The Family Reunion
The first Saturday of July each year, without fail, the Shortt clan gets together up on Shack Ridge. The Shortt/Short family has been in Buchanan County, Virginia mainly around Shortt Gap, for many years. Most of the land up at the head of Buchanan was once owned by Charles Short, who distributed it to his sons when he was taken from the earth. The late Shortt Gap Postoffice, and the Shortt Cemetery were named to honor this family. The Federal government also named two roads in the area after the clan.
The reunion was instituted after the death of Stella Shortt, who was the wife of Rev. Edward Shortt. It was agreed, by their ten siblings, that the reunion would be held every two years, then when it was realized that most of Edward’s children were beginning to become senior citizens, the reunion was changed to an annual affair.
When the sun peeks o’er Old Osborne Mountain
When Raleigh plays his Gibson guitar
When the mocking bird begins his trill
With his many faceted repertoire
I’ll be there.
Family members can be seen coming and going for several days before the event, bringing chairs, helping arrange things and just generally getting ready. Mac Carter, who is married to Ruthann Shortt Carter, can be seen sometime before the scheduled day towing his famous barbecue grill out to Raleigh Shortt’s yard. Raleigh is the head of the clan now that both Edward and Stella are deceased. The Reunion is always at his place. Mac’s chicken tenders, roasted to a golden tan, are a treat not to miss.
As you pass the old mine shaft
Running deep into its sandstone lining
Where the ivy twines within its mouth
You may know that I’ve been pining
To be there.
On the Reunion morning, families begin to arrive around ten o’clock. The Butchers, namely Frances Shortt Butcher, (Mother of us all now) always brings her scrumptious chicken and dumplings as well as her mouth-watering butterscotch pudding/pie. You can bet there will not be any left of either at the end of the day. The other Butcher members bring their specialties of one kind or another.
As the day progresses, family members Wendell and Patsy, Lula and Donald McNulty, or representatives from up in Ohio, Frank of California, E.L in memorium, Manuel and Carol Wade, Bobby and Pat, and Randy and Teresa, all arrive. There are children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, on and on, as well as Uncle Ellis and Aunt Carmen, the oldest uncle left of Edward’s immediate family. Then there are cousins from every nook and cranny of the globe. Some of the nationalities represented, making up the beautiful bouquet, are Portuguese, Native American, Korean, Chilean, African American, English, Irish, Mexican, Ecuadorian, etc. All are made welcome as they assemble in the large front yard of Raleigh and Billie Jean.
As you greet each other cheerily
Look around at all the smiles
Just remember there’s a part incarnate
Only separated by the miles.
I’ll be there.
The festivities begin as instruments of music are brought out of their cases. Some play guitars, violins/fiddles, mandolins, banjoes, tambourines, or anything that will make a joyful noise. I must say that there are some beautiful singing voices in the Shortt clan. I am sure that some of us could have made it in professional music had we tried. The music ranges from spirituals, old mountain songs and modern compositions by the one or the other. One of the most requested is Rocky Butcher’s “Up That Red Dog Road” written about the road leading up to the old home-place and the type of foundation used for the road. Rocky, by the way, has mastered the art of dulcimer making, guitar making, and instrument repair in general. He also plays them all. One of his dulcimers was presented as a gift to the governor of Virginia a few years ago. E.L., the only deceased sibling, is remembered for his many copyrighted song compositions and his love for all the children. This year was no exception as music wafted down the hollows and along the ridges.
When the barbecue is done, the food all arranged in the kitchen, Raleigh invokes the blessing of God upon the gathering and the food. (There is usually a moment of silence for any deceased relative of the past year). The first in line for food is usually the hungriest. Everyone troops through Billie’s kitchen and out the back door to the veranda to partake of some of the best food ever cooked.
After the noon repast, everyone gathers with the group of their choice to discuss the past year, how the kids are all growing, group pictures, and the music is resumed by the hardiest of the musicians. (Some are too stuffed to play!) This encompasses most of the afternoon.
Then comes the task of rounding up all the kids, animals, pots, pans, leftovers, (if any), as well as everyone’s wits. There are promises of staying in communication, tearful goodbyes, helping Billie Jean straighten up the place, and general commotions which take until almost dark. Some stay for the fireworks which usually follows the party.
Overall, the present reunion is declared to have been the best one that had ever occurred. On average, seventy-five to one hundred relatives attend.
When you walk up to our final resting
See the names upon the stones
There’s part of me that’s there already
Just awaiting my old bones
I am there.