Over 100 members of the Carter family gathered at Lake Viking Aug. 3 through 5. Cousins came from as far away as Washington state and Florida.
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All of the clan is descended from Franklin Pearce and America Jane Carter who came to Gentry County in the mid-1800’s. Franklin’s brother Eli also had a descendant present Saturday night.
Hosted by Nancy Terry of Gallatin, the festivities began Friday night with a pizza party. On Saturday, Mark Morrison brought his custom-made smoker/fryer. With the help of Adam Ness and a host of other relatives, they prepared pork loin, onion rings, and fried potatoes. The young cousins took advantage of the playground, pool, and beach at Lake Viking. In the meantime, parents and grandparents found shady spots to catch up on stories of old times around McFall and Pattonsburg. Sunday morning was time for a last goodbye and group pictures.
The reunion was started around 15 years ago. For a few years, it just attracted the children and grandchildren of Frank and Lois Carter. But over the years, the children of Cleo (Carter) and Rufus Hefley, and Carl (Shorty) and Ruth Ellen Carter have joined the festivities. Reunion founder Juanita (Carter) Wilcox and her husband George were unable to attend this year, but a group greeting card was prepared in her honor.
The reunion has been held in many locations – Eureka Springs, Hollister, Grand Lake and Branson, just to name a few. Lake Viking was a popular choice because of its close proximity for many of the family members. Next year’s reunion will be held the first weekend in August.