Mystery Updike Family Reunion

THE FIRST UPDIKE FAMILY REUNION: JUNE 1940

(Reported in The Warren Sentinel, 13 June 1940)

“At Bentonville On Sunday, beginning at 10:00 A. M., a large gathering assembled at the Bentonville Union Church for a meeting of the Daniel and Samuel Updike families, which was sponsored by Miss Angie P. Updike in honor of her mother, Mrs. Cora Updike, a daughter of the late Daniel Updike of Warren County, who celebrated her 81st birthday anniversary on June 10. The occasion was also in honor of J. B. Updike of Washington, D. C. who is’ the only surviving son of the late Samuel Updike, a native of Warren……..The morning was devoted to pleasant conversation, and at 1:00 p. m. a basket, luncheon was served in picnic style on the church lawn, being spread on long tables. Mrs. Updike’s birthday cake, huge, and artistically decorated, was baked by her grand-daughter, Miss Merle Updike, of Fauquier. After the delicious repast, Updikes and more Updikes, from far and near, gathered in the little village church to socialize and make plans for another annual reunion.”

Dr. E. H. Updike, a well-known West Virginia physician, and a son of the late M. J. Updike of Bentonville, added greatly to the entertainment of the afternoon by relating several humorous and interesting happenings which, he declares, have actually confronted him during the 25 years of his experience in the medical profession. And we’ll venture to say not one in a million could, or would, have handled those situations as nicely as did this “beloved county doctor,’’ by which title he is known throughout Randolph County and the hills of West Virginia.

Other speakers on the program included 11 Eston Updike of Charlottesville; E. Wiley Grant, Front Royal, and the Updike brothers, Messrs. R. W., V, C., and L. O., respectively of Bentonville. 

The social activities closed around 4:00 P M., after which the Rev. Mr. Russel, Methodist pastor, filled his regular appointment. Most of the Updike clan remained for the service. During the afternoon a soft rain fell from a June sky, and so marked the closing of the first Daniel-Samuel Updike reunion.”

Addendum:

Bentonville: Dr. and Mrs. John Lloyd Newcomb of the State University, was here on Sunday to attend the Daniel-Samuel Updike Reunion. She was accompanied by her mother and three brothers, the Messrs. Lionel Maxwell and Vilas Barbee, all of Covington. Doctor and Mrs. E. H. Updike with their son, Harold, and daughters, Misses Mary and Jewell, of Mill Creek, VA. who were in Bentonville for the Daniel and Samuel-Updike Reunion, were among the overnight guests Sunday at the home of Dr. Updike’s aunt, Mrs. S. Booten Updike.

MORE ON THIS 1^ST UPDIKE FAMILY REUNION

(Reported in the Warren Sentinel, 3 October 1940)

MRS. CORA P. UPDIKE AND GRANDDAUGHTER 

Mrs. Cora Updike of Bentonville was pictured with her youngest grandchild, little Holly Lee Updike, of Orleans. The photo was taken at the Daniel-Samuel Updike Reunion held at the Union Church in Bentonville, June 9, on which occasion Mrs. Updike, one of Warren Counties most amiable and highly respected citizens, celebrated her 81st birthday anniversary. Unfortunately, the photo was of too poor a quality to be reproduced here.

In another photo of the same date, Mrs. Cora Updike is lovingly surrounded by a number of her nieces, nephews and other relatives who came to pay her tribute at the Updike gathering in June. Mrs. Updike’s four daughters are also pictured in this group. They are: Mrs. David Coffman, of Luray; Miss Calvin Arnold of Seat Pleasant, Md.; Miss Phamey Lee Updike, of New York City, and Miss Angie P. Updike, of Bentonville. Again, the photo was of too poor a quality to be reproduced here.

Seven out of the nine living children of the late M. J. and Lucinda. E. V. Updike of Warren County were present at the Updike Reunion. : L. O. Updike, Bentonville; Mrs. Angie Barbee, Covington; R. W. Updike, Bentonville; Mrs. J. E. Thompson, Washington, D. C.; V. C. Updike and Mrs. W. B. Mauck, Bentonville, and Dr. E. H. Updike, Mill Creek, W. Va. Photos courtesy of Lois Johnson Barbee, Petersburg, Va.

THE SECOND UPDIKE REUNION: JULY 1941

(Reported in the Warren Sentinel, 24 July 1941)

Updike Reunion In Powells Fort Well Attended 

The second annual Updike reunion which was held on Sunday, July 20, at Elizabeth Furnace, in Powell’s Fort, was largely attended; a number of Shenandoah Valley Updikes, as well as descendants and guests from the states of Ohio, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia and the District of Columbia being present. The day’s schedule varied little from last year when the first Updike reunion, sponsored by Miss Angie P. Updike, was held at Bentonville. Just friendly conversations and merriment soon passed the morning away. Then came the noon hour, and as usual the delicious luncheon was served picnic fashion. A large and beautiful chocolate cake that bore the inscription “Happy Birthday to all the Updikes,” was baked for the occasion and presented by Miss Irene Arnold, daughter of Mrs. Calvin E. Arnold of Maryland, and a granddaughter of Mrs. Cora Updike, of Warren County. In the afternoon (following the business session) games were played by the younger folks and different members of the clan were called upon to speak, some relating jokes and past experiences. Among the speakers were: J.B. Updike (oldest members of the clan present), Washington, D. C., Elston Updike, Charlottesville, and the Messrs R. W. and V, C. Updike. Bentonville.

THE THIRD UPDIKE FAMILY REUNION: JULY 1942

(Reported in the Warren Sentinel, 9 July 1942)

Updike Reunion By Verla C. Mauck: 

The third annual Updike Reunion held at the Lutheran Church in Browntown, Va., on Sunday, June 28, 1942, was well attended, considering the gas rationing, tire shortage and other inconveniences confronting the nation in this day and hour. The folks—in a way—seemed to enjoy this family gathering as Immensely as they did last year and the year before. However, with our USA., in the thick of another horrible war, it is the writer’s sincere belief that many ‘of us who were in attendance, actually—in spirit—were absent. Not that each and everyone did not do their utmost to mingle with the crowd and help make the occasion a glowing success. We most assuredly did! Yet, when the quaint little organ in that quaint little village church softly chimed, and Miss Eleanor Updike of Washington, D. C., sang, sweetly, Francis Scott Key’s “Star Spangled Banner”—it was then that, we who have loved ones in, or going in our Country’s Service, were, beyond a doubt, miles away from the Updike Reunion. In fact, the entire congregation in that, moment appeared to realize the seriousness of the war situation. 

At 11:00 A. M. the reunion members attended church services conducted by the Rev. Kenneth M. Hayes, after which they assembled on the lawn of the Browntown Union Church where music was furnished by the Warren County High School Band. Prayer was offered and a bounteous luncheon was served picnic-style on tables arranged in the Lutheran Churchyard. 

Mr. R. W. Updike of Bentonville, Va., was master-of-ceremonies and gave the welcome address. A very interesting reading was given by Mr. Julian Updike of Front Royal, Va. Other speakers on the afternoon program included the Messrs V. C. and L. O. Updike of Bentonville, Mr. Giles Updike of Browntown, former Sheriff R. F. Collins of Front Royal, and Mrs. Angie Barbee Grant of Covington, Va. Several lovely quartets were rendered by members of the Updike; family with Mrs. R. __ing at the organ. . .Special recognition was given Mrs. S. Booten Updike, aged 83 years, of Bentonville, and Mr. J. B. Updike, who is past 80, of Washington, D. C. The latter’s granddaughter, Miss Eleanor Updike, a talented vocalist, favored the audience with several outstanding selections, and very beautifully recited “The House by the Side of the Road”—a poem that never fails to charm.

Note: The full name of “Mrs. Booten Updike” was Cora Penelope Updike (1859-1948).