Hoping to reach a separated line of our family that left Maryland and after
a period in Bullitt County, Kentucky, migrated to Owen County, Indiana. The
line descends from RICHARD ALLISON and SARAH CHESHIRE line of Maryland and
Kentucky.
Have found only a few relatives thus far, and in other locations. Have yet
to find anyone still residing in Owen County.
We're desperately seeking members of this family line in time to reunite
everyone for the 2007 edition of our national level family reunion. Will
paste in below the story of the reunion and all the big things happening
this year.
The massive gathering is always held deep in the high Blue Ridge Mountains
during the peak of fall color in the mountains, providing the perfect
setting. The town of Brevard, just below the Blue Ridge Parkway near
Asheville, North Carolina is home to the oldest surviving Allison family
home in America, built by in 1815 by Benjamin Allison, a cousin of Richard
Allison who went to Kentucky. The Allison-Deaver House is now fully restored
and will host parts of the weekend-long festivities.
Our colonial British family originally of London was established in Maryland
in 1658 and remained there until the closing years of the America Revolution
and just afterward, at which time a large incremental migration began
flowing out of the old colonial home. Western North Carolina caught the
largest share of the pioneering Allisons while others went into West
Virginia and Kentucky, and then on to numerous other new homes, such as
Indiana.
See below for reunion information. Hope to hear from someone!
Michael Allison, President
National Allison-Allanson Family Association
-------------------------------
The huge National Allison Family Reunion returns to Brevard, North Carolina
in Transylvania County on October 19-21. The guest of honor and speaker for
2007 is Her Majesty's Deputy Consul General Helen Arbon. The distinguished
British diplomat will pay tribute to the Allisons' British ancestors and
will deliver greetings to the family on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II and the
people of the United Kingdom.
The National Allison Family Reunion is an annual event produced by the 700
members of the National Allison-Allanson Family Association, founded in
Brevard on October 19, 1996. Attendance will be drawn from dozens of states
and at least three foreign countries. Family members will travel to Brevard
from as far away as Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
New for 2007 will be a special historical exhibit entitled "One Family -
Five Centuries." The extensive heritage exhibit flows through time from the
year 1500 to the present, chronologically interpreting 500 years in the life
of a single family as it evolves from the civility of life in London to life
in colonial Maryland in the 1600's, and eventually to life as a culturally
and racially diverse American pioneer family established in the mountains of
western North Carolina in 1778.
Family history exhibits covering most lines of the family will total almost
300 feet, providing an amazingly rich experience for anyone interested in
family history.
An exciting line-up of specially selected heritage entertainment will also
take the Allisons through time, beginning with classic British
selections performed by the Pyramid Brass Quintet. Atlanta vocalist Allison
Melton will also perform several traditional British selections, including
God Save the Queen and the awe-inspiring "Did Those Feet in Ancient Time,"
based on the ancient legends of Glastonbury, England.
American heritage entertainment will be presented by several bands and
entertainers, including the Celestial Mountain String Band, the McDowell
Family Band, Tugalo Holler, vocalist Hannah DiBella, the Melodyaires, and
former world champion Indian hoop dancer Eddie Swimmer of Cherokee.
Festivities kick off with a welcome party at the Elk's Club on Friday,
October 19. Friday evening includes dinner, heritage entertainment, dancing,
and a family history swap-shop area.
The event packed weekend continues all day on Saturday on campus at Brevard
College, opening early that morning at 8:00 am with a narrated,
guided tour of the heritage exhibit by family historian Michael Allison. The
annual reunion program and banquet follows at 10:00 am. Her Majesty's Deputy
Consul General Arbon will speak in late morning and will present a memorial
wreath made from the English Allison rose during the annual reunion memorial
service in early afternoon.
After an afternoon break, the events turn casual and down-home for an
old-fashioned family fun night with dancing, singing, and a barbeque dinner.
Following events on campus on Saturday evening, the crowd will gather for an
after hours bluegrass music party at Rockefellas at Rodeway Inn.
For 2007, the event packed Allison reunion weekend coincides with the
community-wide Transylvania Heritage Day celebration on Sunday, October 21
at the historic 1815 Allison-Deaver House. Heritage Day will allow the
reunion crowd to experience the Allison family's oldest surviving home in
America brought to life like never before through living historians and
demonstrators and excellent heritage entertainment from the stage on the
front lawn.
All Allisons and kin, as well as friends of the family, are cordially
invited. Due to catered meals, reservations are required for most events.
Please call immediately for more information, including a schedule of events
and how to make reservations closer to date. Contact Faye McCall (828)
877-4066 or e-mail Michael Allison at dma12(a)bellsouth.net
Hotel and motel packages are available but they're going fast. Anyone
needing lodging should contact us immediately!