Reunion! 1900 Ritter Family Reunion, PA; Music, Speeches & Games!

Summertime is a wonderful time for families to come together. Picnics and Bar-b-ques are fun. It is a terrific time for Family Reunions! In Pennsylvania, my Ritter family began gathering in August, 1898. I will post newspaper articles about several of those events here. I hope you enjoy these glimpses into the past. Maybe you will  find a name you know.  

These Ritter family reunions focus on the descendants of the four Ritter Brothers who first came from Germany to the United States: Paul, Heinrich, Martin & Caspar. Many focused on Caspar/Casper because he remained in the area. My branch, Heinrich, later moved on to Ohio. Small groups began their own events in later years, making it difficult to track the original planners & participants.

 

THE RITTER FAMILY

Pleasant and Successful Reunion on Laurys Island

MUSIC, RECITATIONS AND SPEECHES

Comprehensive History of the Family by Dr. F. O. Ritter of Allentown

Next Year’s Reunion Again at Laurys

 

The descendants of Mr. and Mr. Casper Ritter held their annual family reunion at Laurys Island on Saturday. People were present from all parts of Lehigh and surrounding counties and all had a very enjoyable time. After a sumptuous dinner had been partaken of the guests assembled in front of the grand stand where the exercises were held. Excellent music was furnished by Ruthe’s Orchestra of Allentown. The singing was led by Edwin Diefenerfer, organist at Salem Reformed Church, Catasauqua. The officers who had charge of this year’s reunion were: President, Israel Ritter [b 1851, son of Jonas & Catherine Ritter]; recording secretary, Dr. F. O. Ritter [possibly Frank Ritter, son of Jonas & Catherine Ritter]; treasurer, Mrs. Edwin Diefenderfer. The president presided over the meeting.

 

Miss Ida Ritter gave two excellent recitations. The history of the family, which was read by Dr. F. O. Ritter of Allentown, proved very interesting. He had a history of the Ritter family as far back as the 15^th century. The first of the Ritters to arrive in this country were Mr. and Mrs. Casper Ritter, who came to America about 150 years ago and settled in North Whitehall Township. They came from Germany. The old homestead is still standing between Scheidy and Egypt and is in a good condition. Dr. Ritter is to be congratulated for his excellent history of the family.

 

All wore handsome red, white and blue badges containing an American flag. At the business meeting the Committee of Arrangements was given a vote of thanks for its excellent work. It was decided to hold a reunion next year at Laurys and the old officers were re-elected. After the meeting the time was pleasantly spent in games and music. After supper was partaken of the guests left for their respective homes much pleased with their enjoyment.

 

The following program was rendered in the afternoon:

Hymn, “America”  

Audience Prayer … Rev. Dr. J. D. Schindel

President’s remarks … Israel J. Ritter

Selection … Orchestra … Address … Music and collection

Recitation … Miss Ida Ritter

Family history … Dr. F. O. Ritter

Hymn, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name … Audience

Recitation … Miss Ida Ritter

Selection … Orchestra

Miscellaneous business … Doxology … Benediction

 

Among those present were:

Dr. and Mrs. F. O. Ritter and daughter Carrie,

E. J. Ritter and daughter Ida,

Mrs. David Esch,

Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Ritter,

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Diefenderfer and daughters, Lizzie, Mamie and Irene,

Mr. and Mrs. E. Z. Ritter, and daughter Ruth,

Mr. and Mrs. John Bear, son Earl and daughter Lydia,

Phaon Ritter,

Viola Ritter,

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Eckert,

Mrs. Samuel Roth,

Mr. and Mrs. R. A. Riechard,

Mrs. W. D. Ritter,

Erwin F. Ritter,

Herbert S. Ritter,

Mrs. Erwin Heilman and children Mamie, Samuel and Allen,

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Woodring and children Mamie and Harry,

Mrs. Elias Ritter,

Mrs. Millie E. Kline and son Warren,

Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ritter and children Helen and Lucian,

Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Frantz and children Idella, Florence, Mary, Meda, Jay and Aaron,

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ritter,

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Delbert,

Mr. and Mrs. John Ritter,

Mrs. Stephen Ritter,

Mr. and Mrs. B. F. Ritter,

Clarence Ritter,

Thomas Ritter,

Mrs. Richard Snyder,

Mrs. John J. Lentz,

Mrs. F. W. Leickel and children Emma, Mabel, Fred and Annie,

Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby Hoffman,

Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Klotz,

Mr. and Mrs. William Klotz and daughter Minnie,

Mr. and Mrs. Phaon Bear,

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Knappenberger and children Helen, Lillie, Maggie and Pearl,

Mr. and Mrs. Adam Scholl,

Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Frantz and children Daisy, Beulah and Herbert,

Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Heintzelman and children Katie, George and Lewis,

Mrs. Wotring and children Mabel, Anna, Welcome, Minnie, Helen and Ernest,

Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Rauch and children Corp and Eugene,

Mrs. Jennie Leisenring and son Chalres,

Mr. and Mrs. Joel Romich and daughter Ella,

Mrs. Tillie Semmel and daughter Sadie,

Ell Bertsch,

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bertsch and children Lillie, Jennie and Jonathan,

Benjamin Millhouse,

Susan Peter,

Mr. and Mrs. Tilghman Roth and children Mabel and Robert,

Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Marsteller,

Mrs. Owen Laudenslager,

Mrs. Edwin Laudenslager,

Mr. and Mrs. Frank Oswald and children Fred, Victor, Sarah and Mamie,

Mr. and Mrs. Amandes Musselman and children Herbert, Lottie, Bessie and Allen,

Mr. and Mrs. Francis Steckel and children Lillie, Erwin and Arthur.

 

The Allentown Leader, Allentown, PS

24 September 1900, page 1

Newspapers.com

I am related to the Ritter family through my paternal grandmother, 

Ivy R. Mark Brown.

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