GOT DNA?

Hello, again, everyone!

I’ve been busy the past few days, as we continue working out the details of  our first Druck family reunion on July 19. It will be here sooner than we think!

 Along with a steady stream of emails back and forth to York County relatives, I’m trying to unclutter our tiny home in the woods  just a tad, since daughter number one, Kristina, will be visiting from Gettysburg over the weekend. And tomorrow evening, we’re having the neighbors for dinner.

 Since surgery on my neck last fall and the addition of some metal parts and pieces, it’s not flexible at all - so trying to capture those dustbunnies and cobwebs is not an easy task!  Combined with my eBay selling and an early deadline for my weekly newspaper column, things are a bit hectic at the moment.

But we do have a few reunion announcements!  Cousin Sharon Nickol Swope has volunteered to give a PowerPoint presentation about DNA. What’s DNA? We’ve all got it.

 DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the carrier of our genetic information, which passes from generation to generation. Every cell in our bodies, except red blood cells, contains a copy of our DNA. You’ve probably seen it on TV – By scraping the inside of the cheek with a  toothbrush-like cotton swab, an individual can obtain a DNA
sample. These can be tested at a laboratory to determine an individual’s descent. So, this should be a very interesting presentation!

Another interesting feature is a Guess the Candies in a Jarcontest! Cousin Kathie Gettle Boop is taking care of this for us.

And Rhonda Wilson  Shaw – bless her heart! – has taken on the task of ordering T-shirts! These will be sold as a fundraiser, and I’m really excited about this bonus feature.

There will be many door prizes and other prizes, too!  One of the prizes wil be awarded to the winner of our “ice breaker” family history quiz. It should be a lot of fun, as we get acquainted with one another.
We’ll also  be holding a 50/50 raffle to help raise funds to cover the cost of the reunion pavilion – and if any is left over, it will go toward next year’s Druck/Drook reunion. Yes - there are two ways to spell the ancestral name – actually three. But more about that later!

There are many others helping to pull this reunion together, and I appreciate everyone’s help!

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS NEW BRIDGEVILLE?

 

A George Druck descendant, George Henry Druck (1879-1951). Photo taken in 1947 (Thanks to Chris McCommons for sharing!)

Plans for the first reunion of all branches of the George Druck family are proceeding!

We have ordered souvenirs for all families, PLUS, there will be lots of surprises. We’ll have  games (NO 3-legged races, thank goodness), raffles, special prizes, door prizes, and  activities for kids.

And don’t forget entertainment by the talented recording artists,

 Druck’s Music Ministry, featuring  our own Ron and Eileen Druck!

We also encourage everyone to bring old family photos, family histories, or other memorabilia to share.

Oh – you should also bring something edible to share and your own place setting, if you can. Don’t worry if you’re traveling. I’m sure we’ll have enough food for everyone. We’re planning to provide beverages, but haven’t gotten that all worked out for sure yet! You might also want to bring some comfortable lawn chairs.

As you probably know by now, the reunion will take place

SUNDAY, JULY 19, FROM NOON TO 6 P.M. (Rain or Shine!)

at Shenberger’s  Chapel Picnic Grounds,  New Bridgeville, PA.

You don’t know how to find New Bridgeville? Neither did I. But it’s very easy. Just follow these directions:

From the square in Red Lion:

• Travel south on Rt 74 several miles until you come to a small rather run down restaurant on the left hand side, with a sign that says “Mack’s.” 
• Turn left there onto Burkholder Rd.
• Travel about 5 miles to a stop sign (this is New Bridgeville).
• Turn left onto New Bridgeville Road. Travel about 1 mile.
• The picnic grounds are on the right – you’ll see swings and a building.
• Eileen and Ron Druck’s driveway is the next one past the picnic grounds – there is a butterfly  and the house number (1023) on the mail post.

From East Prospect:

• Go south towards Craley.
• At the blinking red light, go straight about 4 miles
• The picnic grounds will be on the left (you’ll pass the Drucks’ driveway (#1023), and the next driveway will be the picnic grounds.

From Brogue or the south:

• Go north on Rt. 74 to New Bridgeville Road.
• Make a right
• Travel approximately 5 miles to the picnic grove on the right.

To get to Red Lion from Route 83:

• Take the Leader Heights Exit (No. ??)
• Follow signs for Route 74 all the way through Dallastown to Red Lion, and then follow directions above.

 Coming from anywhere else- Sorry, I’m not good at directions, so I suggest you get a good map! Or log on to MapQuest or something similar (or your GPS). Remember to use 1023 New Bridgeville Road, Wrightsville, as the closest address.

If you have any questions, please email jaroutson@aol.com (Judy Druck Routson) or coolheadred@hotmail.com (Eileen Goodling Druck) or call us (717-927-6826 or 315-942-4173). 

Thanks for visiting this site. Please come back soon to learn more about

the DRUCK FAMILY REUNION!

 

 

DRUCK FAMILY REUNION PLANS

Apparently our Druck Family reunion on July 19 is not the first Druck reunion to take place!

I was surprised when I recently received a  telephone call from  Barry Gordon,  a  grandson of Paul and Edna  Druck. Paul was a son of Arthur Bernard Druck, a son of William Aaron Druck. 

 Barry, who lives in Kentucky, called to say that he was the last president of the Druck reunion.  I was curious and puzzled by his remarks. But  after we peppered each other with questions, we realized that the family reunion to which he was referring was the William Aaron Druck line.

 It was a revelation to learn that other Drucks had met in years gone by. Barry mentioned that he recently turned over all his reunion information to another William Aaron Druck descendant, so my next step is to try to connect with her and discover more Druck family history.

Yesterday, I finally sent out an e-mail announcement to about 70 people about the Druck Family Reunion on July 19 (for all descendants of Johan Georg Druck, the 1741 immigrant), asking for RSVPs.  Now, I need to mail some letters to the not-tech-savvy folks. I’m very excited, but  nervous about the whole thing, and I’m worried we won’t have enough attendees!

For anyone reading this who is a Druck descendant, you’re invited to the reunion. In case you haven’t heard about it, here are the details:

WHEN: Sunday July 19, 12 PM-6 PM

WHERE: Shenberger’s Chapel  Picnic Grove, New Bridgeville, York County, PA

There will be the usual prizes, games for kids, and musical entertainment by The Druck Music Ministry (see link at top right).

Please bring a dish to pass and lawn chairs. Also, your own beverages and place setting! 

 For more information or directions, please call me at (315) 942-4173

or Eileen at (717) 927-6826.

Or email me at jaroutson@aol.com!

HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL AT THE DRUCK FAMILY REUNION!

2 GRADUATIONS, A WEDDING, AND A BABY

 

A Happy Graduate With Her Mom

On June 5, we watched as granddaughter Brigitta received her diploma during the commencement program at  Gettysburg Area High School. It brought back memories of my high school graduation – 50 years ago! Wow!  Where has the time gone?

Grandson Joshua also completed his high school requirements.  But since he had been home schooled for the past several years, he didn’t take part in any formal graduation program.

Both Josh and Brigitta will go on to college in the fall. Brigitta will enter West Chester University,  where she’ll major in English; Joshua is headed for Lafayette College, to pursue political science. 

Joshua, with sister Morgan, and mom Diane

 

Both kids are brilliant! And I’d say that even if they were not my grandchildren. Brigitta was a member of the Art Honor Society at Gettysburg HS; she’s also a great writer, and besides listening to music, she enjoys photography. Always an excellent student, Joshua has been in Scouting for many years, and  he’ll soon  become an Eagle Scout in an official ceremony. Both grads have part-time jobs, and of course, I’m very proud of them and their accomplishments.

 

I’m not the only one with family news!

Adam Rojahn, younger son of my cousin Jane Eppley Rojahn, was married on April 25  in Jacksonville, Florida. His beautiful bride Rina is a native of Cambodia, who came to this country at the age of two.

Adam Rojahn and his Bride

There were actually two ceremonies. According to Jane, there was a blessing by four Buddhist monks on Wednesday evening. Thursday there was a rehearsal dinner; the Cambodian wedding was on Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and the American wedding took place Saturday evening.  Whew!

 

First-time Grandparents Tim and Jane Eppley Rojahn at Adam's Wedding With Granddaughter Klyie.

And on February 28,  Jane became a grandma for the first time! Kylie Elizabeth Szymanski, daughter of  Cybil Rojahn Szymanski and her husband Gregory, came into the world weighing 5 pounds, 9 ounces, and according to Grandma Rojahn, she  is “probably the cutest baby ever born.”

Gregg and Cybil Rojahn Szymanski with baby Kylie Elizabeth.

UPDATES COMING!

My friend Cindy, with her daughter Melissa, and Joanne, the woman who entertained us at our church mother-daughter dinner on May 27.

Hello, again. Sorry, it’s been a while since I’ve added any new information to this site. I’ve been busy, out and about, with meetings, doctor appointments, dinners, volunteer activities, etc.

What else? Let’s see – following our not-very-successful garage sale on May 16, we’ve been out to lunch a few times with friends, witnessed the Memorial Day program in Boonville, visited a friend who had a book signing in Old Forge,  and worked a shift at the Boonville Black River Canal Museum. I attended the mother-daughter covered dish dinner at our church – without any mother or daughters, since they’re all out of town – but I had a good time anyway, and the food was great. Keith helped with the clean up.  Monday evening, June 1, our Historical Club had its end of the year dinner meeting. We skipped the stamp club dinner meeting Tuesday evening, since we’re trying to get organized to leave for York, Pa., Friday morning, for our granddaughter’s high school graduation. Actually she graduates from Gettysburg High.  

College student Evelyn, the intern at the Boonville Black River Canal Museum, with whom we worked Sunday afternoon, May 31.

But, please stop by again soon. I’ll be posting more happy news - a new twig on the family tree and the latest wedding. Also, coming up – more details about the FIRST ever Druck Family Reunion.

IN MEMORIAM

It is with a sad heart that I report the death of 70-year-old Delores Lee Webb Druck, who died Wednesday, 13 May 2009, at her home in Brogue, York County, Pennsylvania.

Delores was a delightful lady, who I met in the summer of 2006. Prior to that time we had communicated via e-mail, after she learned that I was gathering information for a Druck family history. Dee had been a patient of my nephew, a hand therapist, who told her of my interest in genealogy. She, too, was a dedicated genealogist and had gathered much information about her husband’s branch of the Druck family tree. She willingly shared this information, without which my family history book would not be nearly as complete. Her obituary in the 15 May 2009 York Daily Record reported that Delores “enjoyed discovering family history, touring historical locations, and was a Civil War buff.”

Delores Webb Druck, right, with Sharon Nickol Swope, left, and Barbara Druck Kehr in the summer of 2006.

 

Delores and Bob Druck Celebrate their Golden Wedding Anniversary

Dee and her husband, Robert Eugene “Bob” Druck, a descendant of William Aaron Druck and Priscilla J. Kreidler, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary on 27 September 2007. They were the parents of two sons, Todd Eugene Druck and Troy Lee Druck. At the time of her death, Delores also had four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Delores Webb and Bob Druck on their Wedding Day

When we met for lunch in the summer of 2006, Delores graciously volunteered to drive my sister and I, along with another genealogist cousin, Sharon Swope, to the New Harmony Presbyterian Church Cemetery, and to Bethlehem (Stonepile) Cemetery, the resting places of several Druck ancestors. Delores will join them, when she is also buried in the New Harmony Cemetery, following her funeral service on Monday 18 May 2009.

New Harmony Presbyterian Church

 

Delores Druck, a family history buff, at the Stonepile Cemetery, summer 2006.

The last time I spoke with Dee was in October of 2008, when I called to tell her of the completion of The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008, and of my book-signing event on the 25th.  Dee said she wouldn’t be able to make it. She had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in June. I sent her a copy of the book, and Dee wrote later to say how much she enjoyed it. In the Christmas card she sent, Dee wrote that she “especially enjoyed the history” I had included. I’m so glad she had the opportunity to read the book before she was called home.

Sincere sympathy is extended to Delores’s entire family. She will be greatly missed, I am sure. May she rest in peace.

 ………………………

He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces;. . . 

(Isaiah 25:8)

 

More Ancestral Photos Found

It’s always exciting to hear from kinfolk and to receive information about their branch of the Druck family tree. Recently, a cousin, Pat Druck Shaw, sent copies of some old photos she had located of her father, Clair Druck, and three of his siblings, along with the likenesses of her grandparents, William Aaron Druck and his second wife, Amanda Ruby Druck.  Clair (1908-1986) was the youngest of Aaron and Amanda’s five children. His only sister, Mary Viola Druck, was born in 1903 and died at age 24 in 1927.

Thanks, Pat, for sharing these great photos!

William Aaron Druck (1855-1918)

Clair L. Druck, far left, with his brothers, Edward, Elmer, and Earl (not necessarily in that ordrer!)

Amanda Ruby (1868-1914) Aaron Druck's second wife.

If anyone else has any photos of Druck ancestors, I’d love to hear from you!

Happiness is a Warm Sunny Day

It doesn’t take much to make me happy: sitting on my front porch, feet propped up, watching a flock of goldfinches – back to their bright yellow summer plumage once more – at my birdfeeder; the American flag out of storage and whipping wildly in the breeze for the first time this season (thanks to my helpful husband); the tingling rhythm of the windchimes, a tall, frosty glass of iced tea, and the thermometer climbing to 80 degrees under a nearly-cloudless sky.

Ah…it’s so good to be in shirtsleeves, minus bulky winter sweatshirts and socks. Thank you, Lord, for this glorious day! May there be many more to follow. It’s so relaxing, I think I’ll take a nap…

 

Druck’s Music Link Added

Cousin Ron Druck and his wife Eileen Goodling Druck recently created a colorful new website for their music ministry, and I’ve added a link to the site (at right).

Thanks to Ron’s generosity, I received a demo CD of their music several months ago. I’ve greatly enjoyed it, and plan to buy one or more of their CDs. The problem is, I can’t decide which ones to order! 

Ron is a licensed minister, and he’s been writing and singing gospel music for over 30 years. With 15 albums to his credit and a growing repertoire of original works, his music appeals to everyone who enjoys hearing God’s message.

Ron and Eileen are a dynamic duo, who bring with them a refreshing and unique ministry. They have traveled throughout the eastern United States and into Canada sharing their music and their love of the Lord. Ron and Eileen have generously agreed to provide entertainment at the first-ever George Druck Family Reunion on July 19 (see below), so family members will have the opportunity to hear them then.

They are so gracious, they even invite you to lunch at their home outside of Wrightsville, Pennsylvania! But, I’ll let them tell you their story. Just click on the link, Druck’s Music Ministry. And please be patient! I’ve noticed that the site sometimes does take a while to load, but you’ll be glad you waited.

Ancestral Photo Found

Susan Druck

 A recent discovery on Ebay was a photo of a Susan Druck, which the owner acquired in 1976 in Berkshire County, Massachusetts. I believe this may be a picture of Susan Druck, daughter of George Druck and Catharine Shell. Susan was born in 1845 and died in 1880 in York County, Pa.  She had turned 34 about two months before her death. Her occupation was listed as cigar maker.

Susan may have been in her late twenties in this photo. How it came to be in Massachusetts is anybody’s guess!

I may post the photo on www.deadfred.com to see if anyone else recognizes her.

The reverse side of Susan Druck's photo, which proves it was taken in York, Pa.

Family Chronicle on its way!

Hello everyone,

I’m pleased to report that my George Druck Family Chronicle has now been promised to be released in about 2 weeks (September 26, 2008). I’m excited, and I hope you are too. Watch for more news about when and where I’ll be in York County, so those who want to save on postage and handling can pick up your copies of the book. 

Although the book is finally on its way, I haven’t stopped researching the Druck family history. I’ve recently made some interesting discoveries, which I’ll write about soon.

Another Delay!

I’m sorry to report that the printing company did not get the proof of the family history book to me when promised, so – unfortunately - things will be delayed again. 

I have now set Saturday, October 25, as the date for my autograph session, and as the time when folks can pick up copies of the books that have been ordered. I may also be available either Friday or Sunday of that weekend, but I haven’t determined that for sure yet. For those who are not picking up the book in person, I hope to mail them out the last week in October, unless they are released much earlier than I anticipate.

Sorry for the delay, folks, but through this experience, I’ve learned another of life’s lessons: Everything always takes longer than you expect!

Thanks, everyone, for your patience. I’ll keep you up to date on the progress.

Sample Passages

Here is just a sampling of what you’ll read in the many pages of “The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008.” Read the book for more historical and personal information!

From Chapter 2 – “As Long as One of Us Lives”

We have no proof that the first George Druck actually came to America alone. . . Unfortunately, the eighteenth century European emigrants left no photographs and very few written records of their journeys to the New World. From what history is available, we know that their ocean journeys were often horrible. It is impossible to imagine the sheer courage it took to leave their loved ones and familiar homes to endure untold hardships in the hope of a better life in a totally foreign world.

Why did George decide to leave the land of his birth? Did he leave parents, brothers, sisters, and other relatives behind? Had he been a prosperous landowner or was he an unfreed peasant who had to pay his European ruler a fee to be able to leave the country? . . .

. . . we have all descended from a very diverse group of people. We all have ancestors who survived incredible odds. They left the known and journeyed into the unknown. They crossed the ocean under adverse conditions. They survived Indian attacks, droughts, floods, disease, epidemics, wars, family tragedies, and the Great Depression.. . .

Our ancestors are all ordinary and all special: all worth writing about. Many are worthy of a book all their own.

From Chapter 5 – The First Generation in America: The First George Druck

 Although his exact date of death is not known, George was around 78 years of age when he died in the fall of 1792. It is interesting to note the legal process that took place after his death. On the second day of October, George’s firstborn son—also named George—filed a petition with the court stating that his father had died without a will and asking for disposition of his Hellam Township property. The property by then consisted of 99 acres and was adjacent to lands of Adam Strong, Abraham Koble, Kraft Billet, Thomas Niell, and others. The Orphans Court then ordered that the Sheriff “with twelve good and lawful men of his Bailiwick in the presence of all the parties who shall chuse [sic] to attend or the guardians of such of them as are minors, they having respectively had due and legal notice thereof to hold an inquest” of the property to determine its distribution. Six days later, an “inquisition” was taken on the premises by 12 men—

probably the elder George’s friends and neighbors—who determined that the value of the property was worth 72 pounds and 16 shillings, considered “lawful money of Pennsylvania.”

From Chapter 8 - The Third Generation

Shortly after my ancestor, Gottlieb Druck, married Maria Elizabeth Kunkel (a daughter of Gottlieb and Agnes Kunkel), Gottlieb’s brother, GEORGE DRUCK, about 18 months younger than Gottlieb, married Elizabeth’s younger sister, MARY MAGDALENA KUNKEL. George was born 22 December 1788, in Hellam Township, the second child of George Druck and Elizabeth Billet; Mary Magdalena (known as Lanah) was born 12 April 1790. A child of either gender born that year had a life expectancy of 35 years, whereas during the Revolutionary War years, a woman’s life expectancy was even shorter, partly because of the hazards of childbirth, from infection and difficult deliveries performed with crude instruments.

George and Lanah were married in York’s First (Trinity) Reformed Church on 9 May 1809, just a few weeks after Gottlieb and Elizabeth were married there. George was 20 years old; Lanah was 19. . . In predictable fashion, Lanah gave birth to a brood of at least ten children at regular intervals, including the first recorded Benjamin in the Druck family. . .

From Chapter 9 – The Fourth Generation

About 10 weeks after Jacob Druck and Elizabeth Strong exchanged vows, a daughter, Priscilla, arrived on 21 June 1859.

Tombstones at Mt. Zion Cemetery

The census report of 1900 (the only one to include each person’s month and year of birth) indicates that Priscilla was born in July, rather than June, but her tombstone at Mt. Zion Cemetery—on which her name appears to be engraved as Briscilla—confirms her date of birth as 21 June 1859. Assuming their marriage date is correct, one cannot help but wonder: Was Priscilla really Jacob’s child, or was Elizabeth pregnant by someone else, perhaps someone who had died or walked out on her? Perhaps Jacob married her so that Elizabeth’s child would have a father. On the other hand, if it was Jacob’s child, why did he and Elizabeth wait so long to marry? It sounds like the plot in a paperback romance, and it’s too bad we’ll never know the whole story.

 

Hot Off the Press!

I still don’t have the books as promised by the printer, but when I spoke to them Friday afternoon, October 17, they assured me that SOME copies will be ready by Friday, October 24. Hopefully, they’ll have enough for everyone who wants to pick up their books. I will be coming to York on Friday afternoon, so I’ll stop and pick up the copies at that time. I still plan to host an autograph session for anyone who can make it on Saturday, October 25, from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. I’ll be sending e-mail messages soon, or making phone calls, to those who have indicated they’d like to pick up their book(s). Also, I’ll send directions and the location of where I’ll be in York Township. I look forward to meeting my Druck relatives at that time. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Latest Update

 My Newest Best Friend

January 12, 2009 – For some reason, I’ve been having problems getting my latest posts to go to the top of the queue. I’ve had to do some juggling around, so the dates at the top are not really relevant.

 

It’s been a while since I last updated this blog; you would think I’d have plenty of time to write, since the family history book is now finished and I’m continuing to recuperate from my neck and upper back surgery. I honestly don’t know where the time goes! I’ve taken advantage of my recovering patient status and sleep in most mornings. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday my Visiting Nurse comes in to change the dressing on my incision. But, it’s no ordinary dressing.

Several weeks ago, I developed a problem in part of  the incision. Although it’s not an infection, it left a large, deep hole in the wound. The surgeon decided it would heal better if it were attached to what is known as a “wound vac.”

The correct name is V. A. C. therapy, which means vacuum assisted closure system. It involves attaching a tiny vacuum device, sort of like a suction cup, to the wound. It then pumps out the fluids and works to heal the skin. A tube is connected to a small computer/machine with a canister that I wear like a fanny pack 24/7.  (Visit http://www.activac.com/8.asp). I understand the wound vac is used quite often for patients with all types of wounds,  including our soldiers in Iraq.

The doctor just told me this past Monday that although I’m healing well, I may have to wear the wound vac several more months. It is somewhat cumbersome, and I have to be careful that it doesn’t leak or get blocked; if it does, it sets off an alarm. Sometimes it also emits embarrassing gurgling noises! Consequently, I’m hesitant to step outside the door, and my social life is practically nil!

December 1, 2008 – Turkey Day in Boonville

Thanksgiving Day marked the four-week anniversary of another surgical procedure on my deteriorating vertebrae. The surgery on my neck and upper back took place at Syracuse’s Crouse Hospital, where the neurosurgeon fused some of the errant skeleton together and inserted various other hardware to keep my head attached.

Recuperation hasn’t been the piece of cake I thought it would be, but life is looking better each day. On Thanksgiving Day I parted company with the hard cervical collar I had to wear 24/7 and traded it for a soft collar, which is somewhat more comfortable.

Keith and I celebrated Thanksgiving Day dining at a local restaurant, where we stuffed ourselves at the all-you-could eat buffet. It was the first I had stepped outside the house since my return from the hospital. I nixed the soup and salad bar, and went straight for the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. It was good, but not as good as mom and dad’s homecooked turkey dinner. The best part, though, was there was no clean-up. On the down side, there were also no left-overs to nibble on later.

Since the booksigning, I’m happy to say several people have contacted me with positive comments about my family history book, “The George Druck Family Chronicle.” If you don’t yet have your copy, please contact me at jaroutson@aol.com, and I’ll let you know the ordering details.

October 27, 2008 – Successful Booksigning!

We had a busy weekend in York, Pennsylvania, and made it back home safely.  My brother Ted’s surprise retirement party Saturday night was a lot of fun, and I enjoyed seeing people I hadn’t seen in years. Thanks to his daughters-in-law Amy and Wendy for a great job organizing it. He said he was truly surprised!

I am happy to report that the book-signing on Saturday, October 25, went better than I ever anticipated. It was wonderful to see other people excited about our family history. Sometimes I’ve had the feeling that I must be the only person in the world hooked on genealogy. But then I meet someone else who’s interested in the same roots, and it gets me revved up again.

There were newfound cousins, fellow researchers, and family members stopping by non-stop from 10:30 until 2:30. I couldn’t believe how enthusiastic they all were. It was the most rewarding part of the entire book-writing process. The time flew by, and I didn’t even think about lunch!
Knowing that others appreciated my years of digging for dead relatives and typing for hours on end was mind boggling. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find my camera, so have no photos to post. Hopefully, I’ll soon have some from the other folks who remembered to bring their cameras and who so kindly wanted to take my photo! It was awesome.

Thanks to my mom, who so generously offered visitors her fresh-baked goodies and hot coffee, and thanks also to my Aunt Martha who was there to lend a hand. 

We’ve decided to hold a (first-ever) Druck family reunion this summer. Thanks to Eileen Goodling Druck, wife of Ron Druck, for volunteering to help with this endeavor (and watch for a link coming soon for Ron and Eileen’s new website for their music ministry, “The Drucks”).  We’ll be posting more information on the reunion as soon as it becomes available. 

Eileen and Ron Druck - Druck's Music Ministry

 Thanks to everyone for your patience and support of the George Druck Family Chronicle, and for your enthusiastic response. Keep an eye on this weblog for more interesting tidbits about the family history that I wasn’t aware of until after the book went to press.

October 23, 2008 – The Book Has Arrived!

Finally! My sister picked up the books yesterday from the printer, and since they are being printed in York, Pennsylvania, I had them over-night a copy to me. It looks great, if I must say so myself, but I’m surprised that I don’t feel more excited now that I’ve actually seen the finished product. I guess my most exciting moment was when my daughter-in-law Diane, who did the typesetting for me, told me she had dropped off the final version at the print shop. I knew then there was no turning back.

I’m headed to York for an autograph session on Saturday, October 25. Maybe while I’m there, I’ll try to talk Borders into buying a few copies! Yeah, right - wishful thinking, I know, but it would be nice.

I have plenty of copies for sale. If you or someone you know might be interested in buying a copy of “The George Druck Family Chronicle” please contact me. I’ll be happy to see that you get one – for just $35.00, which includes shipping and handling. As soon as I get a free moment, I’ll scan the cover and post it here for all to see.

Will Winter Ever End?

The white stuff is falling from the heavens again as I write this. Our little woodstove in the corner is blazing away, trying to keep the frigid air from seeping through the cracks. It’s already been a long winter, with snow covering the ground since October. And the weather forecasters tell us it will be another cold week, with temperatures in the single digits and below. My one consolation is that because of my post-operative status, I don’t feel at all guilty about staying indoors and staying warm. Thank goodness I no longer have to make the daily trek to work or to anywhere else for that matter. Some may ask, “But aren’t you bored?”

Not while I have my trusty laptop computer and my shelves full of books yet to be read. And of course, I’m still working on my family history. As it’s been said, “No genealogy is ever complete!” There will always be new-found relatives and memorable stories to add to my collection. And while I know it may sound  like I’m on my way to early senility, I love nothing better than to watch the lively little chickadees at our backyard feeder, while  I enjoy my morning coffee. Their energy amazes me, and their crazy antics can only lift my spirits.

A Fiesty Little Chickadee

Also, I continue to write my weekly column for our local newspaper, the Boonville Herald. That usually takes several hours each week, although I must confess, I am running out of topics to write about. When I started writing it (the second time around) the editor wanted me to write mostly about Boonville. But, as I just confessed, I’m no longer out and about, so it’s hard to know what’s happening in the area. Thus, I’m usually faced with mid-weekly writer’s block, and it’s sometimes a chore to put 500 words together in a column that makes sense.

It’s Been 50 Years!?!

I just received a notice in today’s mail that the Dallastown Area High School Class of 1959 will hold its 50th reunion on August 7-8, 2009. Well, actually, we knew a year ago that it was scheduled for those dates, but this was the official notification, along with an itinerary and the usual request for payment. But, there must be some mistake; it can’t be 50 years ago that we graduated from dear ol’ D-town! No way! It seems like it was just yesterday.

A close-knit group, the Class of 1959 is truly unique. Not only were we the first class to graduate from the new junior-senior high school, we have held reunions on a regular basis since then, and even occasionally hold special gatherings between reunions, such as the Meddie-care party when we all turned 65.

Because the old D-town H.S. building was too crowded, I was bussed to a city school for my early high school years (much to my eternal sorrow).

Old DHS Building in the Borough of Dallastown, Now an Elementary School

But I knew most of the kids in the DHS Class of ‘59, and many of the underclassmen. Some were neighbors; some I had gone to elementary school with; some were friends of friends; others I knew from church or from the Dallastown Boys & Girls Band, of which I was a member for many years.

 When a new high school was completed in the fall of 1958, I was finally able to enter those hallowed halls of wisdom with my friends. To their everlasting credit, they accepted me as one of their own. There was never any doubt that I was a part of the class, and I felt completely at home. In fact, just recently, when discussing an incident that happened during our senior year, one of my dear friends who I had known long before entering D-town remarked, “Oh, Judy, I forgot that you were only there our senior year!”

Our classmates remain close, and in fact, when someone is hospitalized or suffers a death in the family, word goes out to fellow class members across the country. They, in turn, respond with cards and e-mails, and yes, there’s even a prayer chain for the ill or the bereaved.  

Well, I guess I must face  reality. I’ll have to accept the facts. Since we graduated in June of 1959 - and this is 2009 - that means we’ve been separated from our dear old Alma Mater for 50 years. So much has happened since then, but I’ll never be separated from those wonderful senior class memories. 

So, count me in, Reunion Committee. I’ll meet you and the rest of the gang at noon on Friday, August 7, at the Dallas Theater, as we begin our walk down memory lane together.

Before Gray Hair and Wrinkles (1958-1959)

(You can read more about my high school adventures in my family history book, “The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008.” To find out how you can own a copy, write to me at jaroutson@aol.com.)

I’m In the News

My face is in the news! No, I’m not on the FBI’s most wanted list or anything quite that exciting. A fellow reporter, Patricia J. Malin, who sometimes writes for the Boonville Herald, did a story on me for the January issue of “In Good Health.” It’s a freebie newspaper focusing on the Mohawk Valley’s (Utica area) healthcare issues.

Pat wrote about my struggle with lupus for the past 40 years or so, and why lupus is sometimes difficult to diagnose and difficult to live with. What is lupus?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system attacks the body’s own healthy cells and tissues. An estimated 2 million Americans have been diagnosed with lupus, and symptoms vary greatly; some of the most common are extreme fatigue, painful joints and muscles, unexplained fever, and kidney problems. Other frequent symptoms include inflammation of the lining of the heart and lungs, causing pain on breathing and shortness of breath, and pale or purple fingers from cold or stress (Raynaud’s phenomenon).  

There is no known cure, but when diagnosed early, lupus can be effectively treated with drugs, and most people with the disease can lead active lives. There is no one test with which to diagnose lupus, and symptoms can vary greatly from patient to patient. It’s a complex, difficult to diagnose disease, which ranges from mild to life threatening. 

Although great strides have been made in recognizing and treating symptoms in the last 15 years, lupus still suffers from lack of awareness more than any other major disease. For more information visit www.nolupus.org or http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Lupus/default.asp.

Skipping Christmas

Here it is, almost the end of January, and I just realized that I never posted  any comments about the holidays.

We skipped Christmas at home this year, but we did manage a trip to visit family in York and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania, leaving Friday, December 26, and returning Monday, the 29th. It was great to see everyone, but that trip (6 to 6-1/2 hours) seems to get longer each time. It seemed especially long and uncomfortable this time because of wearing my wound vac.

On Saturday, we had lunch at daughter Amy’s new townhouse, her first big family gathering. Unfortunately, there was not a lot of light in her living room, so most of the photos I took didn’t turn out too well. 

On Sunday, we ate at my parents’ home. As usual, the food was delicious.

Things were a little less hectic this year, as Keith’s mother passed away in October, and his brother and sister-in-law, Randy and Pat, and their kids, Zach and Emily, celebrated Christmas somewhere in the Bahamas (visit www.hbsailing.com and click on sail blog to see photos).

We spent a quiet New Year’s Eve at home, as we have for the past I-can’t remember-how-many-years, watching movies until the stroke of midnight. Then it was off to visit the sandman.

Brigitta (Photo by Premiere Imaging)

 Among  the Christmas gifts we received were these lovely photos (at right and below) of granddaughter Brigitta, who will graduate from Gettysburg High School in June. She hasn’t decided on a college yet, but she’s leaning toward creative writing as a major. And she’s very good at it, too. A chip off the old block!

Brigitta in Another Pose (Photo by Premiere Imaging, Trevose, Pa.)

 

The Day the Music Died

It came to my attention the other day that Tuesday’s date was February 3. So what’s the big deal? The big deal is, it was the 50th anniversary of the deaths of Buddy Holly, The Big Bopper, and Ritchie Valens. They perished on February 3, 1959, when their plane crashed in an Iowa cornfield. Some among you may not know, or even care, who these one-time popular performers were, but those of us who were teenagers in the late fifties remember them well, especially Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Buddy Holly.

 Although he played rock and roll for only two short years, the wealth of material Buddy Holly recorded in that time made a major and lasting impact on popular music. How could we forget those horn-rimmed glasses and that trademark vocal hiccup? And those wonderful oldies, but goodies: “Peggy Sue,” “That’ll Be the Day,” “Oh, Boy!,” and “Maybe Baby” (one of my all-time favorites).

Holly was an innovator who wrote his own material and pioneered and popularized the now-standard rock-band lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums. If I said I loved his music, I guess I’d be giving away my age – but who cares, when you’re my age?

Born Charles Hardin Holley (later changed to Holly) on September 7, 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, Buddy learned to play guitar, piano, and fiddle at an early age. After high school, he formed a country-oriented act, performing regularly on a local radio station. He also opened for acts that came through town. He was noticed by a talent scout and signed to Decca Records in early 1956. After opening a show for Elvis Presley, he converted from country-western to rock ’n’ roll.

In October 1958, Holly reluctantly agreed to perform on the Winter Dance Party, an ill-advised bus tour of the frigid Midwest in the winter of 1959. After performing in Clear Lake, Iowa, he chartered a private plane to the next tour stop, Moorhead, Minnesota. The plane crashed a few minutes after takeoff, killing all on board, including fellow performers Ritchie Valens and  J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson, as well as the young pilot. Buddy Holly was 22 years old at the time of the crash – an event immortalized in Don McLean’s “American Pie” as “the day the music died.”

Want to know more? Go to http://data.desmoinesregister.com/holly/index.php

“A Date Which Will Live in Infamy. . .”

Well, not really… That sentence, by the way, is incorrect English, as I’m sure many of you are aware. The President should have said, “A date that will live in infamy…” But when FDR uttered those prophetic words back in 1941, announcing the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, I’m sure his anxious audience gave no thought to grammar gremlins.

While America’s day of infamy was December 7, 1941, the date of February 7, 1981, is one that holds more pleasant memories for me. It’s the day I met  the love of my life. My husband and I both have vivid recollections of exactly how, when, and where we first laid eyes on each other. Not too many couples can claim to have met at a nuclear power plant, particularly Three Mile Island, but we celebrated the 28th anniversary of that momentous event Saturday evening by dining at one of our favorite restaurants.

It was a Saturday afternoon when Keith Routson and I met for the first time. We were members of a singles group touring Three Mile Island Nuclear Power Plant, north of York,  Pa., near Middletown. Two years earlier the site had dominated the news when the country’s worst nuclear accident occurred there. 

A combination of personnel error, design deficiencies, and component failures caused a partial meltdown of TMI’s Unit 2 reactor core. Fortunately no deaths or injuries occurred, but many residents evacuated the surrounding areas. The damaged TMI-2 reactor is now completely defueled and permanently shut down. But in 1981, the plant’s owners offered public tours to explain what had happened and to prove the utility was safe. A friend and co-worker, who also attended the singles group events, convinced me to accompany her on the tour. I was glad I did.

Keith and I, both in hardhats, started a conversation as we scrutinized the utility’s control panels. We soon learned that we worked for competing companies that manufactured similar equipment. For me, it was love at first sight, but it took Keith a while to realize what a great partner I’d make!   ;-)

Keith Routson

Two years later we were married. Although we celebrate March 20 as our wedding anniversary, throughout the years we’ve observed the date of February 7, 1981, as another important anniversary – the day our lives were forever changed.

“KISS” Mode

Not much new to report. The days are getting longer, but it will be many weeks  before  spring arrives here in the frozen north! In fact, more snow is forecast for the weekend. Ugh!

I’m still wearing my wound vac; still seeing my nurse three days a week; and still stuffing myself with protein to hopefully help the wound heal faster.

Although attachment  to my wound vac has made it a bit cumbersome, I’ve slowly been trying to eliminate some clutter around here. My mantra has become, “If it doesn’t serve any useful purpose, get rid of it!” In other words, Keep It Simple, Stupid!

 I’ve had a difficult time lately trying to keep the dust bunnies from multiplying and have  watched in awe as the growing cobweb dynasty  overtakes the nooks and crannies of my home. The thought suddenly occurred to me the other day: It won’t get any easier as I get older.

Since my mobility has become somewhat limited due to arthritis and several spinal surgeries, and my height has shrunk from 5 feet two-and-a-half inches to 4 feet 10 in the past several years, I’m constantly  stretching to reach anything that’s  higher than four feet from the floor. And there’s  a lot up there – photos of four grandkids through the years (the two oldest are now high school seniors);  photos of other family members, some long gone; pewter mugs and other assorted souvenir cups; bronzed baby shoes;  jars of colorful seashells collected from beaches north, south, east and west, on which we’ve walked barefoot;  various other memorabilia from our many travels across the country; even turkey feathers. Yep, wild turkey feathers found in our front yard. Talk about a dust collector! What was I thinking?

Two of several jars of shells collected from beaches along the U. S. coastline, from Maine to Oregon.

 Even the knickknacks, figurines, souvenirs,  and antiques  at arm’s length will be going – including a collection of  musty old books. Anyone interested?

I’ll try the E-bay auction first, but if I’m not lucky there, things will get packed off to  the local thrift shop or to our kids – who might want to keep the bronze baby shoes for their kids! Just thinking of all the time I’ll save by not having to vanquish the dust and cobwebs on, in, and around those things already has me smiling. 

I’ll keep a recent family photo or two nearby and perhaps  my favorite carved loon on the windowsill. Although the seashells, in particular, always bring back memories of those golden days walking the beach, there comes a time to part company. My beloved African violets will still soak up the sun at my living room windows. And I’ll leave the pictures on the walls. But most of the other “stuff” – well, let’s just say my interior decorating will leave a lot to the imagination.

A Long Winter…

It’s been snowing off and on since Wednesday (tell me again why we live here)!

Just a couple of photos taken in January, in case you don’t know what snow looks like.

Hungry Deer in our Driveway

 

The scene from our living room window.

Fastnacht Day (Fat/ShroveTuesday)

How could I forget Fastnacht Day? Just like the York County Pennsylvania Dutch tradition of eating pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s Day for good luck in the coming year, Fastnacht (pronounced fost-knock) Day, otherwise known as Shrove Tuesday or Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent, is another traditional observance.

When I was growing up, my grandpa “Pap” Druck, who lived within walking distance of our York Township farm, made the delicious yeast-raised doughnuts often, not only on Fastnacht Day, and he usually made them early on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Our entire family enjoyed the the deep-fried pastry. Served warm, sprinkled with powdered sugar, the fastnachts were  a delicious treat, although not what a health-conscious person should eat in any quantity!

In later years, after my grandpa had passed away (he died in 1965),  I often wondered why Pap started making the doughnuts and where he got the recipe. Did he concoct it himself? Did he find it in a magazine or a cookbook?

Considering that several York County organizations still make and sell thousands of this type of confectionery treat as a fundraiser on Fastnacht Day (check out the York Daily Record article shown below), my grandpa’s recipe was probably a common one in the area, and may have been passed down through the generations.

Wherever the recipe came from, his not-so-secret ingredient was “smashed” potatoes, without which fastnachts would not have their unique flavor. Another trick for successful fastnachts was to let the dough sit on top of his furnace (heater) in the kitchen overnight to rise.

Pap’s simple recipe remains in the possession of several family members, and in fact, my brother, Ted Druck, has whipped up a batch of  fastnachts on several occasions in recent years, including this past weekend. Unfortunately, being 350 or so miles away, I didn’t get to taste these golden goodies, although I heard they were delicious. The recipe is also included in my family history book, The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008. 

See http://ydr.inyork.com/ci_11766653), for more on this Pennsylvania Dutch and York County tradition. Also see http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art8521.asp

My grandpa, George B. Druck, is on the left, in the back row. Others, front, left to right, George "Georgie" Druck and George T. "Ted" Druck; back center, Benjamin F. Druck, and Benjamin E. Druck, holding Benn A. Druck

I’m on the Book Buzz Blog!

News of my family history book, The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008, has finally made it to the York Daily Record’s Book Buzz blog. Editor Gloria Jean Fogal posted the announcement yesterday, Wednesday, February 25 – right in there with news about several famous and other not-so-famous authors. How exciting! Thank you, Gloria Jean.

To see the post, go to http://www.yorkblog.com/books/

Anyone who would like more information about the book can click on the link above, “The Book . . .”, or contact me at jaroutson@aol.com.

From the Blog to the Sunday News

News of my family history book, The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008, has finally hit the pages of the York Sunday News. Daughter Kristina called early this morning to let me know. Wow!

Since I live out of the area, I haven’t seen the article yet, but  I hope it stirs up some interest in the book, or at least puts me in contact with relatives I’ve not yet met. I’ve already had one inquiry  from someone who wanted more information, and hopefully I’ll soon have more.

In my previous post, I commented that I had made it to the Book Buzz blog on the York Daily Record’s website. If you go to the site listed, you’ll now have to click on “archives,” to find me, since so much new information has been added. It really is an informative blog, if you’re interested in books and authors, writers, etc.

Please don’t hesitate to leave a comment or send me an e-mail at jaroutson@aol.com  if you have any questions about the Druck family history.

Surprise, surprise!

The announcement in the March 8 York Sunday News about my family history book, The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008, has resulted in several surprises! 

Thanks to Gloria Miller, who lives in the Druck Valley Area, I now have information about the Kunkel burial grounds (my ancestor, Gottlieb Druck, the third generation in America, married Maria Elizabeth Kunkel).

I also connected with “Buzz” Shindler, who lives on two of the original Druck farms, off Druck Valley Road. How interesting! Among other things, I learned that an old Druck burial ground was somewhere in the vicinity, but many years ago the tombstones were removed when a neighboring farmer plowed over the graves.

Another development is that my book will be available at the York Heritage Trust museum book store, thanks to the suggestion of Lila Fourhman-Shaull, Library & Archives Director, and  to Museum Shop Buyer, Carl Preate. I will be presenting a copy to the library on Saturday, March 21, and also delivering several books for the shop at that time.  When I know what time I’ll be at York Heritage Trust, 250 East Market Street, York, I’ll post the time here.

Still another surprising result from the Sunday News article is that I heard from an old-time friend from long ago, with whom I had lost contact. As youngsters, we both played clarinet in a youth band, and we often played duets and quartets together. It has been great reminiscing and catching up on her life.

Just a reminder – if you’re interested in The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008, please click on the tab above, “The Book…” for ordering information, or e-mail me at jaroutson@aol.com for more details.

Meet Me at the Library

While it’s not a formal appearance, I’ll be presenting a copy of The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008 to the York Heritage Trust library this Saturday, March 21. I plan to be there about 12:30 p.m.  I’ll also be bringing three copies of my family history book for the museum gift shop to re-sell.

I’ll bring extra copies of the book, if anyone would like to meet me there for an autographed copy.

I’m excited that I’ll get to meet one of my customers, who is also a genealogist and a dedicated family history volunteer. And I’d be delighted if several folks who’ve contacted me by phone or e-mail would  also show up. And anyone else who is interested! I’d love to meet you.

For more information about my visit or my family history book, The George Druck Family Chronicle, please contact me at jaroutson@aol.com.

Updates Coming Soon

It was an incredibly wonderful and exciting weekend in York County, Pa. There is much to write about, but it will take some time. Since I’m still unpacking from our trip, I’ll be back to update this blog as soon as possible. Please visit again soon! Thanks.

“I Got You, Babe…”

Just the first of several updates…last Friday, March 20, was not only the first day of spring, it was my husband Keith’s 62nd birthday, as well as our 26th wedding anniversary. Yes, I planned it that way, so he wouldn’t forget our anniversary.

We were married in a simple ceremony at the historic  Canadochly Lutheran Church in Delroy on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. Well, actually it was Lower Windsor Township, York County, but the wedding certificate says Delroy. We had met two years earlier at an unlikely location (see the post below titled, “A Date Which Will Live in Infamy”).

We celebrated both occasions Friday evening at the Dover home of son Brian (who is recuperating from back surgery) and daughter-in-law Diane. Daughter Number 2, Kathi, flew up from Orlando especially for the get-together, and she and Daughter Number 1, Kris, spent all afternoon preparing lots of goodies. Daughter Amy and friend showed up, too, and three of four grandchildren were present.  Ryan, our grandson in the Sunshine State, was heavy into a basketball tournament, so couldn’t make it. We missed him and his dad, Chris, but all in all it was a wonderful family gathering.

Saturday, March 21, was also packed with excitement. But – that’s another story. Stay tuned for more news and photos coming soon.

Here’s a photo I put in our local newspaper to say Happy Anniversary to Keith. Sorry it’s not in color, but I’d have to do some digging to come up with the original.

Our Wedding Day, March 20, 1983

The Book is Now at YCHT Library and Gift Shop

 

On Saturday morning, March 21, I met Lila Fourhman-Shaull, Library and Archives Director, York County Heritage Trust, 250 E. Market St., York, Pa., and donated a copy of my family history, The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008, to her for the county archives.  Just think – all of us who are included in the book are now immortal! The book will remain there forever – or until the book wears out, whichever comes first – and it’s available to anyone who wants to research the Druck family at the library (www.yorkheritage.org).

Here’s a photo of Lila – a wonderful woman, who was very helpful and generous with her time  – accepting the book from yours truly for the YCHT Library shelf. Lila’s on the left, of course.

Lila Fourhman-Shaull, YCHT Library & Archives Director, left, with a copy of the Druck family history.

 I also left several copies of the book for the gift shop to resell.  Interested parties who don’t yet own a copy might want to stop in. Help support York County’s history! Of course, you can still order one from me. Just check out the tab above, “The Book…” for ordering information.

Please stop back again soon for more news about our weekend in York.

Belated News – York Weekend Visit

This post is a few weeks late, as it was overshadowed by the excitement of my Druck family history book being accepted at the York County Heritage Trust’s (YCHT) library.

Prior to and following that historic moment, however, Keith and I, surrounded by kids and grandkids, celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary (see post below, “I Got You Babe”) and Keith’s 62nd birthday.

Besides meeting YCHT Library and Archives Director Lila Fourhman-Shaull during our Saturday morning adventure at the YCHT library, I was delighted to share some time with several other new genealogist  friends. 

Granddaughters Brigitta (left) and Morgan hamming for the camera during a family celebration of our anniversary and Grandpa Keith’s birthday.

Gloria Miller, who lives on Druck Valley Road and who does volunteer work entering cemetery information on the website www.findagrave.com, met us at the library door. She had contacted me after news of The George Druck Family Chronicle, 1741-2008appeared in the York Sunday News on March 8. Seems Gloria has anscestors who were connected to the Druck family.

I also met Mardella Fries Brenneman, a YCHT library volunteer and the editor of the South Central Pennsylvania Genealogical Society (SCPGS) newsletter, Our Name’s the Game. She too, has some connection to the Drucks through her husband’s side of the family. Mardella purchased a copy of The George Druck Family Chronicle, and after reading it, wrote some very kind words about the book.  I also met Linda Feeser, who just recently became a  library volunteer. It was great to sit and chat with fellow genealogists. 

Gloria Miller (right) with Judy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following an afternoon shopping spree, daughters Kris, Kathi, and Amy, and granddaughter Brigitta met us at the Corner Stable Restaurant outside of Spry, in York Township, where they treated us to a late lunch/early dinner.  We had a great time, before heading back to Kris’s house in Gettysburg, where we spent the night.

Keith with daughter Amy at the Corner Stable Restaurant.

Kathi, Kris, and Brigitta at dinner, Saturday, March 21.

 

 

 

 

 

Judy and Keith - 26 years and still going strong!

GEORGE DRUCK FAMILY REUNION!

HEAR YE, HEAR YE!

COME ONE AND ALL!

The First Annual

DRUCK FAMILY REUNION

will be held

Sunday, July 19, 2009,

from 12 Noon to 6 p.m.

At Shenberger’s Chapel Picnic Grove

New Bridgeville, Pa.

 

This is a first attempt to bring together all descendants of the immigrant Johan George Druck,

Who arrived in America in 1741,

So Mark Your Calendar and Don’t Forget the Date!

 Bring a casserole or other dish to share, your own beverages and place settings, and lawn chairs.

 COME MEET DISTANT COUSINS AND SHARE THE FUN!

DRUCK DESCENDANTS FAR AND NEAR ARE WELCOME -

SO TELL EVERYONE IN YOUR FAMILY!

Entertainment by our own musical celebrities,

Druck’s Music Ministry – Ron and Eileen Druck

This is our first attempt to gather far-flung family,

And it would be great to have a large attendance –

SO PLEASE TRY TO MAKE IT AND BRING YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY!

 THERE WILL BE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

 WE’LL “PASS THE HAT” TO COVER EXPENSES.

MORE DETAILS COMING SOON!

Questions? Call Eileen at 717-927-6826

or Judy at 315-942-4173

 

I am a little late posting this announcement, but for anyone who may have just discovered this blog, here’s the news: There will be a first-ever George Druck family reunion on Sunday, July 19, from noon until 6 p.m. at Shenberger’s Chapel Picnic Grove, New Bridgeville, Pa., and as stated above all descendants of the immigrant George Druck are invited!