Priest family reunion held at Valley Grange

    GUILFORD — The Priest family reunion was held at Valley Grange in Guilford on Aug. 17 where 134 people attended. It was 30 years after the last reunion was held in 1983.

Contributed photo

PRIEST FAMILY REUNION — The Priest family reunion drew 134 people at the Valley Grange Hall on Aug. 17, 30 years after the last get-together in 1983.

    Family members arrived from as far away as Cabo, Mexico and the ages ranged from 6 months to 88 years. The group celebrated their family history starting with a pot luck luncheon of favorite family recipes, and made time for remembrances of many family members who have passed.  On the 2nd floor of the grand old Grange hall, there were displays of photos from then and now, family trees and a remembrance table.
    Then it was time for presenting special gifts, including framed heirloom photos of the Priest family and the old homestead, and homemade honey by Lori (Priest) and Barry Welch.
    Winners were announced by Leslie Priest: youngest attendee – Jack Aceto, oldest – Ethel Hersey, longest distance traveled – Mildred Dunphey, first door prize – Linwood Parsons. Other prizes winners were Christopher Priest, Amber Welch, Jerry Hersey, Jerilyn (Priest) Levensalor, Ron Maurice, Wendy Priest, Lorraine (Priest) Maurice, Conner Watt, Madeline (Priest) Schultz and Bob Carlson.
    Next were two slideshow presentations of Priest family photos saved over the years and contributed by many family members, which began with photos of Minerva and Eugene Priest, Chester and Maud Priest Family, Leslie and Maud Priest family and descendents.
    The day ended with a hayride into the Guilford Center Cemetery and a tour by 4-wheel drive trucks into the old Priest family homestead, guided by Wilfred Priest.