Dear Cousins, In 1996 eighteen Downs descendants meet in Wooster, Ohio for the first Curtis and Ann Hall Downs reunion. Thirty two meet in 1998 near Mt Hope, Ohio and we will meet again June 2nd-3rd and 4th at Walnut Creek, Ohio. On Friday night, June 2nd we will be having a dinner at the Carlisle Village Inn, Walnut Creek, Ohio at 6:30 p.m. eastern time. Before and after dinner there will be show and tell of our Downs relationships, so bring your pictures, memorabilia, and join in the discussion how and where our ancestors migrated as they did. Nell Pfeifer has a diary that list the route (from city to city) from Mt. Hope to Jennings County. Did you know that Curtis and Ann had over ninety grandchildren. And too many stories to mention will be shared. The meal will be $11.75 for adults and $7.50 for children 3-10. If you plan on coming for the meal I will need to know by May 15, 2000. If you wish to come just for the fellowship and not the meal, that is fine and there is no charge. The meal and meeting usually last 3-4 hours. We have a block of rooms at the Carlisle Village Inn. Just ask for the rooms held under the Downs Reunion. Phone #330-893-3636. This is a non-smoking Inn. If this is a problem, or the rooms are filled when you call, there is the Inn at Walnut Creek less than a block away. We were unable to reserve a block of room. Phone #1-8000-262-7181. You will need to make your own room reservations. On Saturday, June 3rd, after breakfast (your on your own, no formal breakfast meeting) we will meet at Lehman's Hardware in Mt. Hope at 9:30 a.m.. Mt hope is a VERY small town and you will have no problem finding it, or just follow the crowd and try and stay out of the way of the horse and buggies. Mt Hope is the heart of Amish County. If you have not been to Mt Hope it is an experience you will remember. From Lehman's Hardware we will head for the Mt Hope Cemetery (Downs Cemetery) and view the graves of our Ancestors. About half of the thirty graves are Downs ancestors. Ann Hall's brother, John is buried there as is Curtis and Ann's oldest son Henry and his wife Anna Stopher Seabrook. The cemetery is half a mile off the road and up a hill through a field, so wear old cloths and comfortable shoes for the climb. We should be back in Mt. Hope by noon. In 1998 we took a train ride which we hope we can do again, but the train did not run last year so we will see. But there is plenty of shopping, buggy rides available, and sightseeing the Amish while driving through the county side to keep you occupied. We usually join up some where for supper and more visiting, by the way Amish cooking is a real treat--I love their pies. Sunday morning breakfast and then good bye until 2002.. Sorry this is kind of long but it is a fun and wonderful week-end. You can come for one day, all three, or just for an evening. Hope to hear from you soon and look forward to seeing you all in June. Jim Downs PS Of course past this information of to anyone you think might be interested. For more information E-mail me or call or fax. Day 219/223-2420, Evenings 219/223-2420, or fax 219/223-2007