Lakes Ways Family

Reunion History  

     The idea of a "family reunion" gleaned from a conversation between two ladies who were talking across the fence, Mrs. Louise McDowdell and Mrs. Allie Long. The subject of their conversation was sadness, sickness, and numerous deaths in the family. These were things that were beyond the control of human nature. Consequently, the conversation changed to more pleasant things.

Louise came up with an idea of a party, or picnic ,or something that the family could do together to  celebrate happy times when we could meet, be merry and have loads of fun other that for coming together for memorials when a member of the family had quit the walks of life. A smile of delight filled Allie's face and she said, "That would be great."

The idea of a family reunion was born after talking to other family members. A meeting was called the following week at the home of Allie Long. The original members included Henderson Ways (Wade), Doris Byrd, Brunella Zachary and Harry Jr. and Mary Ways. Allie Long was elected president and Doris Byrd, secretary. After much discussion, the date of our first reunion was set for September 4, 1964. The secretary mailed letters to all family members across the nation. The results of these letters brought us together as a "family'.

Mrs. Mary Ways, wife of Harry Ways, Jr. held reservations at Eastwood Park in Dayton, Ohio for the Labor Day weekend and she enthusiastically gave us the date for our reunion. After much preparation and a lot of work, the family began to arrive Saturday, September 3, 1964 for our first Family Reunion. More that a hundred family members gathered for this momentous occasion.

Since that historical day in 1964, we have celebrated annually with family and friends  in Dayton, Ohio, Columbus, Ohio, Chicago, Illinois, Detroit, Michigan, New York, New York, and of course our home state, Georgia.