2000 Reunion Wrap-up
The 24th biennial Hoelscher-Buxkemper Family Reunion was held June 10 and 11 at the Villita Assembly Hall, San Antonio, Texas. Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Elizabeth and Theodore Buxkemper and their three eldest children from Germany.
After registration, family members spent the afternoon visiting and reminiscing while the Board of Directors and the Book Committee held their respective meetings to chart the future course for family events.
Music and various drinks and snacks were enjoyed throughout Saturday afternoon in the decorated hall. The display room was open for visiting with photos, albums, and other memorabilia on display. Souvenirs of the year 2000 reunion were also available.
The Texas Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy and Sons of Confederate Veterans were there to explain the process of applying for membership which Hoelscher-Buxkemper descendants are eligible to do. Charles Dodds, Web Master, had the Web page, www.hostville.com/hoelscher, up and running for those interested in viewing it.
A barbecue dinner and a dance in the evening concluded the first day’s events. Heavy rains in the San Antonio area didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the 960 attendees, although it probably altered dinner plans for many.
Sunday events started with a Mass at 9:30 am followed by a Goldbeck Company panoramic photograph taken of all reunion attendees. A turkey and dressing lunch was then served.
Meeting Highlights
At 2:00 PM, Dottie Frerich, President, called the family meeting to order. The meeting was opened with a prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Reunion 2000 Committee
President Frerich thanked the Reunion 2000 Chairman, Theresa Gold and her committee for hosting an outstanding reunion.
Book Committee
Board member, Curtis Lutringer, reported that Shannette Hoelscher of Corpus Christi had accepted the position of Project Manager for the new book. The book committee, which met Saturday afternoon, agreed that an aggressive schedule would be established and followed so that a rough draft of the new book would be available for review at the reunion to be held in San Angelo in 2002.
Awards Presentation
Oldest Man Daniel Hoelscher, age 92, Temple, TX
Oldest Woman May Mechler, age 92, San Antonio, TX
Youngest Boy Joseph Hanson, 12 days, Son of Guy & Kay Hanson,
San Antonio
Youngest Girl Avery Wessels, 6 weeks, Daughter of George & Nancy Wessels, Pflugerville, TX
Longest Married Couple Willie & Mildred Hartman, 60 years, San Antonio, TX
Newly-Wed Couple Russell & Anita Hoelscher, 13 mths, Caldwell, TX
Largest Family Attending Seven Adult children of the late Emma Hoelscher & Frank Karnowski
Greatest Distance Traveled James & Agnes Heidland & Son, Douglas, from Washington State
Attendance Report
Total attendance was 960 consisting of 736 adults and 224 under age 16.
By Family
Joe 307 adults, 97 under age 16
Elizabeth 206 adults, 67 under age 16
Anton 90 adults, 28 under age 16
Ben 80 adults, 26 under age 16
William 53 adults, 6 under age 16
Nathelene Hoelscher was recognized for attending all 24 of the Hoelscher-Buxkemper family reunions held thus far.
San Angelo offered to host the 2002 family reunion.
The meeting adjourned at 3:02 PM.