Thirty-two members of the Gerking Family gathered at the beautiful Port of Cascade Locks Marine Park on the banks of the Columbia River for the 38th annual Gerking Reunion. This nearly doubled last year’s attendance. There was no reunion host this year, nor was there a President of the Association; however, there were many welcome new faces, and we were especially happy to see so many children present. The following signed the guest register:
 
 

    The Bixby family led the group in singing grace prior to the traditional potluck meal. As usual, there was much good food. The Bixby family furnished soft drinks for all, and Beth Johnston furnished coffee.

    As there currently is no President of the group, Secretary-Treasurer Beth Perry Johnston led the business meeting. Special thanks were given to Susan Dreske McBurnett for her help with registering people and seeing that everyone had a nametag, and to family historian Florence Bowe for her willingness to share and answer questions during the reunion.

    The Treasurer’s report showed income for the year from August 1, 1996 through July 31, 1997 was $283.39. Expenditures for the same period were $190.00.

    Beth brought greetings to the group from former President Martha Wells, who is now living in Newport, OR. Martha said that her health probably would keep her from this year’s reunion but had asked that an invitation be extended to all Gerkings to drop by for a visit when in Newport.

    Several requests have been received for Florence Bowe’s 1990 edition of The Gerking Family in America. The book sold out almost immediately after it was printed, and the group discussed whether or not to reprint it. After discussion, it was agreed to bring this question to the entire family and ask for anyone interested to get in touch with Florence or Beth. If there is sufficient interest to keep the cost down, they will notify those interested of the cost and ask if they are still interested. If there is still interest, advance payment will be required in order to be certain there is enough money for the printing.

    Florence recently completed an index to the book and is willing to make it available to those who are interested. She had already sent a copy of the index to Beth, who "testified" to the usefulness of the index in looking up family members. It was agreed to make the index alone (if the book is reprinted it will be a part of the book) available for $4.00, whch will cover copying and postage costs. Again, advance payment will be required, and those interested in purchasing an index should contact Florence or Beth.

    Next year’s reunion was discussed. Florence suggested that the reunion group be responsible for providing the main course (meat) for the reunion as was done in the past, and that those attending bring only side dishes. She also suggested finding out if a grill could be made available or rented so the meat could be cooked on site. Consensus of the group was that this would require a reunion host to take charge of obtaining the meat and getting it grilled. There were no volunteers for this task, so next year’s reunion will again be a no-host, bring-your-own-meal event.

    Beth will make reservations with the Port of Cascade Locks for use of this same park next year and also will check on being closer to water and garbage facilities. Next year’s reunion date is Sunday, August 9.

    For the first time in many years, Wally Young of Hawaii had competition for the "distance award," and recognition was made of Frank and Mia Gerking of Barrow, AK, who had traveled the farthest to attend the reunion. Also recognized as the youngest person attending the reunion was 13-month-old Gabrielle Bixler of Portland. Coming in a close second in both categories was 14-month-old Isaac Johnston, who had traveled with his parents and brother from New Haven, CT, to attend.

    Pictures of the Old Kees, now Blue Mountain, Cemetery (where many Gerkings are buried) which Beth took during an Eastern Oregon trip last August were passed around. The family has contributed to the upkeep of this cemetery, which has been badly vandalized, and the pictures showed how brush has been cleared and a chain link fence constructed.

    Beth said she is willing to continue as the group’s Secretary-Treasurer but asked that thought be given to finding a "real" President. There were no immediate volunteers.

    Beth also has posted the minutes of last year’s meeting in a Gerking section of her personal web home page and will post these minutes when ready. Several new Gerking contacts have been made through the internet, and all have been added to the mailing list.

    The reunion collection amounted to $162.00, with generous contributions from Frank and Mia Gerking and Dick and Frances Bowers.

Respectfully submitted,
Beth Perry Johnston, Secretary

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