Reunion keeps family knit together

Glen Davidson attended the first Davidson family reunion in 1965, which was the start of a legacy unheard of these days: 40 consecutive years of get-togethers designed to nurture and instill family bonds.

Carol Williams, Glen’s youngest sibling among a family that totaled 13 children, hosted the 40th annual event at her property called Meadowbrook near Camp Sherman last week. The driveway lined with American flags and the gallery of photos of veterans displayed in the barn were proof positive that this clan is both close and patriotic.

“I consider this a celebration of families in America,” said Williams, decked out in a red, white and blue outfit including a bright red bandanna.

“We want to perpetuate that among the different generations in our family.”

A total of six different generations were represented at the reunion that included over 140 guests from as far away as Alabama and Georgia. Williams’ sister, Dorothy White of Myrtle Point, Oregon, helped to organize the event, which included cousin groups providing theme-based meals, drawings for hand-made prizes, a talent show, dancing, and a Sunday morning church service.

Clarence and Nettie Davidson raised Glen, Dorothy and Carol, along with the other 10 siblings, to stick together.

“Mother and Dad taught us real family values and its just gone on and on,” White said.

“We only have a big event every five years or so,” said Williams. “Most years its just a one day picnic, so this year we had a lot of great time to get to visit.”

Saturday morning the group gathered around a newly installed flag pole and honored the memory of all the servicemen and women from the family with a recording of Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.”

“It was beautiful,” said Carol. “If you had been here you would have cried right along with the rest of us.”

Family members stayed in RVs, guest houses and even teepees spread over the 65-acre property. Don Davidson, Glen’s son, who teaches and coaches in Redmond said, “We’re unique among families in that we’ve always gotten together. The eldest visitor to the reunion was 93-year-old Aunt Grace Webster of Centerville, South Dakota who traveled with her daughter Joyce Anderson of Armour, South Dakota.

Grace was crowned queen of the reunion during Saturday night’s talent show.

“I haven’t been able to attend since 1971, so I appreciate being able to be here,” she said. “I think its marvelous.” It was the first reunion for her daughter, who only knew one or two of her cousins prior to this trip. “Now I’ve gotten to meet dozens,” she said.

Plans for the 41st edition of the reunion are not yet solidified, but it’s sure bet it will happen.

“We feel special and blessed to have such a close family,” said Carol Williams. “We shared a lot of love this weekend and for everyone, especially the young people, to get a real sense of family and patriotism makes me think we accomplished our goal.”