A FAMILY IN REUNION
Foreword
The Kennamer reunions have been a delightful and fascinating annual event for the past 49 years to those of us who have been privileged to be in attendance at one or more of them. I have attended all 49.
Thanks to the reunions I have known many of the stalwarts of our family, male and female, and by whatever family name, and regardless of the degree of kinship. To those who have passed over the great divide, this brochure is dedicated, and I hope they, in that land beyond the vale, are as proud of us, the living, as we are of the beautiful heritage they left us.
No organization ever had a more attractive, capable and dedicated secretary than we had in Edith Kennamer Bramblett. Her reading of the minutes of the previous meeting became the highlight of the reunions, as the reader of this brochure will find, for herein are those minutes.
We are a corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Alabama. The official name is The Kennamer Family Association of Alabama, Inc.
We meet at the Kennamer Pavilion and Museum in Kennamer Cove, Marshall County, Alabama, on the last Saturday in August each year.
We have met in good times and bad, depressions and prosperity, war and peace, rain and sunshine. All have been well attended and the food has been delicious and bountiful.
We started electing officers in 1942. The following have held the office of the President, in this order:
Ralph Kennamer
Walter J. Kennamer
David C. Kennamer, Jr.
Raymond A. Kennamer
Judge Charles Brents Kennamer
John R. Kennamer
N. D. Kennamer
Thomas J. Kennamer, Jr.
Charles S. Kennamer
Benny Kennamer
Edward R. Kennamer
Wendell Page
Denton M. (Johnnie) Kennamer
Billy Page Paul Kennamer
Robert Word, Jr.
Wendell Willard
Earl Kennamer
Brents Kennamer
The following have served as Secretary:
Edith Kennamer Bramblett
Louise S. Dunson
Wendell Page
Louise Kennamer Barclay
David C. Kennamer, Jr.
Edith Kennamer Bramblett
The following have served as Treasurer:
Carlos S. Kennamer
Sidney Kennamer
Elmer Page
W. Clay Woodall
David C. Kennamer, Jr.
The office of Historian has been held by John R. Kennamer, Willard Kennamer and Wendell Page.
The following have served or are serving as Trustees:
Barton Kennamer
Noel David C. Kennamer, Jr.
G. Denton Kennamer
Edward R. Kennamer
Raymond A. Kennamer
Henry Kennamer
Elton Kennamer
Lawrence Kennamer
Ralph Kennamer
Edith Kennamer Bramblett
Willard C. Kennamer
Walter J. Kennamer
Wendell Page
We have, from time to time, presented gifts to the oldest member resent, the youngest, the member who travelled the farthest distance to be present, and to the parent or parents with the most offspring present.
The primary purpose of the reunion is fellowship, but we also give the pledge of allegiance to the flag, sing, make speeches, listen to entertainment, and eat.
We have ended every reunion with all present joining in the singing of that fine old gospel hymn “God Be With You Till We Meet Again,” and prayer.
Our Pavilion is to be enlarged before our 50th reunion, to be held Saturday, August 26, 1978, at which time we hope to have the biggest and best reunion ever, with President Dee Kennamer presiding.
This brochure is sent to you with my compliments. I hope you find it interesting, meaningful, and worthwhile. If you do, come join with us in our future meetings, for I believe the reunions will go on and on and on.
My father, my son, Brents, and I have served as President of the Association. Who knows, maybe my son, Winston, or one of my daughters, or a grandchild will on day be President, a high honor.
Best wishes,
Ralph Kennamer
Tuesday, Sept. 5,1972. The Birmingham News, page 13
Granddaddy of reunions in state
BY BOONE AIKEN, News correspondent
AUBURN. There are family reunions and more family reunions in Alabama, particularly around this time of the year, but how many can claim their very own cove, complete with a pavilion in case of rain or a too enthusiastic sun?
Furthermore how many have their very own museum? Or a commercial picture postcard with their name and a picture of the ancestral home site?
No one knows exactly how many Kennamers there are today but at last count in 1942 there were 2.400 families.
On Aug. 21, Kennamers, from as far away as Oklahoma and “cousins by the dozens" gathered again at the PisgahChurch in Kennamer s Cove in MarshallCounty for the 44th annual reunion.
Earl Kennamer, AuburnUniversity extension wildlife specialist, recalls when the first reunion was held he rode in style in the rumble seat of the family car from Selma to Kennamer's Cove. He also reports the huge picnic basket of food beside him arrived intact at the Aug. 15, 1929 affair but his friends rather doubt this astounding bit of information.
At that time more Kennamers arrives by buggy and wagon than by automobile, he said.
Always there has been a good crowd on hand whether the reunion was held on Thursday, Saturday or Sunday. One of the smallest occurred in 1942 when only 350 persons attended due to war conditions, lack of transportation and Kennamers in the armed services.
The Kennamer clan proudly announces its annual reunion is held “rain or shine, war or peace, depression or inflation, hot or cold, Republican or Democrat, pollution or smog, mini or maxi, hair or bald.”
THEY REPORT their membership is made up of “farmers, preachers, teachers, merchants, students, retirees, secretaries, lawyers, housewives, beauticians, radio announcers, contractors, doctors, salesmen, bankers, druggists, and what-have-you.”
A famous family member is Dr. Rexford Kennamer Hollywood physician to Elizabeth Taylor and Gary Cooper.
In 1965 a concrete block structure, 10'x30' was built to house family mementoes. Included are pictures of pioneer families, old family Bibles, family records, a 150-year-old quilt, a 50-year-old baby dress and arrow heads.
Although no one knows just how many persons actually showed up Sunday at the pavilion in Kennamer Cove Earl Kennamer, vice president of the Kennamer Family, Inc. said estimates between 500-1,000.
All with well-filled picnic baskets, of course.
THE KENNAMER FAMILY REUNION
On August 15th, six miles south of Woodville, at PisgahChurch, in Kennamer Cove, was held the first Kennamer Family Reunion.
By actual count five hundred Kennamers and their kinfolks assembled. Many members of this large family from a distance were present to enjoy the day, a day long to be remembered by all present.
The morning was given over to meeting and greeting each other in social conversation.
At the noon hour was taken in enjoying an old time picnic dinner. There was enough food to feed a crowd three times as large. It is generally agreed that the day of miracles has passed, but when I saw some of the baskets of food taken up, after every one had eaten, I involuntarily thought of the Savior feeding the five thousand, and the baskets remaining.
In the afternoon many short speeches were made to the great delight of all. First on the program, was our genial editor, Hon. J. S. Benson, who kept the audience in laughter by his funny and appropriate stories. He was followed by Federal Judge Franklin Elmore Kennamer, of Tulsa, Okla., who made the principal speech of the day. He made a strong plea for the sanctity of the home, reverence to God, and obedience to Constitutional Government. Next Mr. D. P. Woodall, postmaster at Hillsboro, Ala., made an interesting speech. Dr. L. G. Kennamer, of Richmond, Ky., made a short and very appropriate speech.
Mr. P. H. Woodall, of ColumbusCity made a stirring appeal to the young folks to live for God and the Church. He was followed by Hon. T. J. Kennamer, U. S.Marshall of Birmingham, Ala., and in a happy speech. The last speaker on the program was Hon. Chas. B. Kennamer, District Attorney of Guntersville, Ala. It is needless to say that he made a good one. He said the majority of persons convicted by the courts are young educated men, and stressed the great need or moral training in the schools. That the colleges were not now giving this training as they should.
All speakers urged the parents to train their children in matters right or wrong and to learn obedience to parents and reverence to God.
The occasion was such a success that it was unanimously voted to hold another reunion next year.
Kennamer Cove
There are a few things that can be said about Kennamer Cove that probably cannot be said truthfully about any other community in the state.
There have been only two murders in the Cove, which occurred ninety years ago. I am sure there has never been a divorce case in court in the whole 130 years since Hans Kennamer, with a large family of children settled among the Indians. Hans Kennamer and some of the five generations of his descendants are buried in PisgahCemetery, which is in sight of the D.A.R. school located on the brow of Gunter’s Mountain.
By: John R. Kennamer
From The Progressive Age of Thursday, August 22, 1929.
MANY KENNAMERS AT THE ANNUAL RE-UNION
By: John R. Kennamer, Sr.
The annual Kennamer Reunion was largely attended. Many members of the clan from other states made the long pilgrimage to Kennamer Cove to make and renew old acquaintances. The large crowd of about 650 persons enjoyed the day very much. At an early hour, the crowd began to assemble to meet and greet each other. It would be impossible for me to name all who came from a distance. This large family has scattered to twenty-five states of this nation.
Mr. and Mrs. Clyde H. Kennamer, of Abilene Texas, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Kennamer of Dallas, Texas, Mr. A. E. Woodall of Grapevine, Texas, Mr. John Wayland Kennamer and family of Bessemer, Mr. J. R. Kennamer, and family, and Mr. T. J. Kennamer and family of Birmingham, Ala., made the long journey to be present at this reunion.
Messers. John, Luther, H. C. and Miss Bertie Kennamer of Dalton, Gal, made their first visit to the Cove which bears their name. Others came from Athens, Guntersville, Brown’s Valley, Scottsboro, New Hope, Langston and other places were well represented at this gathering.
“Uncle” Sebe Keel, a relative of some of the family was present. He was the oldest person there, being in his 91st year. John S. Kennamer received a fine large melon as he is the oldest Kennamer in the state. He is 83 years old.
As the noon hour drew near, it was suggested that dinner be spread (some may say lunch, but it was not a lunch). It was the finest spread of good things to eat. After Jacob R. Kennamer had asked the blessing and the great crowd had done their utmost, there was left enough food to feed an army of a thousand. With dinner over the speaking began with the writer acting as toastmaster.
John Lowrey Kennamer, a Methodist minister of Dalton, Gal, made the first speech which was well received and entertaining. He was followed by J. R. Kennamer of Birmingham, who touchingly referred to his last visit to the Cove forty-eight years ago. Hon. J. S. Benson was called to make a speech and it is needless to say that he entertained the crowd. Next, Macklin S. Kennamer, a wholesale grocer, of Athens, Ala., made a fine speech, this being his first visit to the Cove. He was followed by Pat H. Kennamer of ColumbusCity who made a fervent appeal to all members of the clan to live for God and the right.
No speaking would be entirely complete without that brilliant District Attorney, Charles B. Kennamer, He thrilled the audience by his eloquence and read two letters from old friends of the family. Will J. Watson of Chattanooga and his brother A. A. Watson of Savannah, Tenn.
Several letters and telegrams were received from those who were unable to be present: Judge F. E. Kennamer, of Tulas, Okla., Dr. L. G. Kennamer of Richmond, Ky., Mrs. Rachel P. Morrison of Dodge, Texas and others.
I cannot close without commending the splendid conduct of every one present It was agreed to hold the next reunion at the same place, on August 20, 1931.
Progressive Age, August 1930
THE KENNAMER REUNION 1931
The third annual Kennamer Reunion was held Thursday, August 20th in Kennamer Cove. The interest in these gatherings is growing. Many of the clan came from a distance to be present on this occasion. Many states had representatives present. Mr. and Mrs. Sam Walker Kennamer of Araan, West Texas traveled 1,500 miles; Mr. & Mrs. John W. Kennamer, their daughter, Ina; Mr. & Mrs. Grady Kennamer, son of John W. Kennamer, also Mr. Sam H. Kennamer, a brother came from Paris, Texas. Mr. John Lowry Kennamer, two daughters, Bonnie and Pauline; also Thomas Watson Kennamer and mother of Dalton, Georgia; Mr. W. C. Kennamer and daughter, Mildred of New York City; David Wendell Kennamer of Washington, D.C.; Dr. L. G. Kennamer, wife and three children of Richmond, Kentucky; Judge Franklin Elmore Kennamer, wife and son of Tulsa, Oklahoma; Mr. James A. Kennamer; Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Woodall and family; Mr. & Mrs. J. T. Hatfield and little daughter, all of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Many of the clan came from different parts of Alabama.
Judge Charles B. Kennamer and family and Miss Mary Kennamer of Montgomery. U. S. Marshall Thomas J. Kennamer, wife and two sons of Birmingham; Mr. J. Robert Kennamer and Sen. Jacob Sidney and other members of the family of Birmingham; John Waylon Kennamer of Bessemer; Mrs. Frank Kennamer with sons and daughters of Brown Valley; Mrs. W. W. Coplin and family; Mr. and Mrs. Milborn Bishop; Mrs. Walter Bishop; Mr. & Mrs. Stanhope Smith, their daughter, Elizabeth and her husband; Mr. & Mrs. Clay Woodall, Guntersville; Dr. & Mrs. W. E. Nod of Boaz; Mr. & Mrs. Ernest Bennett, children and Mrs. S. E. Bennett of Hartselle; Mr. Macklin S. Kennamer and son of Athens; Messers. A. T. and N. D. Kennamer and Prof. A. S. Kennamer of Huntsville; Mr. & Mrs. David R. Kennamer and family of New Hope; Mr. & Mrs. Walter Woody and others of New Hope; Mr. O. E. Woodall; Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Kennamer and family; Mr. & Mrs. Joe S. Kennamer; and Mr. & Mrs. Cent Kennamer of Columbus City, Mr. & Mrs. R. C. Moore and Florence Woodall of Langston; Mr. & Mrs. J. R. Kennamer, Jr., Section; Mr. & Mrs. C. S. Kennamer and family; Mr. & Mrs. Howard Kennamer; Supt. & Mrs. J. F. Hodges; Mr. & Mrs. Bently Thomas and family; Mr. & Mrs. Clifton Hodges; Messrs. Alvin Kennamer; Grady Jacobs; C. E. Spivey; James S. Benson and son, and others of Scottsboro. Mrs. Beulah Wilson of Sheffield, Mr. & Mrs. C. T. Hodges; Carrie and Charles of Sheffield.
There were Kennamers from Woodville, Paint Rock, and different places in Madison, Jackson and MarshallCounty. If your name does not appear, please remember, I am writing from memory.
Mr. John S. Kennamer of the Cove was the oldest person present. Miss Bonnie Jean Kennamer was the youngest person present. It did ones heart good to see Dr. Noel treat the little ones to the fine melons, more than 50 gallons of lemonade was given free.
The dinner was spread on two long tables with enough food to satisfy two thousand people. No words of mine could fully describe the viands as prepared by the hands of the fair women of the clan. Surely we are traveling in chariots of ease down the valley of plenty. Next year, Messers. Samuel Wininger and Walter Wann of Pisgah will come before dinner.
The speaking in the afternoon was marred somewhat by rain. U. S. Marshall Thomas J. Kennamer of Birmingham was toastmaster. The first speaker was Elder John L. Kennamer of Dalton, Georgia. He made a good speech which was most appropriate. Next on the program was Federal Judge F. E. Kennamer of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He made the chief address. I shall made no attempt to outline it, for it was so good it may appear in print in full later. He spoke on the subject “That the Nation that forgets God shall be turned into Hell.” It should be printed in gold, framed and hung in every home in America.
Dr. L. G. Kennamer of Richmond, Ky., spoke on “The Three Divisions of Human Life, and the Three Reasons we are Here.” It was a most timely and appropriate speech. The next speaker was John W. Kennamer of Paris, Texas. His well chosen remarks were received with great pleasure. He was followed by W. O. Kennamer who spoke on the “Natural Resources of the Cove.” The rain stopped the speech of David Wendell Kennamer of Washington, D. C.
John R. Kennamer, Sr. Progressive AgeAugust 27, 1931
FOURTH KENNAMER REUNION SATURDAY 1932
All is in readiness for the Kennamer Reunion which is to be held at old PisgahChurch near Woodville next Saturday, August 20. This is an annual affair, and has grown in attendance each year. The committee is arranging a splendid program and it is expected that this will be one of the best held yet.
Progressive Age, Aug. 18, 1932
FOURTH KENNAMER FAMILY REUNION SUCCESS
The reunion was a success from every point. The day was ideal; the crowd of one thousand the most orderly, congenial and agreeable; the music superb. the speaking fine; the dinner abundant and unexcelled. Everyone seemed to enjoy himself greatly, and I have never seen a greater gathering in all that makes life worth living.