The 132nd annual McCullah-Wasson Family Reunion was held July 31 through Aug. 7 at Finley River, south of Nixa, with 163 family members attending this year’s event. Contributed photo
The 132nd McCullah-Wasson Family Reunion was held July 31 through Aug. 7 at Finley River, near Hawkins Bridge, five miles south of Nixa.
The 2.5-acre campsite has been in use for 114 years, since 1908, on a portion of the Hawkins farm.
The first reunion, held July 1, 1890, was a surprise birthday party for Calvin McCullah, the youngest child of Alexander and Lucy (Robertson) McCullah. The event was held north of Marionville, a celebration of his 52nd birthday. Those in attendance had a wonderful time and family members decided to get together the following year, sparking the annual reunions that have taken place ever since.
“There has never been a year that the reunion was not held since that first occasion in 1890,” said Jane Staiger, secretary for the group. “The reunions were held even during World War II, with mainly women and children attending. There was also a shortened reunion held two years ago during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were only about 70 family members who attended, and no one got COVID as a result of attending in 2019.”
The first few reunions were single-day events, but were soon extended into a weekend festivity. Those eventually because Wednesday through Sunday celebrations before becoming week long gatherings, starting in the 1950’s, and continuing ever since.
“Not everyone stays for the entire week,” Staiger said. “Some just come for a day or two, and others for three to five days. Many local family members come just for the evening meals and activities.” This year’s event drew 163 family members and 15 guests, representing seven states: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington. The campground boasted 20 tents, campers and trailers, with other family members opting to stay in area motels.
On Tuesday evening, the Rick Haege Texas Hold’em Tournament saw Lynn Hawkins, of Nixa, winning. Wednesday, the 31-Card Tournament was held, with Emilie St. George, of Springfield, winning. Half of the proceeds from both tournaments were turned over to the reunion organizers to be used for the week’s expenses.
Thursday morning, several children, escorted by a few adults and the property owner, went to a cave. On Thursday, camp cooks also held the annual side dish contest, with Chris St. George, of Springfield, winning first place; Hattie Carter, of Nixa, second; and Cynthia Schloz, of Springfield, third. Following dinner, a craft auction was held with a number of special items contributed by family members. Guest auctioneer was Christian County Sheriff Brad Cole. Proceeds from the event also helped fund reunion expenses. A group photo was taken Friday morning by Melody Anne Photography. Before Friday’s dinner, the annual dessert contest was held, with Patty Mummert, Springfield, taking first place honors; Cindy Simmons, of Republic, taking second place; and Anya Sobel, Washington State, capturing third. Following the meal, Caleb Carter, president of the reunion committee, conducted the annual business meeting. Next year’s officers are: Caleb Carter, president; Josh Hawkins, of Spokane, vice president; Amy Gann, of Springfield, treasurer; and Staiger, of Billings, secretary. The oldest member attending was Paul E. Wasson, of Nixa, and the youngest, his 14-monthold great-grandson, Porter Paul Peterson, also of Nixa. Eugene Earsom, of Oklahoma City, Okla., presented the Memorial Service for family members who died during the previous year. They included: Gene Hawkins, Phyllis Hawkins, Edward Joseph Fitzgerald, Annette Wasson and James Wasson. Other activities throughout the week included card games, swimming, fishing, trying to stay cool during the extreme humidity and heat, and visiting with relatives and friends. Several of those attending floated the Finley River in various locations. A ping-pong tournament was held Friday evening. Camp cooks for this year’s gathering were Chris St. George and Cindy Simmons, of St. George’s BBQ and Catering in Springfield.
Next years reunion is slated for July. 30 through Aug. 6, 2023.