc.coop

Please Note: The Overmyer family reunion effort is a grassroots effort. Every member of the committee a volunteer. Putting together a reunion that spans many time zones, is made up from scratch so to speack, won't be a like some of the more established family reunion associations. Nor do we have complex funding tools some groups have. But we are proud of what we've put together and believe your family will be to. We use a free website format and service. That means our website is very simple and easy to use.

Preserving Our Overmyer Stories

BSHansen — Sun, 10 May 2009 17:36:16 CDT

The best way to preserve the oral history and tradition of our Overmyer family is to start with yourself. Sometimes we focus on those distant ancestors many generations away, when our own generational stories run the risk of being lost.

Here is a list of ideas you might consider:

a. If you think you're not very good at writing things down,
try some of the new recording devices available. The cost
to use these devices is affordable and dependable.

b. Start by remembering your earliest memory. . .write it down
or record it. Promise yourself to spend one hour doing this
little project. Most folks enjoy this idea so much, they make a goal
to create their own living history project several hours a month.

c. If you have an Overmyer family heirloom in your home get
it out, dust it off and spend some time looking at it. Push the
the button on your recorder and describe the item. If you know
what it is or where it came from describe those details. Most likely
there is a reason why you have it. Sometimes this feels a little
embarrassing, but look at the big picture. In 5o years will your
family know "the what, the why, the who" of your heirloom. If
you don't record it, that information could be lost in the future.

d. For shy persons the next idea might make you blush. . .but try
it! Talk about and embarrassing moment in your life that might
have involved your family connection to the Overmyer's. Try this
idea with a funny or even sad memory. The idea here is to get
the memories flowing. . .and they will!

e. Practice telling some of the stories you discover on your family.

f. Make a game out of the details of your family history and folklore.
In our family all you have to mention is "red shirt" or "kitchen chair"
and half of us bust up laughing. In making a family history card game,
we had a couple of cards with some little red shirts, kitchen chair, and buffalo
drawn on it. We mixed these in with dates, addresses, school names, names,
pictures of previous cars owned, etc., and let the good times roll!

Believe it or not . . . but you might have just provided the missing piece to discovering the Overmyer family legacy!

"The ascendant hand is what I feel most strongly;
I am bound in and in with my forebears. . .
We are all nobly born; fortunate those who remember."

Robert Louis Stevenson

OVERMYER SIGNATURE QUILT MEMORIAL

BSHansen — Tue, 05 May 2009 19:51:58 CDT

The Overmyer Family Reunion Committee is pleased to announce another unique way for Overmyer descendants to be part of this great family gathering. One of our Overmyer cousin's family has organized the making of a memorial quilt.

Reunion participants can have their name/signature transfered onto a quilt piece, which will be quilted into a log cabin style quilt. It will take about six months after the reunion to get it all put together and quilted. However, at the reunion you can enter a raffle and possibly be drawn to win this item, which is destined to be a family heirloom. We will then ship it to the lucky cousin.

Quilting has been part of our American tradition of folk art and textiles. There are basically four periods in American quilting. Colonial, Civil War, Victorian era, and now. Women have been remembered in history by this art form.

At the reunion you will have the opportunity to meet the James Bock family, who are putting the project together.

In a couple of days we'll add more of the details for your interest.

Website Notes

BSHansen — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 22:17:50 CDT

Some points to remember:

1) The website provider we use is "Wetpaint" and it is free. This is a wiki which depends upon folks "registering" onto the website. WetPaint uses advertisements on the edges of the screen to pay the operating costs so that you and I don't have to!. We live with the ads as best we can. Also, when you register and sign in to the website it protects you from getting spam and internet spies looking for ways to market you.

2) When you register on the website it doesn't resister you for the reunion. It also doesn't make a reunion reservation for you. Signing into the website helps us track interest. It also helps us keep the family content appropriate, not "R" rated. You'd be surprised at the some of the stuff we'd have to remove if we didn't all check in.

3) To register for the reunion you need to contact Janalee Jacobson, and her contact info is on the registration form you can find at the left of the screen in the search site menu. If you're still learning how to "get around" in this wiki, I'll go ahead and list that info for you below.

Reunion Reservation/Registration Form (print one from the reunion website, you mail it in)

Overmyer National Reunion Committee Treasurer

Mrs. Janalee Jacobson
11403 Goldenveiw Drive
Granger, Indiana 46530

Email: janaleejacobson@sbcglobal.net

Telephone: (574) 271-5007

Reunion Dates Announced

BSHansen — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 19:54:19 CDT

The dates of the National John George Overmyer Reunion

Friday - July 24, 2009 Saturday - July 25, 2009 Sunday - July 26, 2009

Where: Rochester, Indiana Times: Pending

(Please see Reunion Agenda for specific details of interest)