Alger Family News

2010 Reunion Update

2010-07-10T10:50:00.000-07:00

August 14, 2007 and the 2010 Reunion is drawing near. We are finally getting a tentative head count. If you haven't confirmed your attendance, please email me at gallagher.denise@comcast.net

For those who need directions to the Casini Family Campground please access the map at
http://www.casiniranch.com/maps.php

We will have games for kids & adults, great food, & really good conversations. We are all looking forward to seeing familiar and new faces this year. Please access the link at the left to see all "New Alger Photos" plus photos of past reunions.

Anyone interested in having their family photos added to the photoshows can email them to me. Don't forget to idenify the faces in the photos.

See you at the reunion!

2010 Family Reunion

2010-03-06T10:38:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars. August 14,2010 is the date and Casini Ranch Family Campgrounds located in Duncan Mills, California is the place. This is the same place we met for the 2008 Reunion. I hope to see you all!

This year is speeding by and the reunion will be here quickly. Please RSVP to my email and pass the date on to anyone not receiving notifications. I will keep you all informed on the progress.

2009 came to an end and Merrial celebrated his 80th birthday in good health. Merrial's children hosted a party attended by Merrial's lifetime friends Dudley, Jim Austin, & Kenny Oliver. A photoshow is available.

Merrial is looking forward to the 2010 reunion this year and we won't let him down.

Please contact me with any questions.

Family Connections

2009-07-05T17:27:00.000-07:00

It has been almost a year since the 2008 Alger Reunion in Guerneville, Ca. We are all experiencing numerous life changes with the economy.

The Daniel (son of Merrial) & Lita Alger family recently gathered to celebrate their daughter Brooke Alger's marriage.

This year has also seen the David Dawson (son of Barbara Jose) family celebrating their daughter Michelle's marriage. They will be gathering again this summer for Dave Dawson's 70th birthday party.

My family, (the children of Quentin Alger) celebrated my son Jonathan Lewis' marriage to Lisa DeBrunner. Additionally, Craig Alger retired this year after a long haul in the Construction Trade.

After the last few years of Alger Reunions, the Merrial Alger children have planned a gathering of their immediate family for the end of August in Santa Barbara, Ca. And Lenore Forkas (daughter of Mina Alger) has her daughter Cathy, grandaughter Shelly and great grandchildren arriving today July 5th in Oregon to spend some time together.

In further Family News, I was recently contacted by a Ms Layna Nolan Bennett of San Marcos, CA. Layna is the grandaughter of Edgar (brother of James Alva) and Elna Jensen Alger. Her mother was Erma Lee Alger. Her mother Erma Lee and brother James Pace Alger were both raised by Merrill and Alda V Lambson Alger. I am hoping to hear quite a bit more from Layna Bennett. The grandchild of one of the younger siblings, she has numerous stories and photo's that many of us were never exposed to. I am hoping to have more news very soon.

Family Connections

2008-10-04T22:03:00.000-07:00

Since our 2008 reunion, I have received numerous emails from Alger descendents. This is a young man named James Stokes, his wife Katie and their two children from Wisconsin.

James is the great grandson of Zella Alger. James Alvin Alger's younger sister, Zella was born in 1903. James Alvin would have been 14 years old at the time of her birth.

James' father is Elvin Ray Stokes and his grandfather is Ray Stokes both pictured in the "name your family" photo to the left. I threw this one in for fun.

The recent emails have been very interesting. James has provided a number of photos we are trying to identify.

Additional emails include Cathy Alger of Texas and Rachael Alger. Cathy's line goes back to Ohio and I've not made the connection yet. It probably leads back to England.

Rachael Alger's line leads back through her Dads' line. He was Drew Alvon Alger and her aunt is Evelyn Alger Bishop . They descended from Vernon Alger, Rodney Alger, Thaddeus Peet Alger, who was killed by lightning at the age of 27, and Nathan Alger. I am currently tracing these folks back to see where our lines meet up. It's been an interesting month.

I know Matthew Alger, our historian will be really intrigued!

Family Connections

2008-10-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

Rick Dawson (son of David Dawson, grandson of Barbara Jose Alger) is the young man preparing the meat for the 2008 barbeque. Along with Joe Parmeter (his brother in law and Curtis Manning) these young men prepared a barbeque to be proud of. Thank you for all your hard work.

Lenore and Ilene Lyman kept looking at both Rick and David Dawson and calling them by their Dad's name. That was an easy mistake to make if you remember their Dad in the earlier years. These boys definitely bear a strong resemblance.

Michele Parmeter named the photo immediately after it was published. I'm not sure that counts! Michele played a big part in helping with the barbeque also.

Important Alger Family News

2008-09-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

The family featured in the last "name your family" photo was Stephen Alger, his sister Sandra Alger Weiner, and his wife Louise Alger. I'm sure you all know that Stephen and Sandra are David Waldo Alger's children. Stephen and Louise reside in New Mexico. I think they enjoyed the 2008 Reunion.

Many traveled a great distance to attend the 2008 Reunion, however the current gas prices and economy made it very expensive. We all enjoyed ourselves yet there were mixed opinions on when and where the next reunion would be held. At this time, we are asking for anyone interested in volunteering for the next Reunion Committee to send an email to deealger@gmail.com

We would also like to know your reponse to the following questions:

1. Would you attend the next Reunion in 2009? In Utah or California?

2. Would you attend the next Reunion in 2010? In Utah or California?

Your answers to these questions will determine when and where the next reunion will be.

With that said, I want to thank the 2008 Reunion Committee (Colleen Alger, Matthew Alger, Ed Alger, Sandra Weiner, Sandra Haro, and Sharon Richmond) for their participation in the planning. The 2008 Reunion would not have been possible without Rick Dawson, Michelle Dawson Parmeter, Craig Alger, Sheri Alger Slaydon, Yvonne Alger Weiler, Corinne Alger, and my children Eric, Adam, Alan & Wendy Gallagher, and Jonathan & Joseph Lewis who always come through for me and help with any family event! Additionally, I want thank Merrial Alger and all of the Alger Descendents. Without all of you the Alger Family Reunions would not happen! Plus, we all know that the food at an Alger gathering can feed a small city for a week. And Oh what wonderful food it is! Thank you all for your participation, you are fantastic!

Reunion 2008 - Name Your Family!

2008-08-19T17:27:00.001-07:00

All right Folks! Let's name this family. This weeks photo features (from left to right) Cathy Durman, daughter of Lenore Forkas and grandaughter of Mina. Beside her is her daughter Shelly. Next we have Renee Alger, daughter of Craig Alger, grandaughter of Quentin. To the right is Wendy, another daughter of Cathy Durman. Front row is Wendy's children Mathew and Merinda. Most of the family in the photo are the descendents of Lenard and Mina Alger Lyman at the 2008 Reunion in Duncan Mills.

Reunion 2008 - Name Your Family!

2008-08-12T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well, no one named these family members. Here's your answer: Barbara Alger Zayac's only daughter Rebecca Zayac Cameron and Quentin Alger's oldest son Craig Quentin Alger. Watch for the next photos and name your family!

Alger Family Reunion 2008

2008-07-29T22:58:00.000-07:00

We had a great turnout for the 2008 Reunion gathering. 113 family members and 15 guests. Games were the real hit of the day for kids and adults (see the photos). They came in right behind the sharing of memories, meeting relatives, and reacquainting with others. It was exciting and emotional for all of us. Family continued to gather through the next 3-4 days enjoying the company. A list of attending families will follow. Photos are pleantiful. Please check the photo show to see all that attended and mainly the games. A fantastic barbeque of pork ribs, chicken, and hot dogs were arranged and cooked by Rick Dawson and Joe. Everyone enjoyed a feast, thanks to these young men. They certainly know their business. The barbeque was plentiful. Leftovers lasted for a few additional meals for many. Merrial Alger was the center of attention for many and probably exhausted after the games but he watched them all. Merrial is in a place of honor at these functions regardless of where he sits. Family members seek him out to introduce themselves and speak to him. Memories and stories provided by Merrial and many of the elder cousins make these events particularly special for many cousins attending for the first time. More to come very soon.

Alger Family Reunion 2008 Update

2008-04-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

The 2008 Alger Reunion is quickly approaching. I hope you are all excited!

The reunions are a great experience for each of us and more important are the memories we are making for our children and grandchildren.

Our recent gatherings have resulted in the Family History Book, generously published by Dan Alger. He accomplished an incredible task in assembling that beautiful book. It will be the topic of conversations for years to come.

We also have the 2007 Reunion T-shirts designed and provided by Sandy Weiner. They were an enormous hit and it was quite amazing to see over 100 family members in matching T-shirts at the same time.

So, please mark the date on your calendar to reconnect with cousins from our youth and make the acquaintance of those you’ve never met.

The planning committee has been meeting frequently concerning the details of the event. This year, we will be having a simple pot luck style barbeque of hamburgers and hot dogs, salads, beans, fruit, and deserts. We all know the food takes a back seat to the enjoyment of visiting with each other, and of course the games.

The fee this year is $10 per person. This can be sent to the Alger Family Reunion, 41676 Lori Ln., Hemet CA 92544. Please notify Sandra Clarke Haro at sharo222@gmail.com when you submit your check. She will respond by email when it is received. For those of you who prefer to use electronic bank payment, please contact Mathew Alger matthewalg37@yahoo.com for the necessary information

Again this year, we will have a 3-legged race, egg toss, and tug-a-war for the adults. Of course the children are welcome to participate also. It was so much such fun last year, I was bruised for weeks.

Our Reunion T-shirts will be in colors this year. Each child of James and Harriet Alger will have a different color. All of that child’s descendents will have the same color. The shirts are $10 each. Please designate quantities desired in each size. Adults, S, M, L, & XL and Children S, M, & L. Your orders can be sent to gallagher.denise@comcast.net Send your payments separately or with your attendance to the reunion.

We have fond memories of the early reunions organized by our parents. As families grew, their lives separated by both miles and lifestyles. However, the reunions instilled a sense of family belonging in all of us. I hope to see all of you at the reunion. Please confirm your attendance with the number of children and adults attending. You can send the info to gallagher.denise@comcast.net It really helps in the planning.

For any interested in driving from Salt Lake City to the reunion in Sonoma County or sharing a ride, please contact Matthewalg37@yahoo.com for details.

Thank you.

Alger Family Reunion 2008 Location

2008-03-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

The 2008 Reunion will be held July 26 at the Casini Ranch Camp Ground in Duncan Mills, California (Sonoma County). This is the Russian River foakes! I am hoping the day in the River area will be enjoyed by all.

The Campground at Duncan Mills is about 15 minutes from Monte Rio, CA. Rick Dawson (grandson of Barbara Jose Alger)will be running the barbeque this year.

The campground currently has openings for those of you who would like to camp out. I am planning to stay at the campground for the weekend. There are many beautiful lodges, motels, cabins, etc in the surrounding area. Occidental and Bodega Bay are within a short drive. (for those of you who enjoy seafood & the coast)

Please confirm your attendance and make the arrangements you prefer. I am attaching links to lodges, motels, & cabins in the area.

Please let me know if you need any assistance in making arrangements to attend this years reunion. We can help with camp gear if you prefer to stay at the campground.

Links to the available cabins, lodges, etc. are located on the left.

We look forward to seeing you all in July.

Denise

Alger Family Reunion 2008

2008-02-13T17:32:00.000-08:00

Mark your calendars. The 2008 Reunion is scheduled for July 26, 2008 in Sonoma County California.

The past reunions have taught us that during this weekend, we are all trying to spend as much time together as possible. Last year, I think we all drove Merrial crazy (fighting for his attention). This year, I have had positive responses from Lenore Lyman (Oregon) and her sister Ilene Abel. Dave Dawson's (very large) clan are also expected. Sandy Weiner's family (Dave Alger's daughter) has already made arrangements in the area. I understand her brother Steven's family (from New Mexico) will be joining them.

For everyone coming from outside California, we are making every effort to make the trip as affordable as possible.

It would be a great help to have some input from all of you who are planning to attend or would like to attend.

If you are planning to make the trip this year, please let me know (in an email)including a head count for your family.

Also, if you would be interested in any of the following accomodations or have a preference. If enought are interested in a common place we can make it more affordable. Please remember to include the total number of people.

Round Trip Charter Bus Travel
Overnight Camp Ground Stay
Overnight Cabin Stay
Motel Lodging
Country Lodge
# of adults
# of children.

I hope everyone is looking forward to attending this year.

Denise Gallagher
gallagher.denise@comcast.net

Reunion 2007 Utah

2007-08-23T18:26:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Alger Reunion in Utah was a great success. We missed everyone from the 06 Reunion that weren't able to attend. I especially missed my family and was quite awkward when we gathered for the family photos.

Dan Alger planned the arrival of the Alger Family History Book to perfection. The book was the topic of discussion. Everyone was delighted. He couldn't have planned the title better if his mother had suggested it.

Merrial was thoroughly delighted and beaming with pride. On the day of the reunion, he pointed to the family photos and said "they would be so happy".

Please visit the photo show and feel our excitement.

Thursday evening started with a gathering hosted by Dan & Lita Alger at their home. It was a spectacular gathering as each family arrived. We were all excited and you knew we were family as we greeted one another.

Dan's children came in from all over. His brother Glen, wife Valerie and their son flew in from Washington. Susan Alger Ridgeway and Merrial Alger, as well as his youngest daughter brenda & family flew in from California. Susan's daughter Liana and family drove in.

The DeWayne Alger family arrived from all over Utah and other areas. They were a huge friendly group. We were so happy to meet them all.

Sandy & Robert Weiner family, Sharon & Lloyd Richmond family, Matthew Alger family, as well as the Bob & LaFlores Dawson family were all on the scene.

Sandy Clark Haro, son Charlie, Nikki Clark & husband Stephen Ryder made a road trip through southern Utah.

Phyllis & Paul Andrews and family arrived for the Saturday reunion.

I along with Sheri & Dennis Slaydon, and their son Schuyler made an extended road trip visiting St George, Zion Park, Bryce Canyon, Hiawatha, Cleveland, Huntington, Elmo, Price, Helper and continuing on to Payson.

Our photos don't do justice to the Utah Hills and skies that our parents told of. I intentionally left the photos unedited to reveal the changes of light on the mountains. The quickly changing skies and the light cast over the mountains was magnificient. It gave so much meaning to our Dad telling us "I need to get home to the mountains". This was our parent's beginning. The mountains they roamed in their youth.

It may have been the source of their drive and ambitions but it most certainly was the source or their strong family connection.

I hope you all enjoy the photo shows and will send your reunion photos to be shared on the Photo site.

The reunion went as planned with fun for all. Kids and adults enjoyed the games. The tug-of-war was a disappointment for some of us, as "everyone born an Alger" lost to "everyone not born an Alger".

The egg toss was great amusement as the resourceful kids used hard boiled eggs. Well, that's what it's all about. Algers like to win!

I want to thank Dan & Lita for all their hospitality and hard work. Their son Grant found he was being deployed to Iraq within a few days of the reunion. He left on August 22, 2007. Grant has a great, loving family praying for his safe return. God be with you Grant. We love you!

Next years 2008 Reunion is scheduled for the last weekend in July 2008, Sonoma County, CA. Contact me if you would like to be a part of the planning team. The plan is to get all the descendants of James and Harriet from Utah, California, Oregan, Nevada, Washington, etc. in the same place at the same time. Wouldn't that be a reunion. What do you think Uncle Merrial?

Dee Gallagher

Food for Thought

2007-06-10T09:55:00.000-07:00

In January 2006, Craig Alger shared his desire to gather the family together for a reunion. He recalled fond memories of joining with our many cousins, uncles, and aunts for the annual events of the 60s. More than 30 years ago, we bonded together once a year at a huge picnic in San Bruno, CA and unknowingly created memories.

Eight months later, after hours of searching for relatives and planning, we joined in Rohnert Park CA. We gathered as strangers and left as family!

Many who attended the 2006 reunion had expressed feelings of apprehension, uncertainty, and strong negative feelings prior to the event. Those same family members were surprised to find those feelings replaced with a strong connective bond and a hunger to know more of our extended family.

In the introduction of the Alger Family History Book Daniel Alger wrote the following:

Last year when I received an invitation to the Alger Family Reunion in Rohnert Park, California from my cousin Denise Gallagher, I politely declined. Whatever positive memories I had from my youth were blocked by less favorable memories dominated by relatives that abused or suffered from the effects and stranglehold alcohol had on their lives. There was one cousin I truly wanted to see, but was told she would not be attending.

My father’s reaction to the reunion was quite different. He wanted to attend and looked forward to seeing friends and family. He is the last of the children of James and Harriet. As the youngest of twelve, he always looked up to older siblings and parents. Now he stood alone as the official patriarch of the family. I decided to go to the reunion because I wanted to support my father in his desire to attend.

When I arrived at the reunion, I was surprised with my own reaction. I met cousins and family members that I had not seen in decades. Some I remembered through the eyes of a twelve year old, others I had no memory of at all. I discovered that I had a strong connection with extended family and truly enjoyed the small amount of time I had with them. We shared stories and memories (mostly fond memories that I had forgotten or buried). I found that I was missing this connection in my life. I wanted to hear more stories, learn more about everyone's life and family. My cousin Susan was there. She had been a big part of my life growing up and I had not seen her in 27 years. I was able to spend time with her catching up on the past three decades and to ask forgiveness for weaknesses of my youth.

Please confirm your attendance at the reunion and give us the pleasure of your company!

James & Harriet Alger Descendents

2007-06-09T09:55:00.000-07:00

The 2007 Alger Reunion is quickly approaching! The date is August 18, 2007 in Woodland Hills, Utah. We're still trying to locate many of our cousins and appreciate any information you may have! This year, we will sorely miss Loretta Preston, Mozelle Alger, and Clifford Alger. They were very excited about the upcoming reunion. Personally, I know how pleased Cliff was with the 06 Reunion in Petaluma. With that said, I am really appreciating my health and all of my family. I plan to attend as many future family gatherings as possible and look forward to meeting each of you!

It's very exciting to have this opportunity to get acquainted. I am amazed at the personality traits that are so apparent in Alger descendants. I am referring to the very powerful-positive strengths we have inherited. I've always known that my siblings and children possess the ability to "make things happen"and "achieve the impossible". The word "can't" is not in the Alger vocabulary. It's fantastic to meet our cousins and observe these traits in them as well!

Dan Alger (Merrial’s son) has devoted many hours to gathering histories for the book that will be available in time for the reunion. We are grateful for the submissions and enthusiasm from everyone. Writing our own histories was an extremely difficult and emotional task for some of us. The history book is being published for our family and Dan is generously providing a copy to each 1st cousin. I am excited and looking forward to reading the book. Try the family history link to the left for a preview.

Alger Family News

2010 Reunion Update

2010 Family Reunion

Family Connections

Family Connections

Family Connections

Important Alger Family News

Sponsored Family

Reunion 2008 - Name Your Family!

Reunion 2008 - Name Your Family!

Alger Family Reunion 2008

Alger Family Reunion 2008 Update

Alger Family Reunion 2008 Location

Alger Family Reunion 2008

Reunion 2007 Utah

Food for Thought

James & Harriet Alger Descendents