Family Reunions were a rich tradition of both the Perry and Woodroof Family in and around Nashville during the early 1900’s up to 1957 when our family moved to California to start a new life. In the early years, our families dressed up in their “Sunday Best Clothes” (suits and dresses) while attending the reunions. They had professional photographers to record the occasion. Well known for great food and drink and opportunity to “catch-up” while visiting with all the relatives from near and far. Pictures (below and bottom right) of Owens/Perry family taken at home on Lickton Pike near Nashville about 1936.
The Easter Picnic was started by my mother, Emogene Montgomery (one of the Perry girls – lower photo on left, back row: Clarice, Emogene, Christine, Dorothy and Virginia. Margie between Dudley and Docia with Aubrey, Bill, Steve and Sandra in 1945 at Perry Grandparents home in Nashville – middle bottom row) at Santiago Park in 1966, Santa Ana, California. After two years, it was moved to Pioneer Park in Garden Grove (Harbor and Chapman) where it remained for several years. Always conducted on Palm Sunday the week before Easter. In 1971 the Easter Picnic was moved to our Fountain Valley home and Stone Crest Park. At this location, we used an Elementary School Playground adjacent to Stone Crest Park to conduct a softball game. In 1993 the Easter Picnic was moved to our home in Bonsall and remained there for ten years. There were a few Easter Picnics held in Escondido at Felicita Park. Beginning in 2003, the Easter Picnic has been held at Stage Coach Park in Carlsbad. A common theme of family reunions held in Tennessee and California have much in common: lots of games for young and old, food and drink, and lots of visiting with family and friends from near and far. One notable difference (pre-1957 versus post 1966) is the dress code which is now casual California style suited for warm SoCal weather. Since 1966 there has been one rain out; which did not halt the Easter Picnic, we held the egg hunt in our bedroom – two shifts;-)
The pictures and stories that follow are of those that participated in this rich tradition over the past fifty years.
Nancy and Aubrey accepted the challenge of continuing the family and friend tradition in 1966 with the help of mom (Emogene) and other members of the family:
