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From Our Kitchen
by Jean (Haskell) Krauklin
Reunion? It was more like a convention! Over forty Haskell descendants/spouses/friends came together for a glorious holiday weekend and proved that this bunch really knows how to have a good time. We came from as far as Arizona, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia - and as near as Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pressey Village itself.
On Pressey Point, some of us stayed at Buck and Alice's house, some at Janet's new house, some at Nancy's; a big family group was at Bob's, including three babies (Andrew, Michael, and Leo); Karen and Dick stayed at Pilgrim's Inn. Pete Loesch, Gar Young, Jonathan and Janis Young, and Vollmer Hetherington and Jean (Haskell) Krauklin were at the Inn at Ferry Landing. Tim and Priscilla Young and their Becca and Ethan were in Stonington. So we pretty much covered the island. And most of us had brilliant blue t-shirts that read "Make Way for Haskells" - a tribute, perhaps, to Robert McCloskey, the children's book author ("Make Way for Ducklings,") who lived in Little Deer isle, was a friend of "Uncle Dave", and recently passed away.
Although everybody made quite an effort to plan for our Reunion and to get to the island for our big event, it was Janet Millar-Haskell and Ken Loesch who masterminded. The rest of us helped by providing pictures, stories, and lots of wonderful food and great music! Louise constructed a beautiful website! The Fourth of July parade in Deer Isle with its fine-sounding band, the fireworks on the 5th in Stonington, and the marvelous summer weather provided plenty of atmosphere.
On the first evening after we'd all arrived, the different parts of the family split up for small gatherings. At Pilgrim's Inn, Grandmother Jean was given a lovely 80th birthday party attended by Vollmer, Karen, Dick, Pete, Ken, Sharon, Stacy, Louise, and grandchildren Kim, Jeffrey, David, and Jonathan. In the remodeled barn, now a country dining room, we were served a fine gourmet dinner, followed by a wonderful birthday cake ceremony. Jean was happy to receive a painting done by Karen of Pilgrim's Inn, along with a heartfelt message from all her children, plus two music books for future duet playing with Vollmer!
Next morning the first event was a 10-km foot race run in Stonington, in which our Dick Whitehill ran and won in his age category; we're proud of him, and don't see how he did that after the wining and dining the night before! Next came the Deer Isle parade at 10 a.m., with a short concert by the band beforehand.
The parade, as always, was good-humored, down-home style and lots of fun! Our Jonathan Loesch, age 13, had 3 dozen patriotic pins to sell to the bystanders, and made $17 profit for an hour's work. The rest of us just mingled, wearing our bright blue shirts and especially enjoying the babies' first sight of a parade.
That afternoon various groups did their thing - some played golf, some tennis, some chess, some piano playing, some target shooting, some swimming at the Lily Pond, some exploring the island. Vollmer and Jean played some trios with our Inn host, Gerald Wheeler (flute, violin & piano), and enjoyed a lobster dinner at Eaton's in Little Deer Isle. Several had dinner at the Fisherman's Friend. The evening's fireworks had to be postponed at the last minute because of heavy fog. If a skyrocket goes up and just disappears, there's no thrill.
The next day, Saturday, began with a lively softball game at the field behind the old elementary school on Church Street. Here the young folks, including our star athletes, did their utmost in the 90 degree heat. Fortunately, Willie thought of bringing some water along. Then came the photograph session at Bob and Soon's, and at least 8 camerapersons were busy with the digitals; we photographed small groups by families under Janet's direction, and have already seen some of the fine results on our computers. The babies and dogs all cooperated, and our reunion was duly recorded for posterity.
Janet's beautiful cottage on the shore, just about finished, was the scene for the big event, the all-clan indoor/outdoor buffet party that went on all afternoon. The huge deck facing the water was perfect for all of us getting acquainted and reacquainted, the food was great, the teenagers were so helpful doing whatever needed doing. And when we were just getting to dessert, Bob's Dixieland trio appeared and started playing banjo, clarinet and bass-a surprise that added such a festive atmosphere (and dancing) to the party.
I guess Buck Loesch was the most senior (83?) and Michael Cavanaugh the youngest (8 months?). Our three 16-year-olds, Jeffrey, David and Justin, enjoyed each other's company and practiced their new driving skills on the camp road, now Stacy Circle. Kimberly Loesch was looking great and is our youngest female member except for Nicole Cortez (2), and she was flitting around so fast I hardly got a look at her! Ken Loesch, who is recovering from cancer and its treatment, was thankfully feeling well enough to thoroughly enjoy all the goings-on. All the cooks in the family contributed something, including "Uncle Dave" and David Loesch, who manned the barbecue.
Even before the party was over, Justin was busy at the computer showing some of the results of the photography session, lots of fun to see. There should be hundreds more when the rest of us get around to their computers and videos.
The evening fog came in, but not so thick as to prevent the fireworks, so a crowd of us drove to Stonington, where Tim, Priscilla, Becca and Ethan provided seating on the front porch of their rented house near the Opera House, ideal for viewing. At the pier Jonathan Loesch again proved his entrepreneurial skills by selling almost all of the 50 glow-in-the-dark necklaces he had brought.
Next morning as Vollmer and I were preparing to leave for home, we heard that after the fireworks there was a rousing game of poker at Willie Haskell's house ... that must have been great fun, considering the wit and humor that our young folks all seem to be gifted with!
A few of us stayed on Deer Isle a few more days, but by noon on Sunday the 6th most of us were driving back over the bridge toward home, and toward their flights from Bangor or Boston. We had a beautiful reunion, first in 35 years, and we hope for another one much sooner!
Jean Krauklin
July 2003
See more reunion photos.
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