 |
Left
Coast Reunion
Hosted by Eva Miller |
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| June 25 and 26, 2005 | Puyallup, Washington, USA |
Many photos by Bobbi
Miller are here!
Eva
Miller's webpage with more reunion photos here!
Powerpoint presentations by Eva Miller
Warning - These are very large
Powerpoint files
| Hartt Beginning -- A Review of the Past | 13.0 MB |
| Let Us Meet At The Present | 21.3 MB |
| Introducing the Future | 9.0 MB |
| Candid Shots | 10.3 MB |
HARTT FAMILY REUNION REVIEW
(As seen by Bradford
Paul Hartt of Renton, Washington)
The Left Coast Hartt Reunion began at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 25th.
Carole Dick, the fantastic coordinator of this reunion, and Eva Miller,
our beautiful capable hostess, welcomed us as we met at the Elks Club
in Puyallup and prepared for a bus tour of the area. Thirty-one people
were there for the trip. It was a sunny afternoon-- perfect summer weather
for the Northwest. Our driver, Bill Cunningham (a friend of Eva's) took
us first to 1516 South Warner St., in Tacoma, where William Charles
lived for many years. We parked in front of the house while Charlotte
Griffiths and others told of some fun experiences in that home. Then,
we went over the Narrows Bridge while Eva, Brad, and others in the group
told us stories about the old bridge that fell in 1940. Several of the
group present had seen and traveled over that old bridge. We were interested
in seeing the construction of the new four lanes that are being added
to the present Narrows Bridge from a new park made for this purpose.
The size of the bus prohibited our getting into the cemeteries to visit
the gravesites of a number of the Hartt ancestors buried in Tacoma.
But this didn't dampen our enthusiasm and the fun we had visiting as
we drove around the city and visited the Bridge of Glass at the Glass
Art Museum in the center of town. We went next to the Old Union Station,
the Washington State Historical Museum and the Tacoma Art Museum.
Upon our arrival
back at the Elks Club at 6:00 p.m., we went to the Linden Golf &
Country Club where a delicious spaghetti dinner was served with Brad
Hartt returning thanks for the food. As we ate, we listened to the delightful
accordion music by Gary, a local artist. About 8:00 p.m. we concluded
our time and came home to get some rest and be ready for the bigger
gathering and celebration on the following day.
On Sunday, June 26th, 2005, we drove back down to Puyallup and arrived
at the Elks Club at about 10:00 a.m. where three young ladies with smiling
faces welcomed us to the Hartt Family Reunion. They were friends of
Eva who offered to help: Elnore, Karen and Teresa. Another friend, Ruth,
gave assistance at the Book Sales table.
Upon registering with Elnore, and signing the guest book with Karen,
Teresa offered our choice of a red or white t-shirt decorated with the
"Hart to Hartt" emblem of a deer and a heart. I chose a beautiful
white one that said, "Review the Past; Meet the Present; and be
Introduced to the Future." The t-shirts were printed by Bev Kraus's
daughter's business, "Strike Zone Design & Printing" of
California. Eva created the design. In each bag, along with the t-shirt
were some Almond Roca candies made by Tacoma's famous Brown & Haley
Candy Co., an engraved Hartt pencil, a little tablet with the deer and
heart emblem, and two maps of Washington. Each person received two colorful
schedule brochures, designed by Eva, telling about the two reunion days.
When we passed into the main hall, there was a festive air -- beautiful
balloons; tables upon which were innumerable photos and artifacts from
the past; dining tables all set, ready to serve dinner; and all around
the walls was a 126 ft Hart/Hartt Tree chart giving genealogy information
on all branches of the Hartt families. It was printed in May of 2004
in South Dakota and has 2100 names on it. And, in little groups all
around the hall, there were relatives introducing themselves; some for
the first time and others renewing old acquaintances. We visited and
looked at the displays while more people entered the hall and more jolly
meetings took place.
At about 11:00 a.m., Eva Miller welcomed the guests, made some announcements
and introduced some of the folks that would participate. She also announced
that snack trays, iced tea, coffee and pop were served. Bradford Hartt
played several numbers on the antique organ that belonged to Eva Miller's
grandmother (Mary Alberta Hartt), and then he, with his wife Ruth at
the piano, led in 15 minutes of hymn singing, followed by 15 minutes
of old favorite folk songs. Quite a large group participated in the
informal sing time.
Several interesting things caught my attention as I looked around after
the sing time. On the platform were three unique balloon-art personalities
representing William Charles Hartt, and his two sisters, Charlotte Annie,
who was known as Annie, and Mary Alberta, known to all as Bertie. They
were the first Hartts to come west from New Brunswick, Canada. Enlarged
photos of them were on the wall.
Then, over to one side was a table where two ladies, Lin Hartt and Ruth
Hutchins had the book "Hart to Hartt Family History" and the
"Hart to Hartt Family History Supplement" available for those
that wished to purchase them. I made use of the opportunity to buy a
Supplement. Also available for purchase was the Hartt Historiography
place mat and Hartt Crest refrigerator magnet plus other little heart
magnets.
About this time, while an interesting "power point" presentation
highlighted Hartt family history, Betty Patterson (from California)
gave the fascinating life story of Elizabeth Hart, Isaac's wife. She
wore a colonial dress and bonnet made by Betty and her daughter for
the occasion. Betty made an absolutely delightful "Elizabeth Hutchinson
Hart" as she presented the story of what it well may have been
like when her husband built the home in 1676. She continues the story
to her arrest during the Salem Witchcraft Trials. She had done her research
well, and we all enjoyed her presentation. The Power Point slide show
started out showing the old home in winter, spring and fall. Also some
inside views were taken a few years ago. The home is on the National
Historic Register and is expected to be part of our Reunion in June
of 2006. Betty designed a lovely colorful invitation to the next June
Reunion with a picture of the old house.
Carole Dick (Alberta, Canada) followed, telling of the trials and triumphs
that she encountered in the production of the book "Hart to Hartt
a Family History." I guess I almost felt sorry for her until I
heard her say that she was "addicted to genealogy."
I think someone said that there were 100 people present (counting spouses
and children), which was a marvelous showing for the Hartt families.
Families came from Oregon, California, Alberta, B.C. and as far away
as Michigan, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Each family that came from out of
state received a box of Aplets and Cotlets.
Eva also recognized the oldest attendee, Freeman Miller, husband of
Eva's sister Mary, who was 87 years of age, as well as Larry and Gail
Kittelman, who celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary, during our
reunion. Since Gail is from Hawaii, they were presented Lais to wear
the rest of the day. Larry is Eva's nephew, son of her brother, Glen
Kittelman.
Next was a picture-taking time, when the different Hartt groups were
photographed.
There were:
43 - attendees in the William Charles branch.
38 - attendees in the Mary Alberta branch
9 - attendees in the Thomas branch
6 - attendees in the Samuel branch
3 - attendees in a Hart (one T) branch
Before the Reunion Dinner, Rev. Neville Clayton, from Iowa, led in prayer
giving thanks to God for our heritage and for the food, after which
we ate Baron of beef, salmon, two salads, assorted cooked vegetables,
and dessert. For a keepsake, Eva designed a lovely book mark which was
at each place setting. While we ate, Kami Hettwer (Eva's granddaughter),
her husband and her two boys formed an instrumental ensemble and delighted
us with their superb music. Daddy Mike played the French horn, Kami
alternated between a French horn and the piano. Matthew, the oldest
son, played the trombone while Joshua played the clarinet.)
At about 4:30 p.m., people began to leave. Eva had huge size balloons
on each table that had heart shaped balloons inside of them. She had
to run to pop the big balloons so the little ones would fly out before
all the children were taken home. They had a good time catching and
popping those balloons. Then there was the cleaning up of the hall and
the packing up of materials and artifacts; and by 6:00 p.m., we had
all left -- all of us with very happy memories of the 2005 Hartt Reunion!!
***** ***** *****
Presentation to Carole by Eva:
Eva commissioned a local jeweler to make a special item that was presented
to Carole Dick. A gold replica of the logo used at this event was given
to Carole in appreciation for all the work that she has done over the
years bringing the family together, collecting their history, and writing
and publishing two books documenting the family lineage back to Isaac
and Elizabeth. Also, for building the Hartt network mailing list, and
adding names and dates to the family tree every day. Then, of course,
Carole attends these reunions coming from her home in Alberta, Canada.
The logo might
be explained this way: the Hart name was derived from a deer, and the
heart represents love. The deer represents a Hart running into a life
of love, giving and receiving love. The jeweler made only two of the
gold logos; Eva will keep the other one. Until Eva finds a way to produce
them as costume jewelry there will be no more.
Reunion Photographers:
The photos were taken by Eva's daughters, Bobbi and Sylvia, and Sylvia's
husband, Gary, and will be made available to all on the "www.MyHartt.com"
web site. Gary presented a slide show on his monitor at the back of
the room while Bobbi showed slides on the big screen at the front. The
photos are still being identified and grouped. It will be announced
later when they are ready to show and where.
Children Enjoyed the Reunion:
Tony Pistilli, Eva's grandson, was with the children outside most of
the time. The children were also given a special small gift brought
for them by Carole Dick from Canada.
Floral Planters:
The Floral planters were the finishing touch to the decorations. They
were supplied by, our dear friend, Annie Neumiller. We thank you, Annie!
They were beautiful.
Balloon Art:
Marty Houser, owner of Party Plus, created the balloon art. Party Plus
is located nearby at Bonney Lake and you may see more of her work at:
www.partyplusphotos.com
Carole
says Thank You
A heart gift bag was passed around for people to contribute to the Hartt
project for the extra expenses. Thank you, those donations helped boost
the bank account.
Display
Tables:
Many display tables were prepared for anyone bringing artifacts; many
did. Lots of photographs were displayed.
Much of Mary Alberta's things were on display because her daughter,
Silvia, never discarded anything. Everything from hand made baby dresses
to collars for the ladies dresses; a purse, gloves, opera glasses a
place setting of her tea set; a long braid of Mary Alberta's hair, a
swatch of Silvia's hair, along with hair from Eva, Bobbi, Kami, and
Jenessa. Also, hair from Sylvia and Carlia was on display with a box
of long hair from Silvia at a time when ladies first bobbed their hair.
I thought I was drowning in hair there for a while; six generations
of hair is a bit much. Glen brought the old trunk that undoubtedly came
across country by train. There were gold spoons sent to Mary Alberta
from Sweden as a wedding gift when she married Carl Emil Johnson in
1889. Then, of course, there was her Pump organ that Brad and Ruth Hartt
played. There were diaries and autograph books from both Mary Alberta
and Silvia. Then there was the beautiful crocheting and tatting that
Silvia did. So much to see that represented the way of life at that
time. It was very interesting, indeed.
Next to Mary Alberta on the display table was William Charles and his descendants. Eva enlarged a picture of William Charles Hartt and Letitia Wilson Hartt. That picture was displayed on the wall. Copies of the marriage certificate of William Charles and Letitia were made available for attendees to take home. On the certificate was an individual picture of the young couple. A very interesting journal written in 1883 by William Charles was on display. On the table in front of them was a photo of the praying hands of David Roy Hartt enlarged and standing in a holder that it might be viewed to better advantage. It was a striking photograph indeed. Also the original copy of Roy and Jennie's wedding certificate was on display. People were happy to see Don and Jean Denton's wedding photo sent by their son Don from California. They were married in the hospital because Don had a broken neck at the time. A little booklet that was dedicated to Jean and Don was on display called, "A Journey by Wagon from Ohio to The Wisconsin Territory;" written by one of Don Denton's ancestors when she was 16-years-old traveling in a covered wagon.
The Bruce Hartts
(eldest son of William Charles) had pictures of several of their families
beautifully displayed. Kari (Hartt) Davenport brought pictures of the
Davenport Reunion of August 2004 and her oldest daughter Sarah (Davenport)
Clark had a scrapbook-like presentation of their family's vacation to
Yellowstone Park in 2003. (Sarah is very talented in producing 'scrapbook
albums' and has done their family from their wedding, 9 years ago, to
present.)
Peggy and John S. Hartt brought copies of old photos of William Charles
and Letitia and some of Harold Bruce and Emma Grace (Torrens) Hartt.
These were pictures that other family members really enjoyed since no
one seemed to have copies of those pictures. They also displayed pictures
of headstones of the family line. Of course mom, Peggy, had many pictures
of children and grandchildren and great grandchildren on display also.
Carole Dick set up a table display starting with pictures and information about Reverend Samuel Hartt Jr (1799-1867), from New Brunswick, along with church reports and minutes from 1843-1903. He started many churches along the St. John River; many are still in operation. On display were several very old photos of his sons, Rev. Aaron Hartt and Rev. Henry Hartt, and their families along with another son, Samuel E. and wife, Mary Ann Hartt.
More pictures of family members and their descendents were on display. For example, brothers Frank and Newton Hartt came west to farm. Five of their descendants were at the reunion representing and telling about their branch. Carole was proud to bring along the original journal her grandmother, Caroline (Hartt) Syson, wrote between 1888 and1894 while living in New Brunswick. A picture, taken in 2004, was shown of Carole and her 90-year-old mother hugging a maple tree. The tree was planted by Caroline in 1881 and is still standing tall near Jacksontown, N.B.
On display were pictures of both the New Brunswick and Western Canadian reunions. Carole created a timeline showing the progress of the Hartt project over the past five years with pictures of John Mills, the publisher, at his computer and the pile of Hartt books ready to be mailed from the tiny, rural Alberta, post office.
A photo album of the Pioneer Thomas Hartt (founder of Hartts Mills at Fredericton Junction, N.B.) was on display. Two attendees were from that branch of the Hartt tree. Elizabeth Hartt married Thomas Phillips in 1802. Their son, Dr. Thomas Phillips, was a well-known Doctor in Michigan. Three descendants were at the reunion showing off their pictures of the Phillips family.
The artwork of
Estella Hartt (1876-1977), as well as her memoirs of traveling across
the western Canadian prairies as a schoolteacher in the early 1900s,
was another highlight. Brad Hartt brought a 20" x 25" pen-and-ink
drawing by Estella M. Hartt of a scene in the woods where some wolves
had just killed a buck (hart). In 1945, Estella went to visit her friend,
Mae Whitehead, at the Prairie Bible Institute in Three Hills, Alberta.
When she heard that there was a Hartt family at the Institute, she went
to meet them, and found that David Roy Hartt was indeed related to her.
After she returned to her home near Arrow Park, B.C., she sent them
that drawing of the animals. Estella raised ginseng on her little farm
near Upper Arrow Lake in order to supplement her income. Brad says that
when his parents passed away, he inherited the drawing and has passed
it on to his artist daughter, Carolyn Hartt, who has it in her home
in Tacoma, Washington.
Brad also brought a pair of shoes made at the Hartt Boot & Shoe
Factory in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Brad tells how his older brother,
David, bought the Hartt shoes in B.C. in about 1992 and found that they
were a little too small for him. He passed them on to Brad, who also
found them too small. But Brad kept them though -- just to "show
them off." Inside the shoes is the HARTT logo and the words HARTT,
SINCE 1899, CANADA'S QUALITY SHOEMAKERS, GENUINE CAMEL SKIN. Hartt shoes
sold for about the same price as "Florsheim" and "Freeman"
shoes. Jeff Hartt sent along a Hartt shoehorn from the factory. Also
on display was a picture of Odber Hartt's family; he founded the factory
in 1899. The huge factory building is still standing in Fredericton,
N.B.
Betty Patterson, of California, descended from Isaac's son, Adam Hart, displayed three pictures and a book. The book was "MY LIFE OF BLESSINGS" in pictures and words that she had written for her five children. It tells, in her own words and old pictures, the blessed events she has had from the moment of her birth until the present time. The first of Betty's pictures was taken in 1908 of Betty's Grandfather and Grandmother, Frederick Henry and Hallie (Schofield) Hart along with their son, John Frederick Hart. Betty's second picture, taken in 1924, showed her father, John Frederick Hart, and Betty when she was five months old. A third picture was a sketch of the Hart Furniture Dealership in Kent, Ohio, owned by her Great Grandfather, John Homer Hart which she titled "THE PROPRIETORS." John Homer Hart (1842-1889) was in partnership with his uncle, John M Hart (1809-1877). The last I heard (2005), the building is still standing although it is no longer used as a furniture store.
Massachusetts
Reunion June 2006
Betty Patterson set up an attractive display of brochures and a huge
colorful poster of Isaac's house. The brochures were about Massachusetts
and the posters announced the 2006 Hart/Hartt Reunion in Woburn, Massachusetts.
Anyone interested in attending was asked to add his or her name to a
list that was available.
Visit
to the Reunion by Cyndi Howell
Cyndi Howells, a person well renown in genealogy circles, stopped in
to visit, to look over the Family Tree Chart, view the various displays,
and to be available to answer questions or be of assistance to any of
us Hartts that wish to search and learn more about our ancestors. Eva
had invited her since she lives in Edgewood which is very close to Puyallup.
Eva introduced her and Cyndi made a short statement about her web page,
www.cyndislist.com which she put up to assist people like us. She has
every known trustworthy genealogy site listed and by searching there
you can find almost any information you are searching for. She is a
much sought after lecturer and an international leader in this field.
We were very pleased that she came to our event. Thank you, Cyndi.
A huge thank you goes out to Eva and Ted Miller and their wonderful
friends who put in many, many hours planning and working to make this
reunion such a wonderful success.
***** ***** *****
Reunion
Reflections
My response is one of regret for having had to leave before the final
dinner! I hear it was spectacularly good. Wasn't it wonderful catching
up with everyone? (Well, everyone that came, anyway.)
Mea Hassell-Oregon
I wanted to thank
any and all, for the effort of putting the reunion together! I didn't
know how interesting it would be, and I really enjoyed being there.
Talking with complete 'strangers', relatives, was fun, as well as catching
up on the 'old' ones! Wow, am I really closely related to that guy with
the loud voice! :) You bet I am! I love ya Uncle Cal! God bless.
Sarah Nelson-Washington
With so many
families fighting over money, and some relatives not speaking to one
another over things that have happened in the past, we found it so refreshing
to feel the love and appreciation for one another that pervaded the
2005 Hartt reunion. Everyone was so congenial. And, a thousand thanks
to Eva and her helpers as well as Carole.
Brad Hartt- Washington
The Hartt Reunion
was a most enjoyable and interesting event for us. I should let you
know that we were surprised at the high quality of the wonderful meal!!
We're usually disappointed with the typical fare - but this was different!
It was so nice meeting you and some right coasters, and catching up
with our left coast 'rellies' again.
Mike, Maureen, Morgan, Mason, and Mitchell Quinn-Oregon
It was great
seeing other relatives we have never met before. Especially to find
out about our British Columbia Hartt group. Sam Hartt- Washington
It was a wonderful time, very informative and extensive. I love how
well it was organized. There was wonderful food. My favorite part was
when someone dressed as one on our ancestors to tell our history (could
not hear it all that well though). Thanks to everyone,
Carol Rasmussen-Wash.
Though I only experienced a few hours of the reunion, I was delighted
to meet many new relatives. I experienced an instant familiarity with
people who share my same bloodline. That was special! I am inspired
to visit New England to personally experience the places our ancestors
lived.
Geoff Hartt - Oregon
I thought the
event was wonderful. The facility worked out very well and of course
the company was great!! Eva and Carole are to be commended on a great
job.
Marina Hartt-Washington
Attending the
Left Coast Hartt reunion meant visiting all too briefly with dear relatives,
some of whom I'd not seen for many years, as well as meeting distant
cousins for the first time. Eva Miller organized things so well, the
food (and service) was great, and I especially enjoyed the music--singing
together, and the concert done by Eva's family members. Thank you, Carole
and Eva, for all your hard work. Love,
Charlotte Griffiths- Wisconsin
The loose leave
binder was a great idea and I think the reunion was wonderful. Eva,
you did a super job in organizing and carrying it out. We reconnected
with family and found
new 'cousins'. Thanks for all you both have done to connect us all.
Love Kari Davenport
Eva Miller did
an outstanding job of preparing to "Review the Past, Meet the Present
and be Introduced to the Future" and was a most gracious hostess.
Because of her, I am looking forward to meeting my cousins in Massachusetts
where "the Past is Present," for the next reunion.
Betty Patterson- California