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September 12, 1989
To interested descendants of the Thomas and Jane Moses family:
The accompanying picture was produced from a snapshot negative found in the collection belonging to Everett (74) and Valeda Moses. At the Moses Reunion July 29 1989 a jumbo enlargement of the picture was studied by many of those present. About 2/3 of the faces in the picture were identified and most agree it was taken on the steps of the YMCA Assembly Building at Moses Lake. Considering apparent ages, particularly of the "children" (many of whom were involved in the study), we believe the picture was probably taken at a Moses family gathering in 1922. Our secretary, Betty (Young) Moses, reports the first recorded minutes were from the Moses Reunion of 1922 at Moses Lake.
I think it's safe to declare the picture to be the official photo record of the first Moses Family Reunion.
I'm convinced this was a very special "exciting" day for the Moses family. Look at those fancy clothes - suits - ties - stiff collars - ruffles - jewelry - hair do's - hair bows - straw hats - "big" caps. Some came "back home" from considerable distance -- such as Adelaide (Moses) and Earle Thomson with John, Wallace and Doris from New Jersey -- how did they go about that in 1922? Some probably arrived in their Model "T" and I expect many by horse and buggy.
We count 70 faces in the picture. (The minutes of the reunion show over 100 present.) Maybe some were playing ball or otherwise hiding from someone's new-fangled camera. The brave ones deserve a real lot of credit, patiently enduring the corralling, arranging, "adjusting" to get faces in view. I bet it was pretty hot too. But I find it fascinating to study the individual faces (including the children of all ages), proud to be included in this family group.
Sincerely,
Raymond Everett Moses Jr. (741)