We started our weekend with an 11 am brunch with my siblings – all five of us – which doesn’t happen very often. The food was delicious, and the conversation the best. (Some in my family don’t like their photo being taken, so I don’t take my camera when we are together.) 🙂
My brother Clair came with the original document of when our Hershey Homestead was purchased from David Sahm in 1875. Clair’s idea was to give the document to our niece and her husband who now own the farm, along with their son and his wife. We each agreed that they should have it and signed a card stating that it was our desire that they have the deed. It was so much fun to see that document and know that it was still in our family. Now owned by someone in the 6th and 7th Hershey generation.
Before the Hershey’s owned it, 1,000 acres of our valley was granted to a Michael Bachman. 345 acres were eventually sold to an Ulrich Zug in 1742. In 1875 an heir to Ulrich Zug sold his share to a David Sahm. Later (1885) our 136 acres was sold to my Great-Great Grandpa John Hershey. That was 150 years ago on April 1.
~~~
After the brunch we went to a 40th and a half birthday party for our niece Crystal.
It was planned by their daughters with the help of her husband Jakey.
There was more food – which I didn’t think I needed but chose wisely – especially items that I hadn’t had just a few hours earlier.
Crystal (the birthday girl) and a friend.
It was a warm afternoon which was nice for the children who like to swim in their pool.
Family and friends enjoying food and conversation.
I love the seashell border around the one edge of their patio.
The birthday cakes. One was vanilla and chocolate, the other was vanilla and strawberry.
Elvin (Cerwin’s brother) and his daughter Crystal watching Bailey (Crystal’s daughter) light the candles. Cerwin’s sister Velda and her husband Mel are in the background.
I like this side view of Elvin and Crystal.
Crystal and Velda.
Later in the afternoon we left the party to get home to make final preparations for our daughter, Diane, her husband, Mark, and their oldest daughter Elizabeth to arrive from Maine. They were here for the Monday funeral of Mark’s mother.