Grim Family Reunion in 1897
This picture was taken at the reunion reported in Allentown Daily Call. The photo is not captioned. Clearly Peter and Elizabeth Grim are at the center. Please leave comments if you can identify others in the photo. Peter and Elizabeth were my great, great grandparents.
"Allentown Chronicle and News, Friday, September 10, 1897
THE GRIM FAMILY REUNION.
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A Large Gathering of This Representative Family at Hancock Station Yesterday -- Officers Elected
The first reunion of the Grim family, held yesterday at Hancock,
was a big success. The weather was perfect and over 600 persons were
present and fraternized in the most joyous manner, and many a one
succeeded in tracing up a relative or renewing old-time friendships.
The forenoon was most happily spent and when the noon hour arrived
huge baskets were unpacked and soon every table in the park was laden
with choice delicacies and everybody’s hunger was appeased.
The afternoon teams brought large additions to the crowd already
there and many others who were not in the “freundschaft” also made it a
point to be there and participate in the enjoyment of the occasion, and
when the hour for departure was at hand everybody declared that it had
been good to be there, and that they would be present at the next
reunion.
The reception committee consisted of Dr. E. M. Herbst, W.T. Breinig
and Jacob P. Grim. The collection committee was composed of Katie S.
Grim and Stanley Grim. The refreshment stand was in charge of R.A.
Fenstermacher, of Topton and Ben. Christman, of Macungie.
Dr. E.M. Herbst was charman of the afternnon meeting. Rev. Edgar
Grim Miller delivered an address in English and the Rev. A.J. Herman in
German.
The following officers were elected for the ensuing year:
President, William Grim, of Boyertown; Vice President, Geroge Grim, of
Reading; Secretary, Emma Grim, of Kutztown; Treasurer, William Breinig,
of Breinigsville. Rev. Edgar G. Miller, of Easton, was elected
historian.
Music was furnished by the Alburtis Band. Persons were present from
this city, Reading, New York, Pihiladelphia, Huston, Texas: Easton,
Bethlehem, Catasauqua, Kutztown and neighboring towns. W.K. Grim and
wife, of Boyertown, were the oldest couple on the grounds, both being
72 years old. Peter K. Grim, together with four generations of his
descendents, were also present. Among those present from this city were:
Peter K. Grim, W.J. Frederick and family, John S. Hartzell and
family, Jaob W. Grim and daugther Annie, Albert Grim and wife, Charles
Apple and wife, Miss Kate S. Grim, J. Peter Grim and wife, Walter Grim
and wife, Chief Charles D. Grim, Harry Hunsicker and wife, A. D.
Dresher, wife and daughter, Fred Kuhl, Mrs. Henrietta Parton, A. S.
Grim and wife, Henry J. Grim, Miss Lizzie Grim, Dr. C.J. Otto,wife and
daughter, Bessie, Mr. and Mrs. L.O. Shankweiler and children, Claude
and Edwin, and Geroge Daeufer,of this city; David Grim and family,
Oliver Otto and wife, Daniel Otto and wife, Harry E. Grim, wife and
daughter, Jerry Focht and wife, of Cetronia.
The ancestors of the present Grim family were among the earliest
settlers in Eastern Pensylvania. The first came over about 1730. His
name was Egidius Grim, and he landed with other German immigrants in
Philadelphia and was followed by others. Egidius or Gideon settled near
the old historic Ziegel Church, where he acquired over 750 acres of
land, and where a village bears his name. He came from Wurtemberg. His
house, strongly built, was a rallying point for his neighbors whenever
the Indians became troublesome."
