The annual picnic of the Washington County Historical Society, on Monday, Sept. 10, was a social success, "wrapping up" summer with the largest attendance in several years. The picnic was held at the VFW picnic shelter on Pike Street in Marietta. Many WCHS members attended and were able to meet with members of the general public, whom we were pleased to have attend, and members of the Western Washington County Historical Society (which meets in the Barlow library.) So many covered dishes were brought and carefully arranged it appeared as though we were about to feed a battalion!
Many many thanks goes to the entire VanDyk family (three generations), for their time and efforts in setting up the meal. Judy VanDyk, coordinator of the entire event, made advance preparations, and (becoming ill) and was unable to attend the actual event. Her husband, Adrian, daughter Debby, and grandchildren Megan, Joey, and Aidan, pulled together and fulfilled Judy's role as coordinator. To watch their daughter, Debby, arrange and set up the food tables was to watch the expertise taught 'her by her Mother, Judy!
Assisting Judy with preparations was Al Cummings, and Ruth Thorniley. Tom Sharretts and Georgaleen Hockenberry assisted with food and beverage arranging. Gretchen Otto served as hostess for the evening and Kurt Ludwig offered the prayer of thanksgiving before we sat to enjoy our meal.
We want to sincerely thank the VFW, Giant Eagle Supermarket, and Marietta's Kentucky Fried (KFC) for their contributions in making our annual picnic a huge success.
Members of the public who are interested in historic preservation and wish to become members of the WCHS may do so by contacting our Archives Offices at (740) 373-1788.
Our next general meeting will be Nov. 5.
Washington County Historical Society
Submitted by Gretchen Otto, board of trustees member
