TSS News

The Board of Directors has voted to postpone the Stidham* Family Reunion scheduled for August 1-3 this summer until next year (date yet to be determined) when several items of historicial importantance to the family should be completed. Here they are:

Number one is the placement of a historical marker at 14th and Poplar (now known as Clifford Brown Walk) designating the site of Timen Stiddem’s home. We’re trying to work that out with the local authorities at this time, but know realistically that it won’t be ready this summer.

Group tours site of the Crane Hook Church Monument in 2007. TSS members are:
David Stidham (first on the left) and Garet Gunther (third from left).
New Sweden Centre representative Aleasa Hogate (forth from left).

Number two is the relocation of the Crane Hook Church Monument to a site accessible to the public. It currently sits on private property in the middle of an industrial area.

Third is correction of the “Old Mill Stone” historical marker on the Brandywine River, which currently carries inaccurate information regarding the Stedham family mill.

The completion of all three projects before our next reunion will make it that much more enjoyable when do we return to the city.

Old Mill Stone historical marker on the Brandywine river.

Another big reason to delay our reunion is the fact that next year the Swedish Colonial Society will be celebrating their 100th anniversary, and it would be nice to take part as a group in some of their events. One of those may include the presence of the King and Queen of Sweden, High Patrons of the SCS, and it would be great if we could lend our support in honoring them for their continued interest in New Sweden. If the Royal Family does make it next year, it would be during festivites held in October. An alternative date could be March 29th of 2009, Swedes Landing Day and SCS Forefathers Luncheon. As in other years, we could simply keep it in the middle of summer when more families have vacation time to spend.

If you're a member of the Society and would like to express your opinion as to when we should hold next year's reunion, send an email to Richard Steadham, TSS President, and let him know your thoughts on the rescheduling.

The Board has also voted on a new scheduling format for all future Stidham* Family Reunions sponsored by the TSS, which will now take place every other year. It goes as follows: Beginning in 2009 and every fourth year thereafter, the TSS will hold a Family Reunion in Wilmington, Delaware, site of this family’s origin in America. Every other odd year, the Society will hold a Family Reunion at any other location agreed upon by a majority of Board Members, with input from the general membership. As an example: 2009 in Wilmington, 2011 in Dallas, 2013 in Wilmington, 2015 in Atlanta, 2017 in Wilmington, 2019 in Seattle, etc. This way we don’t wear out our welcome in Wilmington, but return often enough to give new members—and interested old timers—the opportunity of being there as an organized group with privileges accorded our standing in the historical community.