The 25th annual reunion of the descendents of David Leander Laughery and Martha Jane Harbaugh was held August 21, 1989 at the new home of Buck and Nancy Thompson in Milford, Delaware.

President Alvin (Buck) Thompson welcomed all to this special reunion.  It was also a celebration of the 100th wedding anniversary of David and Martha.  It was hard to believe that twenty-five years had gone by since the first reunion at the home of Willis and Dorothy Laughery (the family farmhouse).  There were 54 people present at the first reunion.

Each head of a nuclear family had the opportunity to introduce all family members while being videotaped.  What fun to watch later! JoAnn Moore, secretary/treasurer read the minutes and treasurer’s report from 1988.  Both were approved and presented.

A moment of silence was dedicated to the memory of Kathryn Laughery, wife of the late Arthur Laughery, who died April 1989.

New officers elected for 1990 were Steve Winand, President; Janice Winand Vice-President; Lois Winand Secretary/Treasurer;  Debbie Webb, Linda Unruh, Kim Downes, and Julie Yakimowicz, Entertainment.

New members in the family by marriage include Elaine Owens (to Jack Wilkerson) May 29, 1989; Gerald Givler, Jr. (to Diane L. Means) Oct. 15, 1988; Julie Ann Snyder (to Robert A. Means) June 4, 1988; Lana Jo Pedro (to William J. Means) May 6, 1989; and James Thesing (to Pamela Dawn Hellein) Sept. 3, 1988.

David and Martha Laughery's  marriage photograph, 1889

A number of old photographs were reviewed by several family members the past year in an attempt to identify Laughery and Harbaugh ancestors.  The wedding picture and marriage certificate of David Laughery and Martha Harbaugh were restored and framed.  These items and the old pictures were displayed for all to see.  Copies of the wedding photo (3 ½” x 5”) are available for $10.00 each.  Contact Lois Winand if interested.

Nancy Thompson and JoAnn Moore made a sketch of the “home place.” Copies of this can be obtained from either of the above.

An old mantle clock from the farmhouse was chanced off.  The winner of the drawing was William Means.

Steve and Janice Winand supervised the games with assistance from Jennifer and Stephanie Winand. Winners of the door prizes include the following: 

• Largest nuclear family – Buck and Nancy Thompson -14
• Oldest – Ruth Winand
• Youngest – Chase Carter
• Traveled the greatest distance – Matt and Karen Holman – Sarasota, FL
• Most recently wed – Jack and Elaine Wilkerson – 2 months
• Longest hair – Jennifer Winand
• Least hair – F. Clayton Downes
• Most coins – Don Hellein
• Highest coin value – Loretta Downes
• Watermelon Weight – Elaine Wilkerson
• Candy count – Ruth Winand
• Macaroni Count – Virginia Means

The children had a good time with the piñata, peanut scramble, balloon race and other games. Everyone enjoyed the hospitality of Buck and Nancy, their beautiful new home, the perfect weather, socializing with family and friends, the bountiful and delicious food everyone brought, and the special anniversary cake.

Family Members Present (62)

• Linda Baker – Milford, De.
• Christy Baker – Milford, De.
• Jack and Elaine Wilkerson – Greenwood, De.
• Dave and Vicky Laughery – Seaford, De.
• Keith Winand – Prospect Park, Pa.
• Maryanne Cerra – Drexel Hill, Pa.
• Stephen, Janice, Jen. & Steph. Winand – Bear, De.
• Relland, Dayna, Adam & Megan Winand, West Chester, Pa.
• William and Virginia means – Hopwood, Pa.
• Donald, Beverly & Jill Hellein – Belpre, Oh.
• Clayton and Loretta Downes – Milton, De.
• Kim Downes – Newark, De.
• Julie Yakimowicz – Milton, De.
• Gerry, Debbie & Matt Webb – Harrington, De.
• Linda and Eric Unruh – Chestertown, Md.
• Barry Thompson – Felton, De.
• Blair Case – Newark, De.
• Chuck, Susie, & Chase Carter – Harrington, De.
• Harry and Lois Winand – Media, Pa.
• Ruth Winand – North Cape May, NJ
• Matt and Karen Holman, Sarasota, Fl.
• Eugene and Wilma Ream – Pleasant Gap, Pa.
• Alvin and Nancy Thompson – Milford, De.
• Bobby, Trinity, & Katrina Thompson – Harrington, De.
• Jerry Thompson – Milford, De.
• John Winand – Media, Pa.
• Chris, JoAnn, Chad, & Andrea Moore – Ridgely, Md.
• Bill and Jed Means – Lemon Furnace, Pa.
• Bobby and Irene Vincent – Harrington, Pa.
• Ron and Peggy Case – Newark, De.
• Michael and Diane Givler, Manassas, Va.
• Jeannette Passwaters – Milford, De.