Group holds the tradition of
yearly gatherings dear to their heart

BY DON CUNNINGHAM
TRIBUTE CORRESPONDENT

Late summer picnics and family reunions were once synonyms in the Midwest. 

Every family had a brown picnic basket, with interwoven webbing for its composition. Multi-colored plates and cups were stacked around the fried chicken. A warm pie could be carried in the lowest basket section, protected by a portable shelf.

"We don't have many of those around in our family now" Jan Nelson of Winslow said, looking at the collection of food containers on the table. "Seems like everyone has portable coolers with ice holders to lower temperatures for food safety. Or like some here today, they just arrive and order some pizzas delivered."

The site was Memorial Park in Fremont, the event was the annual reunion of the Martin Cornelius family. Several limbs of the family tree had traveled a considerable distance to be at this reunion.

In times before, it would, have been termed a "picnic."

"It's so much more difficult these days," said Jane Bednarz Kain, a great-grand- daughter and grandmother at the same moment in time. "Like many families, we are shrinking in numbers. Many of the oldest generation are wanting to have an air-conditioned site next year."

Traditionally, picnics were orchestrated in August, when the early wheat harvest was finished, and the corn harvest not yet begun. Always hot, picnicking usually included a dip in the community swimming pool for the kids. Dads played a game of ‘shoes’. Lemonade was served all around.

"We had some issues finding water today," Jane continued "and the bath rooms were less than acceptable. So we started early and cleaned the site up a bit."

The weather on this particular Sunday was a perfect high 70s.

"We got a break today. And there is a wonderful breeze that moves through this open air eating area. As host family, we're providing and roasting the hot dogs," she said, "So we're grateful for the grill."

Little McKenna Kain asked her Grandma Jane to help with the "bubbles." Games are always part of the picnic day. And reunions allow uncles and aunts to reconnect with the next generation. It wasn't long and McKenna had roped an uncle into a game of “big bubble making."

"We met last year in Hooper as our family lost an aunt who had lived near there," she said. "So this year, as the Dorothy Cornelius family is the host family, we came here." Jane identified those family members as the ones wearing blue T-shirts. Those wearing green T-shirts hosted the reunion last year and wore their shirts again. Several family members remain committed to holding this reunion every year.

A card written by Elmer Cornelius lay at the foot of the pictorial family history tree that was hanging from a metal support beam. "Keep the net mended, ties as strong as time and distance allow, and never forget the strengths that seem to concentrate in those who have passed. Family lore, love and our strengths are a legacy of value to carry true, and pass on to the next generation. Share with our children, nieces, nephews and with each other so this precious gift is not lost."

A multitude of Internet sites advertise a "ready-made" picnic experience. The process is outlined, catered food identified, guaranteed fun games provided and perfect conditions promised. Even the invitations can be sent out for you. That synthetic definition of "picnic" and "family reunion" means nothing to the family of Martin Cornelius.

Picnics allow time for relatives to "catch-up" with family members living great distances from each other. Families from several states attended the Martin Cornelius Family Reunion. At bottom, these members of the Wayne Cornelius family hosted the reunion last year in Hooper. They again wore their green shirts to this summer's event. 

PHOTOS BY DON CUMNINGHAM/FREMONT TRIBUNE