The ninth annual reunion of the William C. Coe family was held on Thursday at the old family residence now owned by William T. Coe. There were forty three members of the association present with eleven guests. At an early hour Thursday morning guests began to assemble at the Coe home and very soon the beautiful lawn presented an animated appearance.
The morning was pleasantly spent in social diversions until the bell in the tower sounded the call for dinner at one o’clock. The day being a pleasant one, the tables were set under the grand old maple trees fronting the house. These trees have withstood the storms of nearly a century and still furnish ample shade for a gathering of this kind. The dinner was the feature of the day, for those having the preparation of it are considered the best cooks in the land.
Following the dinner speeches were in order. Very interesting talks were given by the historian of the association, H. W. Coe of East Haven and by Andrew Camp of Durham, a history of the family was given which dated back to the year 1596. Letters of regret were read from members unable to be present. Particularly interesting was one from Mrs. Henry Camp Dunham, of Faribault, Minn., which was accompanied by a poem.
The oldest living member is Mrs. William C. Coe, who was present and enjoyed the festivities of the day, although having reached the great age of ninety-four years.
At the close of the exercises a business meeting was held at which officers were elected as follows:
President: F. W. Doane
Vice President Charles Stone
Secretary:Benjamin Page
Poetess: Mrs. W. L. Davis
Historian: Mrs. Wm. T. Coe
This closed the events of the day, and as the sun was bidding goodbye to August 11, 1904 each one present followed its example and dispersed towards his or her home.
Here is a poem presented by Mrs. C. Curtis Coe Camp