On July 27, 2013, Claflin family members crowded into the Wenham Historical Association’s Burnham Hall for an informative business meeting, election of members to the Board of Directors and a great lunch.  It was a typical day for a Reunion, bright, sunny and warm.  This year, there was major competition for recognition for “furthest traveled” by a Claflin to the Reunion.  The winners were the Hendersons from outside of Los Angeles, CA (3,004 miles from Wenham), who put in a couple hundred more miles than Neil Claflin of Spokane, WA (2,788 miles).  As is our custom, Claflin cousins from all over the U.S. were warmly welcomed and the socializing was never better.

Post lunch entertainment included a visit from bagpiper Graeme Blackman of the Stuart Highlanders Pipe Band.  The Stuart Highlanders practice in Wilmington, MA and have travelled internationally, placing highly in prestigious competitions.   Graeme demonstrated the assembly of the bagpipes and the role of the various components.  He then played several tunes, some traditional and others of newer composition.  He treated us to several stanzas from the “Star Wars” theme to prove the versatility of the bagpipe.  We send a big thank you to Graeme for spending time with us.  A link to the Stuart Highlanders’ website is here.  While on the grounds of the Wenham Historical Association, Claflins also participated in several tours of the Museum’s collection and the Claflin-Gerrish-Richards house.

Please plan to join us in 2014 on July 26 at a location to be announced.

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