REUNION 2004 FOR A FEW HOURS, WE ALL WENT HOME. The first Glen Alum reunion was held at the Ben Creek Park on May 30, 2004. Shelby Perry, daughter of Dennis and the late Thelma Perry, had initiated the get together by paying the rental fee for the use of the park and notifying everyone by email of the set date. The plans were a little late in coming together, but everything just fell into place during the last few days before the reunion. We had originally suggested that everyone bring a picnic basket, but the closer the time came, the more the local people realized that it would be rather difficult for the out-of-towners to bring a lunch. So word was passed that when you cooked, cook a little extra to share. And we had plenty of good cooks respond. Pete Cole, who is greatly appreciated for his work keeping the albums going for the Glen Alum web site, suggested that he bring a P. A. System. And did that ever come in handy. With so much talking and laughing, we had a hard time giving away the prizes for the day. A few times, Denzil Miller had to use his "unique method" of getting everyone's attention. If you want to know what that method is, you must attend the reunion next year. Of course I am saying this in jest, the noise was no problem at all; everyone was having such a good time. Someone had the idea to volunteer Pete as the Master of Ceremonies and he did a fantastic job. Not only did he provide a P.A. System and act as the main speaker, but he also set up two computer monitors which continually ran a slide show of all the pictures which are posted on the Glen Alum web site. This was a great addition to the reunion for those who do not have access to a computer. Another act of volunteerism we need to recognize was the collection of donated gifts. Kaye Cole Gibson did a fine little number with the telephone and her great personality and received several donations from the area businesses. She is responsible for the beautiful cake donated by the local IGA owner, Tim Rutledge and the IGA Deli decorated it so beautifully with the picture of Pistol Row, which was copied from one of the Gilbert books. You know, Earl and Helen Cole raised two "go getters". We really appreciate you, Pete and Kaye. We had well over 100 people in attendance. The names are listed below. Please look them over to see if we have left anyone out or misspelled any names. Just let us know and we will make the corrections. It was hard to come up with the list of names, as everyone did not register. The Master of Ceremonies began the reunion with a welcome home to everyone. Gary Faries opened the gathering with a prayer. Judy Hatfield was recognized for her contribution of the Glen Alum web site. A book was presented to her and everyone was ask to sign the book with a note of appreciation for the internet site. Prizes were donated by local merchants and several members of the reunion. Those donating were: Lighthouse Floral, Clarices Flower Shop Gilbert Furniture Company, IGA Groceries Margaret Monk Eldridge, Pat Aker Walker Bob and Barb Cisco Chandler, Linda Nichols Wink Aker House, Robin Croaff Polly Cole, Pete Cole Gary Faries Mounts Funeral Home and H & H Furniture Bonnie's Restaurant and Babe's Restaurant As everyone entered the park shelter, they dropped a slip of paper with their name into a treasure chest. At intervals during the day a name would be drawn and that person was presented with a prize. The last name drawn, Monroe "Pewee" Gibson, won a complete set of Glen Alum Coal Company scrip coins. Grant Butcher was awarded the prize for being the oldest person born in Glen Alum. He was born in 1925. He was presented a beautiful floral arrangement donated by the Lighthouse Floral. It was determined that Linda Callaway Denton was the last person born in Glen Alum in 1948. She was presented a floral arrangement donated by Clarice's Flower Shop. Richard Nichols ask the Lord's Blessing of the plentiful tables of food. Everyone enjoyed a delicious meal of ham, fried chicken, BBQ chicken, meatloaf, pizza cassarole,lasagna, baked beans, green beans, pinto beans, cole slaw, potato salad, pasta salad, macaroni salad,broccoli salad, deviled eggs, salsa straight from Texas (delivered by Bob and Barb Cisco Chandler), chips, corn bread, rolls, german chocolate cake, blackberry cobblers made (by Essie Dawn Nichols Sparks) from berries picked in Glen Alum, and watermelon. A special recognition for the cooks of all the delicious food and a special thanks to Essie Dawn Sparks for volunteering to work non stop setting out the food and helping to serve. The picnic tables were covered with different color table cloths, and the food was placed on two L-shaped tables and served buffet style. Our deepest appreciation to Robert and Stacey Hatfield for their contribution of covering the tables and the job of cleaning up. Words cannot express the happiness and joy felt at this gathering. The weather was terrible. We had rain most of the day, but it is doubtful that any of us really noticed. There will never be that many hugs and smiles, laughter and pats on the back again until next year when we all meet again. If you were not able to attend the 2004 reunion, please mark the date for next years gathering. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!! Those in attendance were: Alex Nagy Amanda Callaway Anna Matney Aubrey May Barb Cisco Chandler Betty Dotson Beverly Taylor Bryant Bill Evans Bill May Bill Trent Billy Burton Bob Chandler Bobby Reynolds Brittany Cox Carol Faries Chuck Murphy Cole Adkins David France Deanie Lockard Denzil Miller Don Trent Donna Allred Donny Noe Essie Dawn Sparks Estil Miller Gary Faries Genevieve Burton George Dovin Grant Butcher Granville Miller Harlon Cisco Harold Trent, Jr. Harry Dotson Harvey Collins Harvey Harrison Harvey Harrison III Heath Gibson Irvin Gibson J. D. Harrison J. P. Burton Jacqueline Perry James Perry James Sparks Janice Owens Kirk Jarrad Callaway Jennifer Cisco Jim Callaway Jim Croaff Joe Lendearo Joe Toler Josh Gibson Joyce Burton Judy Browning Judy Hatfield June Maynard Bradford Junior Ferrell Karen Owens Kathryn (Sook) Perry Toler Kay Matney Kaye Cole Gibson Langley France Larry Bradley Lavern Cisco Lawrence Miller Linda Callaway Linda Miller May Linda Nichols Lou Callaway Lum Matney Major Bryant Margaret (Dukie) Dovin Buckley Margaret Monk Eldridge Margie Noe Coyle Martha Cisco McKenna Matney Minnie Dotson Ferguson Monroe "Pewee" Gibson Neltha Croaff Norma Jean Miller Ola Mae Miller Pat Aker Walker Pearl Cisco Liles Penny France Pete Cole Polly Cole Rachel Maynard Makofsky Ralph Owens Richard Nichols Robert France Robert Hatfield Robin Croaff Ronald Ferrell Ronnie Allred Ruby Ward Sharon Sparks Gibson Sheila Miller Shelby Nichols Shirley Collins Shirley Dotson Hatfield Stacey Hatfield Sue May Ted Lockard Ted Pruitt Toad Ferrell Trina Harrison Vanessa Prater Vivian Miller Wendy "Wink" Aker House Woodrow Miller