Minutes of 23 August 2006 Davidson Reunion, Cold Springs, Ontario, Hamilton Township Hall

            The 23 August 2006 reunion took place on the same day as a milestone birthday celebration for the Cobourg residents who were family and friends of Ella Houston. Nonetheless there was an enthusiastic turn out of those who could make it. Ross and Dorothy Davidson were amongst the attendees and he was on the North side of the Hall taking care of greeting people. The kitchen was extremely well staffed with a strong contingent of helpers who prepared many hot meals.

            Jim Davidson and Denise had worked with Laura to set the hall up on the Friday night and there was pressure to be out by 3:00 pm as a wedding party was to start activities upstairs, and there was a fear of interfering with them if we stayed beyond.

            The door receipts were generous enough to help defray costs, while Denise Davidson handled the difference. The Cemetery donations collected at the door were able to provide $75 which James T. Davidson was able to pass on to the Cemetery committee for their continuing upkeep and restoration work. Eleanor and Laura had kindly placed ribbons to mark the places of rest on the Friday. An estimated 35 people attended the reunion, including Anna-Jean McCoskery who came by train and was especially welcome, as she was the only Adelaide attendee.

            A series of really creative silhouetted faces were created by Eleanor and Laura and were quite the hit with everybody (we asked to see them again next time).

            A delightful meal was enjoyed by all, including the chefs, who of course are experts on tasting and quite relish the experience of sampling other people’s cuisine.

            Anna-Jean and Eleanor told the story of the family for the benefit of all, especially the next generation. Anna-Jean explained the importance of getting our photographs and family notes to her for compilations in the Wiley Family Tree.

            Door prizes were less than previous years and there were fewer Lee Valley books and trinkets. It seemed the demographics in the room had changed quite a bit too. The reprinted books from Lee Valley Tools with their vintage designs and plans were very popular with that certain generation a couple of years back.

            Davidson Reunion President, Jim Davidson, Chaired and recorded his portion of the events during the Business Meeting. It was noted that the recording of minutes should be tasked to someone for the next time. Jim thanked all those who had worked so hard to make the reunion and success and welcomed and thanked, officially, all those who had taken the time to be with their cousins. Our thoughts were with those unable to attend due to distance and ill health, including Elizabeth (Libs) Perkins, who still telephoned her best wishes to her Brother James T. Davidson and wished she could be there.

            Jim read the In Memoriam list of those who passed away since the last reunion.

            The minutes of the Aug 2006 reunion at Cold Springs were accepted as published.

            New Business: Jim asked the question in two ways - back to back - and it turned out that there was equal support for holding the next reunion in 2008, as there was for having it in 2009.

            The family broke off to a series of informal birthday parties at the picnic tables at the back. The cleaning crews washed all the dishes and cleaned up the room for the wedding group.

            Family visits to the Cemetery took place shortly thereafter.

Adjournment 3:00 PM

          Jim Davidson, President and Recording Secretary

          As amended, 10 August 2009