The 45th Schumm Reunion is now a fond memory and one for the history books. This year’s reunion marked 100 years of Schumm reunions and drew the largest gathering of John George Schumm descendants in recent history. Over 220 family members were in attendance at Sunday’s reunion.
2024 Schumm Reunion
There was a good turnout for Saturday’s ice cream social at noon, followed by a presentation by Nathan Bienz about the first area Lutheran ministers, a tour of the Wyneken House west of Decatur, and a Tincaps ball game in the evening. The ball game was attended by those with the most stamina and the ability to withstand the heat and humidity into the evening. It was hot. Joe and I did all the above activities on Saturday except for the ball game.
2024 Schumm Reunion
Wyneken House
Welcome sign at Wyneken House
Sunday’s events began with a Bible class presented by Dr. Cameron MacKenzie of Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, followed by the church service with sermon by Dr. MacKenzie. Right after the service Dr. MacKenzie gave an historical talk about the early area Lutheran ministers. I was disappointed that I was not able to attend his talks. Maybe someone has a copy of his handout.
A delicious pot-luck meal followed around noon and the business meeting, special recognitions, announcements, and some singing followed.
2024 Schumm Reunion
I took the Sunday off playing the organ at Zion Chatt so we could get to Zion Schumm by 11:00 to man the book table. We enjoyed sitting at the book table, where we got to meet and talk with many family members. People came from as far away as Florida, Texas, and even Germany, although the folks from Germany were here for the Weck reunion and came to ours, too. I wish I had more time to talk with Gottfried Weck from Germany.
Again, it was a very hot and humid day, with a slight breeze from time to time. The sky clouded over at one point when a pair of storms went north and south of Schumm. We were spared from any storms, although we could use the rain.
2024 Schumm Reunion
It was enjoyable meeting family who don’t attend very often and seeing the regulars once again.
I enjoyed meeting my second cousin from Florida, Louis Allmandinger’s son. Louis Allmandinger was the WWII paratrooper I wrote about a few weeks ago.
I also enjoyed talking with the Schinnerers from Decatur. There are not many Schinnerers in this area anymore.
To Mr. Schueler from Texas, concerning Michael Schueler’s second wife, Catharine Lakehart/Lakehard, who you asked me about, I have a theory that Catharine Lakehart was from Mercer County. A Lakehart family lived in Section 33 of Dublin Township in 1853. Catharine’s father may have been John Lakehart and she may have had a brother Casimir Lakehart (1818-1879). Both John and Casimir Lakehart were enumerated in the 1843 Mercer County Quadrennial Enumeration in Dublin Township. It appears the family came from Germany. This is just a theory at this point, but you may want to look into this family. I am hoping you read this because I do not know how to contact you.
The usual reunion photo was taken at the conclusion of the day’s events.
2024 Schumm Reunion group photo
Thanks to the many, many volunteers who made this 45th reunion a success and to the Schumm Reunion Committee for their meticulous planning-Al, Larry, Sherry, Maurice, Sharon, Chad, Andrea, Tim, and Mike; to Debbie for setting up the Wyneken display, and to everyone who helped in any way, from helping with registration to setting up and taking down tables, chairs, and tents. And for preparing the food. The Schumm family is very fortunate to have so many people willing to pitch in and help wherever help is needed and to provide many things.
Here are a few more photos from Sunday’s Schumm reunion.
2024 Schumm Reunion
2024 Schumm Reunion
The photographer stood on this ladder to take the reunion photo.
2024 Schumm Reunion
Below are some photos from Saturday’s visit to the Wyneken House. Rev. Friedrich Conrad Dietrich Wyneken was a circuit riding minister in the Indiana/Ohio area 1839-41. He was instrumental in seeing that ministers were provided to the Indiana/Ohio wilderness and in the establishment of the LCMS. He lived in Adams County, Indiana, 1859-63, and his home was moved to its current location a few years ago. It has been restored and converted into a historical repository of local German Lutheran heritage. The home’s restoration and the displays are very well done and are very informative.
Wyneken House, 2024
Pastor’s study, Wyneken House, 2024
Bedroom, Wyneken House, 2024
Kitchen, Wyneken House, 2024
Wyneken House being moved to its current location
Another great family reunion weekend.
I almost forgot to mention the new Schumm genealogy/history book. We delivered a copy to my Aunt Amy yesterday.
Aunt Amy with her 2024 Schumm genealogy book
It is a rather substantial book, with a 50mm coil binder. What can I say. We have a very large family. Here are photos of the front and back covers:
2024 Schumm genealogy/history, front cover
2024 Schumm book back cover
2 comments
Thanks for sharing your photos and memories of this terrific reunion! Congrats on the 100 year anniversary of gathering together to meet each other and exchange stories about your ancestors and their lives.
Author
It was a great weekend indeed! Thanks for writing.