The Fifth Annual Friends of Aunt Phoebe Reunion is nigh!

The time is nigh for the Fifth Annual Friends of Aunt Phoebe (FOAP) Reunion! On Saturday, July 24th, a group of Judson/Goodell descendants, some historians (like me) and just plain "fan"-atics will gather for the fifth time since our original gathering on Memorial Day of 2006 at the Lynden Pioneer Museum. It's not too late to come down to La Vita e Bella in Seattle for dinner and a planning session for our trip in 2011 to Vermilion, Ohio. All you have to do is call me at (360) 201-7373 or e-mail me at michaelsonmary@yahoo.com in order to join the fun.

A special treat this year will be the debut of the bronze bust of Phoebe Goodell Judson, recently completed by sculptor, Robert "Bob" McDermott, who also created the "Dirty Dan" Harris sculpture in Fairhaven and "Vigil" in Blaine. Bob is currently working on a life-sized bust of Holden Judson, which we hope to have completed within a couple of months. Meanwhile, the bust of "Aunt Phoebe" will be on display at the Lynden Pioneer Museum following the FOAP Reunion and until it is placed atop the completed statue of the Judsons.

Also on display will be a brand-new artist's conception of the "Mary Woodruff," the little sidewheel steamer that brought Phoebe and Holden from Whidbey Island to Whatcom in March of 1870. We can thank Don Carver, direct descendant of Phoebe's older brother, William, for locating the marine artist and coordinating all of the artwork and photos which allowed this wonderful drawing to be created. Don and his wife, Kathy, will be there to tell us the story of how it all came about and will bring along some of their historical photos and albums.

And, of course, we will get to see the original camp kettle used by Aunt Phoebe to mix her salt- rising bread as they journeyed across the Oregon Trail in 1853. John Hamilton and wife Ada, owners of the camp kettle, are also keepers of the FOAP Scrapbook, as well as a rare photo of Phoebe, an album of remembrances from 1854 and other precious artificacts. Those who come to the event will have a chance to examine these items up close and exchange stories, experiences and personal memories with other Goodell "cousins."

It's not too late to join us for the fun!!