Deere - 1907 +
Source: Waveland Independent newspaper, Waveland, Montgomery County, Indiana June 13, 1907
Seventeen years ago the late Joel G. Deere suggested that all the children and grandchildren come to the old home for reunion. The time was set and they assembled. The occasion proved so delightful that the custom has been kept up with slight changes in __ over share barring the year following his death. Notwithstanding the demise of the honored head and the passing of several other members of the family, the years have expressed a outstanding growth in ___ and prosperity. The meeting of the families this year was held at the Shades Friday afternoon, Friday night and Saturday. Hitherto only one day has been given to the gathering but the protracted period proved more satisfactory. The family were guests of Manager and Mrs. Chas. Jones at the splendidly equipped hotel and the delightful entertainment afforded proved a most welcome substitute for the old plan which involved the taking of provisions and the drudgery incident to preparing meals. It was a unique scene which might have met the gaze of an onlooker when the 18 families – separated by age, distance, occupation – gathered as one, about a long table in the dining hall. After the benediction in which all hearts were united in gratitude that providence had protected each family from the ravages of disease and death for another year, the calm was broken by the rattling of dishes, the babel of conversation and the din of laughter; but to the hearts attuned to the occasion there was music in it all and across the years the memory of it will be a both blessing and inspiration. There were present Mrs. Joel G. Deere, the mother of all, 7 sons and 7 daughters-in-law, three daughters and three sons-in-law, 35 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Mr. Wheeler, a commission merchant from Chicago was also in attendance – the guest of WE Deere. The families came from Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Terre Haute, Cayuga, Louisville, Ky and Waveland. Those who looked upon the 61 present and who knew of the 7 absentees could have no doubt that the Rooseveltian fear of race suicide is without serious ground in these parts. The year had no losses and brought its increase of seven, four by birth and three by marriage. The large attendance in spite of life’s busy duties bespeaks something of the strength of the tie which binds together the various families and the abandon with which all gave themselves to the games or the pleasantries of the moment proves that the struggle for a livelihood need not make hearts old and that the inequality of family successes need not mar its larger harmony - JHD
Source: Crawfordsville Refiew 8-8-1916 p 8
Sunday the members of the Deere Family met at a reunion at the home of George Deere near the Shades. About 51 members of the family were present. Dinner and supper was served on large tables arranged in the yard and there was a goodly feast at each meal. In the afternoon many friends of the Deere family called and a program was given Those from a distance were: Mrs. John Whittington and son of Cayuga, Miss Grace Deere of Terre Haute; Mrs. Abbie Deere and daughter of Indianapolis; Mrs. Alva Whittington and daughter, Mary; Mrs. Mary Deere and Mrs. Sarah Deere of this city.