SIGHTS ARE SET ON

 RICHMOND
 Virginia

July 2010

A Brief History of Chenault Family National Reunions

A "national" reunion of Chenault/Chennault family cousins was first held the Sunday, September 30, 1950 in Dallas, Texas.  The site of the reunion was Glendale Park.  Arrangements were handled by W. R. "Bill" Chenault and Ancil D. Chennault, both of Dallas.  Registration began at 11 a.m., and lunch was served at 12:30 p.m.  The program, presided over by David Chenault, included allowing every attendee to introduce themselves followed by a presentation by W. S. "Bill" Chennault, brother of General Claire Chennault and former "Bronco Busting" Sweetwater, Texas, mayor.  Entertainment was provided by the Morton's Potato Chip Magicians.  It must have been an enjoyable afternoon, for they all agreed to do it again in 1951.

The second reunion was held Sunday, September 2, 1951, at the picnic grounds at Dallas' Fair Park.  Lunch was furnished by the local family members, who brought plenty of fried chicken to feed the large crowd that gathered for the afternoon festivities.  Arrangements were again handled by W. R. Chenault and Ancil Chennault.  Cousins from Maryland, Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky, Alabama, and Texas shared history on their branches of the family.  Dr. Frank Chenault, longtime historian who had amassed a remarkable collection of information about the family, was one of the featured speakers.

The first printed program of the reunion was available at the third reunion, Sunday, August 31, 1952 at the Texas State Fair Grounds in Dallas.  Although Gen. Claire Chennault had planned to attend, a last minute emergency in the Far East demanded his attention.  In addition to lunch and introductions of guests, a musical program was directed by David Chenault, and all cousins joined in an old-fashioned family sing song.  Following the third reunion in Dallas, there were three reunions held in Memphis, Tennessee before the site began to be moved to a new location each year.  Following the 33rd reunion in 1982, the date of the reunion began to change moving into the summer months, and finally being set to the third weekend of July after about four reunions.

The Golden Anniversary (50th) of the annual reunion was celebrated in Jackson, Mississippi, July 16-18, 1999.  Although attendance has fluctuated through the years, interest in the annual gatherings has remained high among family members scattered across the country.  One of the most popular reunions was the 2001 reunion held in Williamsburg, Virginia, when the program centered around the 300th anniversary of Estienne Cheneau's arrival in America aboard the Nassau.

However, whether attendance is high or low, the attendees seem to thoroughly enjoy the fellowship with their cousins, recounting the history and stories from their branch of the family, and a chance to meet newly-found family. 

2010 NATIONAL REUNION INFORMATION

The most current information regarding the 2010 national reunion will be published below as it becomes available.  Details concerning the site, travel information, registration, schedule of events, the silent auction, and memorabilia are reflected below.  Also, do not overlook the Things To See On Your Reunion Visit that is included at the end of this page.  Mark your calendars now and plan to attend!  Information about state reunions may be found on the "What's Up" page of this site.

DATE - Friday,16 Jul through Sunday, 18 Jul, 2010                                       

PLACE - Richmond, VA

REGISTRATION INFORMATION - Click here for a PDF version of the 2010 Registration Form. (Not Yet Available)
 

HEADQUARTERS HOTEL - to be announced

LOCATION -

HOTEL INFORMATION -

GETTING THERE –

PROGRAM – (The following is the typical schedule for the reunion, but is subject to change when arrangements are announced.)
Registration will begin at 1:00 p.m., Friday, July 16 at a specified location to be announced. The hospitality room will be open for visiting and display of silent auction items and memorabilia after 6 p.m. It will remain open until 11:00 p.m. Friday night and Saturday night except during the Friday night activities, the Saturday meeting, and the Saturday evening banquet.

Friday night from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m., our customary get-acquainted gathering will include the children’s program, refreshments, and an informal program.

Saturday’s activities will include special interest programs with guest speakers and the annual business meeting. Following the business meeting, attendees will be free to select their afternoon activities, go site seeing, or relax in the hotel. The hospitality room will be open during the afternoon following lunch. Lunch is not provided as part of the reunion package.

Saturday evening at 7:00 p.m., the customary "dress-up" banquet will be held in the ballroom at the hotel. A special program is planned including officer induction and a guest speaker/entertainer.

Sunday morning is the traditional Memorial Service at which we gather to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed on to their Heavenly reward.

SILENT AUCTION -
Items donated by family members will be auctioned to help defray association expenses. Handmade crafts are especially welcome, as are artifacts, books, copies of photos, news articles, etc., especially those having historical and/or Chenault connections. These are displayed in the hospitality room. The auction will close at 6:00 p.m., with the winning bids to be announced at the banquet.

MEMORABILIA -
Members are invited to bring photos, books, and other family mementos to share with others. These items are not for sale. Place a descriptive label and owner’s name on the items before leaving them on display. Also, on display will be mementos from previous reunions and several collections of correspondence, news clippings, and other items from the Association’s historical files.

ENTERTAINMENT -
Volunteers are encouraged to participate. Vocalists, especially light music like Broadway, Country, Oldies, guitar, banjo, violin, barbershop, or yodeling are always welcome. And, if you prefer to have company on stage when you perform, join the Chenault Family National Choir. Their performances at recent reunions have been wonderful.

THINGS TO SEE ON YOUR REUNION VISIT

The sites will be posted shortly.