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Dear Harthill/Hartill family,

Time got away from me again this year. At times I wonder why I mail this because we meet the same time each year. Second Sunday of August. It seems we usually need a reminder to do it though.

The 43nd Hartill/Harthill family picnic is scheduled to be at the Chewelah City Park on the 2nd Sunday in August, which is Aug 10, 2003 at 1:00 PM. Hopefully, you will plan to come. Invite anyone in your family, whose address I do not have. Each year many letters come back to me, so please keep me updated on address changes, snail and e-mail.

It will be potluck as usual. Check out the recipes in the Hartill Cookbook. Each family is asked to bring 2 items of food, (3 would be better for variety) one being a hot dish. Please bring your own Silverware, Plates & Beverages, and if you want a Tablecloth and folding chairs.

Remember your wrapped WHITE ELEPHANT for the AUCTION. The purpose of this is to have an expense fund for mailing expenses, door prizes and a charity project… plus it's just plain fun. I did not line up an auctioneer. I pray one simply materializes. Bob Floyd???

Recipes for a supplement to our cookbook ~ When ample recipes come in to warrant it, we'll print a supplement. Send recipes either to me or to Joann Jones, or bring to the picnic in August; Joann's address: (2122 Ferry St SW, Albany OR 97321-3918) [bumbleb@proaxis.com]

I finished transcribing the Chewelah Pioneer Cemetery, and already have heard from many places. Even Tony Perkins in South Australia has an aunt and uncle there. I am so pleased to see how they have fixed it up and are maintaining it, thanks to volunteer labor. All are displayed either on my own site at mrail.net or interment.net where I am the editor. They continue to need donations.

When you arrive at the park watch for the big "Hartill Picnic" sign someplace in the Chewelah Park. Carolyn Hartill said she and Bob Holford would see that it is placed there, reserving a spot for us. I am presuming the Kathy and Howie Wynia will again purchase the door prizes for us.

2002 Picnic: had 82 in attendance… Bob Floyd was the auctioneer, with many helpers. Motion made at the picnic by Bob Floyd to donate $200.00 to the Chewelah Cemetery Association. S/C Very lovely summer day, temperature more tolerable, with a larger attendance than last year, due to the loss of Marie Hartill Rarrick Roy. This saddened all, but was so enjoyable to see all of Marie's family. No other business.

Treasurer's Report:

*These are the expenses up to May 31, 2003. Does not reflect expenses for this year's picnic.

Maggie Rail, sec/treas.

We need to consider a request I was asked about. Should we change the meeting place to a park in Spokane?

Prayers are especially needed for the Keadle family. Ron is declining rapidly. This is Bernice's husband.

There were approximately 43 e-mails and 38 snail mails sent to date in 2003.

Your Cousin, Sis, Mom, Gmom, Cemlady

Maggie Rail

[mrail@asisna.com] or [mrail@mrail.net]
Ewanida Rail Records (under Interests, then Hartill)
Interment.net (the site I work as Editor on)