1996 Wright
Family Reunion

Wright's converge on Piggott

A marriage of a sixteen year old girl and a 19 year old boy in rural Arkansas. It's a scary thought for any parent. So in this world of disposable relationships the endurance and influence of the the union between Valley and Rhoda Wright stands as a star testament to the value of a life well lived.

Labor day 1996 saw the annual gathering of the clan descending on the once again unsuspecting rural community of Piggott Arkansas. Nestled between the foothills and flat farming land of Northeast Arkansas, this community is considered home to the fourteen Wright children. Each year during the Labor day weekend, the surviving children of Valley and Rhoda, along with their descendants all try to get back and renew old memories.

Lately the stark reality of an aging family has taken on new importance to this gathering. As one by one the original brothers and sisters pass from this life the remaining have more difficulty traveling. The cousins, once toddlers now adults with families of their own, seem more devoted than ever to keep alive the ties and memories that they share. For this family realizes that they share a very special heritage. A heritage that was rooted and grounded in faith and principles. The effects of this marriage has changed the world for the better. This union of a young boy and girl almost 90 years ago has literally influenced the four corners of the earth.

Even as we met in rural Arkansas we came from all over the world. Jan Hughes had just returned from London England. Sandy Wright had spent her summer in France and Andy Hughes was less than a month out of Thailand. The residences are from Alaska, California, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Washington DC, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee and yes Arkansas. We have preachers, teachers, students, college professors, scientists with the EPA, business consultants, housewives, FBI agents, car salesmen, missionaries farmers, commercial fishermen, retired pipefitters, computer specialist, auditors, waitresses, and a host of occupations at all levels. Each of these relatives have made contributions throughout the world. Each has made life better and touched many. The following pictures were taken at the reunion. Hope you enjoy viewing.

Reunion Pictures
Cleata & Dorothy Lola & Winfred Lola & Ponder Winferd & Marylyn
Carolyn Cleata & Dorothy Ponder Jr. & Randall Winfred
Dallas Maxine Carolyn Cindy
Group Bynum Bynum, Skipper & Cleta Norm
Sandy Ponder Margie Norm
Sharon ? Teresa Norm
Lori & Frank Dorothy Lola, Tennie Leslie
Ronie & Ponder Andy Skipper Joey
Cleta Leah Winfred Group
Group Group Brothers & Sisters Brothers & Sisters
Grandchildren Grandchildren The Frog Frog 2

Just a few notes about the reunion. We missed Dwight not being here but enjoyed seeing Lori, his daughter. While my father, Othur passed away last year, this was the first time Randall was back in a long time. Uncle Borden once again made plans to attend but his health simply prevented it at the last minute. Uncle Cecil, Clement, and Lacy are all missed, but we hope to keep each of the cousins close. Aunt Edith and Troy are both in poor health, but Edith was in attendance.

We missed staying at the infamous Dalton Motel. But most of us have raised our standards and logged at the plush diggs of the Open Roads Motel.

I can't remember the name of the restaurant we keep going to. (I want to say the Barn but that's not it). but they never were prepared for the swarm of Wrights that descended on the buffet. Of course we never did learn that there was better food at Hardees next door either. It just goes to show that any food makes for good memories.

Take Care all

Stan

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Page Created 10-10-96 Updated 10-10-96