The 42nd Schumm reunion has come and gone. The biennial reunion of the John George Schumm family was held last Sunday in Schumm, Ohio.
The reunion committee outdid themselves this year. They deserve a BIG Thank-You for all the thought, effort, and work that went into creating one of the most fun, successful, and interesting family reunions I can remember.
There was a lot to see and do and there was something for everyone.
The morning began with a worship service at Zion Lutheran Church, and as their pastor Jeff Patterson said, “What other family reunion begins with a worship service?” Not many, if there are any at all. Joe and I were unable to attend the worship service at Schumm because of prior commitments at Zion Chatt, but we joined the reunion about noon.
And what a large group it was! Nearly 240 people were there, topping the last reunion’s attendance of 225. Two tents were set up in addition to the stationary pavilion located south of the church.
Food! There was so much delicious food there and there was no way to take even a mini-bite of everything. I was so glad I did not try to stay on my diet last Sunday. So much good food in one place at one time!
Dr. Herbert and Paula (Stephenson) Schumm provided the entertainment in the afternoon.
Dr. Schumm makes Appalachian musical instruments for his wife Paula and she plays them and sings along during her program. I have heard her several times and it is always a treat. Dr. Schumm explained what musical instruments would have been used in the 1840’s, the time John George Schumm lived in the area.
Dr. Schumm said that it takes him 60-80 hours to make an instrument and several of them were on display Sunday. Paula played the hammer dulcimer, the Celtic harp, the mountain dulcimer, and the banjo. The group sang along with her on “What Do You Do with a Baby-O?” and “Amazing Grace.” An interesting side note [at least to me]: I am related to both Dr. Herbert Schumm and his wife Paula! I will let you ponder on that for awhile.
Other photos from the 2016 Schumm Reunion:
I was at the back of the group during the official “2016 Reunion Photo.” What a large group of Schumms! We needed an overhead photo.
10 Minute Portraits by Dave Schumm. They were awesome!
Schumm memorabilia and photos.
Mary E. “Mamie” (Schumm) Dietrich’s beautiful 1912 wedding dress and wedding photo.
Cousins. I had not seen my second cousin Patty for decades.
A relative and Facebook friend that I finally got to meet in person.
Visiting with Karen from Chicago. [Yes, yet another Karen!]
Visiting and reminiscing.
My aunt and uncle, Esther and Al, were the couple in attendance married the longest. They celebrated 65 years of marriage in June. Married even longer, but unable to attend, Karl and Isabelle Schumm, who have been married 78 years!
Nice additional touches at the reunion were the ice cream machine, cake in the afternoon, cold refreshments, and an open house at the parsonage. There was barely enough time to do and see everything!
Now don’t you all wish you were descendants of John George Schumm?
2 comments
Karen, We were thinking of Velma Schumm on your reunion Sunday and wondering how the day went. So we really enjoyed the article and pictures. Thank you for sharing! Now I feel like we were able to enjoy it too, for Velma. Still miss her so much! Keep up the good work!! Vickie Bollenbacher
Author
Thanks, Vickie. We all missed Velma at the reunion and she was mentioned several times. She would have enjoyed the reunion and especially the music that day.