96th gathering of the Blake Family

The 96th annual reunion of the descendants of Andrew and Ann Meagher Blake was held Sunday, July 14, at the home of Brian and Emily Blake Twomey in Camden.

CAMDEN, N.Y. » The 96th annual reunion of the descendants of Andrew and Ann Meagher Blake was held Sunday, July 14, at the home of Brian and Emily Blake Twomey in Camden.

After serving a dinner with a multitude of selections, Brian and Emily welcomed the throng gathered under a snowy white tent which they provided. Shade trees and a breeze made for a contented congregation. Anne Blake Van Dreason, Rome, in her capacity as historian, reported two marriages, five births and three deaths. Sister Celine Courtney, Latham, offered a prayer for all of the descendants, both living and deceased. A recitation entitled Family Tree was given in remembrance of the deceased members of the family.

The oldest in attendance was Ted Ziemba, New Hartford, and the youngest was Madelyn Blake, daughter of Alex and Lauryn Blake of Rome. Traveling the farthest distance was Ron Szopinski of League City, Texas. Among the numerous awards and acclamations acknowledged this day were those of Layla Van Dreason of Charlotte, N.C., who won the National AAU gymnastics championship earlier this year.

Reports were given of district schools in the town of Annsville between 1914 and 1932. Special thanks to Dorothy Fey and Joe Muller who provided this evidence of extensive family participation in the school system. Many family members were listed either as students, teachers or members of the trustees. A ceremonial school bell used by several of the aforementioned instructors was rung in their honor. Additional reports were cited from the Hal Williams family of Oneida who were traveling in Montana and following the footsteps of Thomas Meagher, the first governor of that territory and from The Jerry Ziemba family who were experiencing a respite in the Emerald Isle.

Next year’s gathering will be held at the same location on the second Sunday in July. An extensive committee of family members has been given the charge of planning and executing the event including Entertainment chaired by Mary Kay VanDreason and assisted by Lillian Blake, Chase Root, Claire Chase, Tom Blake, Jack Smith, Denise Kalk, Arlene Blake Risley and Shannon Blake Ladd. The Sports Committee will include Pat Blake, chair, Henry Root, Rita Blake Theisen, Janice Blake Lacey, Mike Young, Dianne Blake, Jonah Chase and Kate Blake.

SUBMITTED PHOTO The Blake Family gather for their 96th family reunion in Camden on Sunday, July 14.