What do you call a Gathering of Foote’s? Are we a herd, a pack or possibly a pride. Whatever you call us 66 Foote’s gathered in Rochester, New York for the Biannial Foote Family Association of America Reunion.
Twelve states were represented; we came from as far away as Arizona and as close as across town.
Thursday, August 2nd
The reunion began on Thursday August 2nd with many arriving in time for sharing the companionship of other Foote’s in the hospitality suite at the RIT Inn and Conference Center and a good night’s sleep prior to the biennial Friday bus trip.
Friday, August, 3rd
Bright and early Friday morning 24 Foote’s boarded a chartered bus and headed ou for a day of history education and some serious fun at the Eastman House and the Rochester Museum and Science Center & Planetarium.
After the bus tour they returned to the RIT Inn Conference center to freshen-up for the traditional Friday Night Get-together in the Hospitality Suite. Old acquaintances were renewed and new friendships formed.
Saturday, August, 4th
The Rochester area abounds with touring possibilities. And Saturday was a day of exploring on our own.
Some of the areas to see was the Letchworth State Park, known as “The Grand Canyon of the East. Throughout the park are numerous overlooks providing a view of the magnificent Genesee River and its Water Falls. Included is a foot bridge located near the lower falls.
There was a narrated cruse down the Erie Canal on the ship Colonial Bell. The trip included being raised in a lock it the midway point just prior to turning around for the return trip.
Saturday Evening
Saturday evening everyone gathered at the Radisson Hotel on Jefferson Road for the Traditional banquet. Sixty-two adults and six children were in attendance.
While folks were getting settled, Marge and Bob Lehman visited each table with a fabulous Foote favor for each attendee; a wind chime carefully cut of wood in the shape od a foot, with the Foote name carved on the front and three brass chimes dangling at the bottom.
A raffle, and the general meeting was conducted which included the election of officers for the coming two years. Our genealogist Carolyn (Sue) Jordon spoke about several of the Foote families in the Rochester area and their migrations west.
Prizes were awarded to:
The Oldest member
Youngest member
Longest married couple
Most recently married couple
Longest commute
Most family members present
Sunday, August 5th
As Sunday morning broke to a clear and beautiful day, members hurried to make final purchases from the Foote Shoppe and soak-up one last hug before departing for home or continuing their vacations.
In a post-reunion recap, the FFAA Treasurer, Bill Gates reports $205 was raised by the raffle and members spent $717.65 in the Foote Shoppe. This money goes toward publishing new Genealogy books showing the descendants of each of Nathaniel Foote’s Children.