NEWFANE — In July 1919, the family of Mortimer and Orilla Husk Brooks gathered together at the family farm on Wardsboro Road in Newfane to celebrate the safe return of World War I veterans, including one family member who had been a POW.
A century later, the descendants of two of their five children gathered for the 76th time to celebrate their long history in the region and to reminisce and share photos and memories.
On display was the Stradivarius fiddle in its original case owned and played by Mortimer, along with the loving cup he won at the 1926 “Old Time Fiddlers” contest held at the Armory in Bellows Falls.
Also on display was the Memorial Case with flag and medals of grandson, Colonel Roy Brooks, who served in World War II and the Korean War, as well as several photo albums provided by different branches of the family.
Most of the descendants who attended this year represented siblings William Thomas and Bertha Mary. A total of 54 relatives and several guests enjoyed looking at the photo albums from past events.
Travis and Sarah Shine hosted this year's event at their home, just a mile up the road from the original gathering.