The 2004 Reunion is a
warm and wonderful memory for those of us that attended. While the weekend
boded ill with Tropical Storm Ivan heading straight for us causing many of our
cousins to change plans, Ivan turned out to be merely a new story to tell.
Yes, it rained and rained and rained on Friday, but he did not thwart a
wonderful attendance at the Friday night reception. We were welcomed to the
Upshur County History Center (UCHC) with open arms and umbrellas by Joy & Don
Shingleton and Amy Tenney. They were right there the whole weekend to assist
in setup and preparations, always with a hearty WV smile. Our cousins came to
visit, meet and welcome us to their home state.
On Saturday, bright and
early (9:30 am), we again gathered at the UCHC for registration and the day’s
activities – under blue skies and sunshine, Cousin and Co-Host, Noel Tenney
took many of the attendees on a walking tour of Buckhannon’s “famous” sights.
After lunch, we headed off to the Hinkle Glass Factory. I’ll bet that his
neighbors had not seen THAT big a caravan down their gravel, one lane road in
a very long time. Mr. Hinkle provided an interesting and informative
description of his glass blowing art process – believe me – he makes some
really beautiful pieces – his colors are the most vibrant I’ve ever seen and
he explained how he got those brilliant colors. We thoroughly enjoyed his
talents, and showed our appreciation with many purchases.
Following our visit to
Hinkle’s Glass Factory, we all got back into the caravan and in high
anticipation, headed off to Tallmansville. Another country style road (this
one paved) lead us through rolling hills of green grass, over hill and dale,
into a valley – Welcome to Tallmansville! The Volunteer Fire Department was
holding their annual Chicken BBQ – hmmmm – boy did that smell good! They had
homemade brownies and apple butter – Ymmmmm! Noel Tenney our official Tour
Guide walked us over to see the Samuel C. Tenney House, not only is the house
still standing but is also a current residence.
Just up the hill was “The
Tenney Family Cemetery” where Samuel C. and family rest. Samuel C. was a son
of James & Thankful (Shippee) Tenney, the progenitors of our WV cousins.
We bade farewell to Tallmansville and again
started out in our caravan headed for Elbon Cemetery where James & Thankful
rest peacefully (until we showed up). Our group of 30 or so and 15 or so cars
apparently disturbed old James Tenney, cause he was waiting for us upon our
arrival, ready to scare us right out of the cemetery. But once he heard we
were all Tenney’s too and most present were his own kin & descendants, he
settled down and told us of the old days when he was “stomping around these
hills”, of his coming to WV and settling with his family. He apologized for
“not knowin certain things” since he had been resting quite comfortably up on
the knoll nigh over 160 years. It was a wonderful treat for the young'ns and
oldsters alike. (Thanks Noel!)
We arrived back at the
UCHC for the evening “session” with guest speaker Professor Robert Cutler who
told us about the tragic Australian WWII plane crash in 1943 that took the
lives of 39 servicemen – including Corporal Edward Tenney, only 19 years old.
A niece of Corporal Tenney, Wilma Post, was in attendance and displayed
Corporal Tenney’s picture for us. It was interesting and heartbreaking for the
loss of our cousin so long ago.
The day dawned
beautiful again on Sunday. Everyone was very prompt for the Annual Meeting. We
started only a few minutes late but managed to get all the business at hand
completed ON TIME! The members in attendance were very enthusiastic with some
really great suggestions, ideas and comments. We finished up our business and
headed for “the party” – the West Virginia Tenney Reunion Luncheon where
everyone brought something, either a covered dish, supplies or dessert. It was
Yummy! All that home-cookin’ really tickled the taste buds. More of our WV
cousins attended and, again welcomed us with open arms and a hearty hello. We
had good food, good company and fun. The oldest attendees were in their 90’s,
the youngest under 1 year of age AND all Tenney’s!
After the reunion
concluded, a few of us drove up to Donnie’s Farm where our WV cousins are
painstakingly restoring the log cabin that was James & Thankful’s 2nd
home. Donnie is Noel’s brother and the local Commissioner, (He is also the
reigning Strawberry King!). His farm is a wonderful, beautiful and peaceful
place.
It was wonderful to meet so many cousins that
we had talked to over the years and to once see again cousins missed since
last year including Joy & Don Shingleton, Amy Tenney, Charlyn T. Matthews,
Robert & Sarah Cutler, Our favorite 3 sisters from OK – Emmelen Allen, Ruth
Burditt & Roberta Lee, Debby Bianchi (Treasurer), Ruth & Bill Sprowls, Carol
Sullivan, Louise & Richard Tenney, James Tenney, Arkie & Ramona Snyder, Bill
Tenney AND his Whole Family-Pat Selemi, Steve C., John A & Cheryl, James C.;
Michelle, W.Scott & Lisa, Emily, William, Bailey, Camille, (3 gens!), Vicki
Smith, Roger & Joanne Tenney (new Life Members!), Jess & Elsa Tenney, George &
Alice Painter, Sonny Tenney, Wilda & Ed Lunceford, Rich Juergens, Nancy
Newhall (Curator) & Carol, Emma Regele, Deborah & Craig & Ashley Carlson,
Samuel Tenney, Noel Tenney (Host/TRO), Tom & Carolyn Tenney, Tom & Beverly
Tenney, Ralph & Loretta Dawson, Macil & Shirley Tenney, Carol Rodley, Wilma
Post, George W. & Vera Tenney, Terry & Susan Broughton, Louise Baker, Kim &
James Taylor, Donna & Bob Powers, Laudie Hess, Betsy Barney, Gary Altenburg,
Wendy Andrus, Franklin D. & Anita Rogers, Mary T. Myers & Edgar Bleigh, John
L. Tenney, Thomas & Jan Holtsclaw, Hilton T. Mason, Ken Dubke, Robbie Lawson,
Lindy & Nancy Rowan, Heidi Tenney, James C. Tenney, Richard Tenney, Thomas &
Isabelle Rogers, John H. Wright and Kay Hartzell (Corres.Sec & Acting Pres).
A great time was had by
ALL!
A special thanks to those
who helped make this a great reunion – Debby Bianchi, Kay Hartzell, Nancy
Newhall, Emma Regele, Gary Altenburg, Patty Cutright, Eddie Adkins and, of
course our very talented cousin, Noel Tenney.
Sure hope to see you next
year in New Hampshire for our next adventure!
Yours in genealogy...
Debbie Montgomery
TFA Reunion Chairperson
8:00 am-7:00 pm PST (949) 457-0718
