My earliest summertime memories include the annual family “weinie roast” at my uncle’s farm.
Everyone brought coat hangers, and we really did roast hot dogs over an open fire. Uncle Andrew pulled an old farm wagon up in the yard, the food was placed on the wagon, and we all gathered around.
My eager anticipation for this event probably had less to do with the food, and more to do with the fact that Uncle Andrew’s daughter, Nell, had horses. She would always let us children (one at a time, of course) sit on one of the horses and lead us around the barnyard. I can still remember what a thrill that was.
Looking through my pictures recently, I found this one of my late sister, Rose. This was taken in 1955; Rose would have been 17. I spoke with Nell on the phone recently, and she reminded me that the horse’s name was Topsy.
I can’t say for sure, but I’m guessing those little legs on the other side of the horse belong to me.
I also discovered this picture of me – sitting on Topsy. I was probably around 10 when this was taken.
The location of the annual family gathering was changed to another uncle’s waterfront property sometime in the mid to late 1960’s. And it became the “family reunion” rather than the weinie roast. We no longer roasted hot dogs, but there was still an abundance of food. Another uncle began hosting the reunion in the early 1970’s, and it was held at his house until just a few years ago.
When the weinie roast first came to be, the family was my grandmother, her 12 children, and their spouses and children. Grandma died in 1969, and the last of her children passed away earlier this year.
No one had plans for the family reunion this summer. So Motor Man and I decided to have it at our place.
And it’s tomorrow.
My cousins and I know that the reunion will never be the same as it was in years past. But it was important to me that the tradition continue.
There will be hot dogs. But no Topsy. Update next week.
these days of mine 
I absolutely loved this post! Oh … Topsy, doesn’t he look like the most gentle, patient one? I was that girl with the pony who’d give rides at family parties and yes we used coat hangers to roast our hot dogs, too.
Have a great time tomorrow, if you’ll recall, we’re having a family party tomorrow, too.. Are you making fabulousity squares? I made a batch last night!! 🙂
Good on you and Motor Man for continuing the tradition; your ancestors are beaming at the news, methinks.
-Cheers!! MJ
Topsy had to be gentle and patient with all those little ones waiting for a ride!
I’m hoping to make the fabulousity squares later today: I printed your recipe!
Loved your last comment! 🙂
I hope everyone enjoy’s them .. and yes, I do think they’re beaming. You’ll feel their presence tomorrow. This is the good stuff of life, is it not?
Cheers! MJ
Oh what a great story (I love traditions) and what a gorgeous eyed horse that Topsy was. Wish I could bring you a horse for everyone to sit on! 😉 Happy Reunion!!
That’s so sweet, Dee! Wish you could bring us one too, although sadly, there won’t be any children here to ride. We’ve all grown up!
Yes, those are definitely your legs on the other side of Topsy. I thought there was a picture of Rose with you in front of her on Topsy. But have no idea if it’s just in my imagination!!! Loved those reunions. The very first one (you were too young to remember) was at Sunken Meadow. They started to celebrate Grandma’s b’day.
Nope, I don’t remember them being at Sunken Meadow. Thanks for verifying the “legs”!
What a wonderful thing you are doing to continue the cousins’ reunion. By writing this you are bringing Rose to the reunion, too. This is such a great post to usher in your weekend. Have a wonderful time and if there’s no posting this weekend…we will know you are having a wonderful time.
Georgette, I hadn’t thought about “bringing” Rose to the reunion with this post. As always, your insight is wonderful.
Thanks for visiting!
What a great story! I know you will have a wonderful time even without a horse called Topsy. 🙂
Good for you! Family reunions are a good thing no matter how small they may become! I’m in PA visiting my family and the newest member that we call Kitty! Her parents (my nephew & new wife) spent their honeymoon at our beach house in Kitty Hawk! Have a great time and I hope mother nature cooperates with beautiful weather and a spectacular sunset for all to see!
oh, good for you in keeping the tradition going. it’s going to get harder and harder to do so with the younger generations now. i hope it goes well and you have fun!
What a pretty horse Topsy was. I loved horses when I was younger but haven’t ridden one in many a year. Doubt if I could hoist myself up into the saddle now. LOL!
It’s a wonderful thing you are doing in keeping the reunions going. Have fun!!
Your post is wonderful. I love your photos and thoughts.
The wienie roast sounds like it would have been jolly fun chaos when all the family was together. I’m sorry to hear that so many of your loved ones have passed on. Having the wienie roast is a special tribute to them.
Wishing you all a day of laughter and big fun. 🙂
What a wonderful post and so great that you are continuing on with tradition. We rarely see my cousins anymore…only at funerals and that’s so sad. No one seems to want to get together anymore. We hosted the last reunion on my side of the family and everyone complained about having to make the long drive to our place. Of course, those who complain don’t seem willing to host one themselves…
Oh and I LOVE Topsy! And the photos are great!
So much fun, and the hot dogs taste sooo good cooked over an open fire! How nice it will be to keep up the tradition of a reunion and I’m sure the cousins will thank you for hosting it.
I always remember how many different pictures had to be taken before we left! And we’d laugh about how it took 30 minutes to leave! I also remember the tree swing from Uncle Bennie’s .. I’m glad the tradition is continuing!
No, it will never be the same – but you can begin new traditions. And you’ll always have your memories! Enjoy tomorrow!
We could always tell when we were FINALLY eating…it was the only time it was quiet!!
I so enjoyed this post. I did not grow up in a family that maintained strong connections with extended family, so, I confess, I did read with some sadness. I am wishing you well with the reunion. I suspect it will be lovely. The pic’s of you and your sister on Topsy are great!
We to use to have the Horne, Hall & Turner family reunion, but not in a long while. They were always great. Hope yours is wonderful.
I think it’s great that you are continuing the family get-together. I hope you are able to maintain the family ties for another generation. Have a wonderful day!