In the summer of 1959, the Roark-Conner family held its first reunion in Birchwood, Hamilton County. Every year, descendants gathered in the Birchwood area to meet with each other, remember ancestors, visit local historical sites, and share family history. The annual Roark-Conner Association Reunion has become an important gathering of Roark and Conner descendants and relatives of local pioneer families who settled, during the mid to late 1830’s, in the eastern portion of Hamilton County.
With continued COVID-19 uncertainties, this year the Association will hold its 63rd Family Reunion virtually on its website: Roark-Conner.org. The theme for the Virtual Reunion is: “How do you want to be remembered?”
After 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, the program will be available for cousins to view. Participants may visit the Virtual Reunion at their convenience and return as often as they wish through Sept. 26.
Featured presentations will highlight ancestors Joseph and Juda Roark and The Conner Family, headed by Martha Palmer and Maximillian H. Conner, two of the pioneer families who settled in the Birchwood area in the 1830’s. Programs will include an interview with author and past president, John J. Roark, and a tribute to cousins 90+ years young.
There will be a Birchwood Cemetery Tour and a workshop on Writing a Legacy Letter by Jay Sherwin, Life Review Advisor.
The Board of Director’s Meeting will include a memorial service for cousins who have passed.
Family members will be able to participate in Worship and Song with messages from cousins Rev. James Scott and his son Rev. Aaron Scott. A song written for the reunion entitled, “To Be Remembered” will be provided by musician Dan Roark.
The Learning Center will allow family members to learn about ancestors; link to R-CA books and DVDs which are at the heart of the family’s rich, well-documented history; and participate in activities for children.
Visit the Roark-Conner.org website, and click on “2021 Virtual Reunion” on the home page, to participate. For information, call (801) 450-6864.