header-SSRG.jpg (15353 bytes)
menu-SSRG.jpg (2903 bytes)

fam-forumlogo3.gif (4476 bytes)

 

Meet the
SSRG!


Over 80 Family Members attend the Year 2000 Reunion.  Occasion Blessed with Ideal weather.
Story by Sam Sanders

July 29-30 marked the annual Sanders/Wilkerson Reunion at Fort Cobb State Park in Oklahoma. Having ideal weather with high temperatures in the 80's and low 90's, over 80 family members attended the annual event. The Sanders are decendants of Stephen C. Sanders, son of Nimrod Saunders.

I attended this reunion for the first time in 1998, and I and my family had a wonderful time. This year we had the chance to attend the event again, and we had equally such a good time.    Even though many of these Sanders are distant relatives, we feel we are among family.  The reunion has been meeting for many, many years through the years.  Many of the Sanders in this group reside in Oklahoma, many from the Elgin and Fletcher, Oklahoma area.

The group that meets at this reunion is most closely related to Chesley Sanders and Judy Jones.  1998 marked the first time that this group had a member of the family who was a descendant of the first marriage of Stephen C. Sanders. All of the other Sanders in this group are from the second marriage of Stephen Sanders and Amy Moore.  This year Nancy Haley and her husband Darrell attended (See Photo right).   She is another cousin who is a descendant of Stephen C. Sanders and Heiksey Simmons. Precisely, she is a granddaugther of Isom Hurney Sanders, Jr.  Nancy and Darrell blessed us with their visit and kindness.  Nancy also shared information and exhibits of family photographs and collection, including a bible carried by Isam Sanders, Sr., carried during the Civil War Period.  Check our photograph images to this item.

This reunion is always a good time to compare genealogical notes.   

My family arrived at the state park on Tuesday. During the week, we had a chance to visit with other families already at the camp and took in some lake swimming and a couple of side trips.  Most of the families arrive on Friday or Saturday.  Many of the senior members of the group come and camp at the park as early as the weekend before the reunion.  The park is "first come, first served", so many of the group come and reserve a shaded area in the "Area 2".  Tarps are strung between trees and an area is provided for a pot-luck and auction.  The pot-luck and auction is on Saturday night.  Attendees of the auction are encouraged to bring something to auction off, and the proceeds go toward a catered Sunday meal.

The whole weekend was a time to have fun. Sit in the shade with a glass of tea and chat family and memories.  Join the senior men for a game of Dominos. Swim in the lake waters just a few yards away, or join a group of women or youth for a visit to a shopping district or a famous Hamburger joint.  Find out the wealth of this family by their smiles and faithful lives.

View photographs of the Year 2000 Reunion

Click here for a map of Fort Cobb State Park.  The RED dot marks the area where the family meets.   The park is north of the town of Fort Cobb, Oklahoma, which is north of Fort Sill and West of Oklahoma City.

 

 

2000 ©  Sam Sanders.   All Rights Reserved
Last updated:  Sunday, August 27, 2000