When Kathy Hirzel was growing up, her favorite part of family reunions was driving a 1947 homemade jeep constructed out of a Maytag washing machine, scrap metal, and wheelbarrow wheels; it’s how she learned to drive.
This year, she held those memories close as president of the 100th annual Hirzel-Studer family reunion, about 300 Hirzel-Studer descendants came from nine different states to gather at Oak Shade Grove in Oregon.
American and Swiss flags adorned the pavilion where family members sat eating, laughing, and trading stories. A handful of relatives sported custom T-shirts to mark the reunion’s centennial, and children tossed bean bags back and forth in a competitive family rendition of cornhole.
Barbra Hirzel, who turned 83 last week, recalled how special family reunions were growing up. Going to Toledo was her family’s annual vacation, and she treasured it. Being a part of the family is more than a mere membership, she said.
“I’m not just part of it, I’m proud of it,” said Barbra Hirzel. “I get excited to just be with my cousins.”