Reunion: BILBO Reunion held in Oklahoma - June 30-July 3,2006 Contributed by Jo Collier 2006 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/tx/txfiles.htm *********************************************************************** The Observer/Enterprise, Robert Lee, Coke County, TX - July 21, 2006 BILBO REUNION HELD IN OKLAHOMA Direct descendents of the late Alley and Alta Bilbo of Robert Lee, gathered in northeastern Oklahoma on the Grand Lake of the Cherokees, for the Bilbo reunion. The five daughters of Alley and Alta are: Alta Bell Kay of Alpine, Jamie Boren of Robert Lee, Jo Ann Littlefield of Grove, Oklahoma, Janet Rathmell of Mertzon, and Peggy Gilmore (deceased). Those attending were the children of the five, with their spouses, grandchildren and their spouses and great-grandchildren. There were 82 in attendance, 53 from the Oklahoma area and 29 from Texas. Twelve family members from Texas and Florida were unable to attend. Festivities began with Circus Night at the lakeside home of Jo Ann and Jarvis Littlefield. Rick and Alicia Littlefield assisted in host duties. Alicia presented the entertainment features under the Big Top. Doug Anderson, renowned comedy magician performed. He has limited appearances in Oklahoma because he performs extensively on cruise ships. Dot the Clown (Guylene Berry) entertained the children with her art of making balloon animals. In attendance were numerous clowns, a bearded lady, a fat bearded lady, a strong man, the barker, the peanut and popcorn vendor. The large tent was decorated with circus animals and balloons. Circus fare included: Hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones, popcorn, peanuts, watermelon and cantaloupe. On Saturday morning the 3rd annual Bilbo Chili Cookoff was won by Billy Havins. Then the horseshoe pitching competition began! On Saturday night, July 1, the setting for Peter Pan Night was in the backyard of the beautiful hilltop rock home of Jerry and Debbie Littlefield. Jerry has created a western town in his backyard with four store fronts: J. D.'s Smoke Shack, Bilbo Drug Store (reminiscent of Robert Lee's Bilbo Drug of the 1940's), A. J. Mercantile, and Horse- creek Hotel and Saloon. The board sidewalk that fronted the stores was used as a stage for the talent show. Casey Littlefield served as master-of-ceremonies. There was much singing and guitar playing. The costumed party attendees included Barrie's Wendy, Jon, Tinker Bell, Peter Pan, two Capt. Hooks, one Capt. Hooker, several "Lost Boys", many pirates and the Crocodile. The menu included fried fish, red beans, cornbread, potato salad, corn-on-the-cob, and a variety of cobblers. Following the group picture-taking of Sunday, the horseshoe tournament was concluded. In the final match, John Boren and Braden Caudill defeated Billy Havens and Zachary Havins. A Roman Holiday Party on Sunday night was held at the elegant home of Lynda and Tony Caudill, located just south of Grove. Guests were greeted by Cleopatra (Lynda) and Julius Caesar (Tony). In attendance: more Roman royalty, senators, ladies, soldiers, peasants and slaves. After strolling through the Caudill's formal garden, the party- goers feasted on fried chicken, baked beans, potato salad, and straw- berry shortcake. Entertainment for the evening included a big fire- works display. On the final night, Monday, July 3, Jim and Debbie Littlefield hosted Hobo Night. They have a beautiful log home nearby but opted to have the party under the Big Top at Jo Ann and Jarvis' home. Attending the party were: tramps, vagrants, the homeless (one with a grocery cart and sign) and a bag lady. Hobos ate well: barbecued brisket and sausage, homegrown green beans and new potatoes, macaroni and cheese, garlic bread, fruit cobblers and pecan pie. Other activities of the weekend included boating, swimming, fishing and lots of visiting. Attending from Oklahoma were: Jo Ann and Jarvis Littlefield, Jerry and Debbie Littlefield, Michelle and Jim Curry, Beau and Bret, Jeremy and Shasta Littlefield and Keira, Casey and Carly Littlefield and Kailey, Jim and Debbie Littlefield, Shannon and David Sargeant, Brent, Charlie, McKayla, and Madison, Robin Littlefield, Chelsea Tyler, and Ashley, Rick and Alicia Littlefield and Creed, Jason Littlefield, Lorenda Littlefield, Randy Bolinger, Lynda and Tony Caudill, Braden and Kristen Caudill, Jeremy and Ryan, Kari and Tyson Medlin, Bretton Dakota, Glaven, and Katyn, Krissy and Forrest Hummel, Hailey, Logan, and Kyla, Katie and Eric Gilbert, Dantley and Bentley. The Hummels and the Gilberts live over the line in Missouri and all other family members live in the Grand Lake area. Attending from Texas were: Alta Bell Kay, Jan and Bobby Hungate and Kaycee, Mark and Judy Kay, Nicholas Kay, Leah Lanphear, Jamie Boren, Bebo Boren, John Boren and Sloan, Joe Bob Alexander, Janet Rathmell, Sandy and Jill Evans, Ashley and Trace, Steve and Mary Evans, Bill Havens, Zachary and Will, Rebecca and Mike Levesque, Sarah, Christopher, Lucas and Beth. Texas cities represented were Alpine, Waco, Andrews, Lubbock, Robert Lee, Snyder, Stanton, Mertzon, Arlington, San Angelo, and Pleasanton. Family members unable to attend were Kathy Alexander, Miranda Wauson, Jamie Jo Alexander, Kara and Byron Knight and Macy, Lance Evans, Samantha and Tim Sauer. The Bilbos gather twice a year in Robert Lee - at Thanksgiving, and Easter - at the Bilbo house. They congregate every two years for the big reunion in Oklahoma. This Bilbo Reunion of 2006 was a great and joyful time! Permission granted by The Observer/Enterprise for publication in the Coke County TXGenWeb Archives.