2007

Shelbyville, KY

~by Carolyn Leonard
Our gathering host was the Best Western Inn at Shelbyville, KY with tourism director Charlie Kramer assisting at every turn.  We took a chartered bus tour of the Low Dutch Tract in Henry County, stopped at the Six Mile Meetinghouse,  listened to a narrated tour by Hammer Smith of Henry County Historical Society, were mesmerized by well-known speaker and historian Vince Akers at history of the Long Run Massacre. We stopped at the Dutch Tract cemetery, visited the burial site of Abraham Lincoln’s grandfather, toured one of Shelby County’s famous horse farms, ate Kentucky Hot Brown at the very historic Old Stone Inn, enjoyed a catered meal with a surprise visit from Grandpa Westerfield aka James Moore, and a slide presentation with former Lt. Gov. Steve Henry.  –and that was just one day!  

Dutch Cousins Homer and Gladys Dorrell of Indianapolis laid out a breakfast table fit for kings, many cousins gave introductions and made talks, displayed genealogy tables, presented family group displays, participated in networking. Historic Science Hill, a former girls school, offered a fine lunch in walking distance. Missi Mercer conducted a fun Silent Auction.  Several authors consented to booksigning and autograph party before a dinner buffet at the elegant Claudia Sanders steak house with a presentation by  Harry Roegner of South Carolina, author of GERRIT, and a surprise visit by Squire Boone! That was Saturday.

A brunch at the Family Affair Restaurant in Salvisa; Sunday Services at Old Mud Meeting Hs, Harrodsburg under direction of Rev. Claude Westerfield of Iowa and the Reverends David and Jeannette Westerfield of Louisville. followed by a special dedication of FIFTEEN Revolutionary War Vets by Sons of American Revolution under direction of Rev. Forrest Chilton of Louisville assisted by a local Boy Scout Troop, and musical tribute by our cousin and former Miss America Heather French Henry.

On Monday, the Harrodsburg Historical Society opened their doors to us for research and study.

About 150 people registered for the 2007 event from 26 states, most of whom had never met before. We became FAMILY during that week, and we were all sad to say goodbye.  We can not say thank you enough to Charlie Westerfield who recorded the weekend on film, along with several others.

(NOTE: most of these talented leaders have promised to return and lead us in 2009.)