IT'S TIME TO RSVP! THE 100-YR KINZIE REUNION WILL BE HELD 7/18-7/20, 2025 IN CHICAGO
THE FIRST RECORDED CALEB C. KINZIE FAMILY REUNION
1925
Although likely not the first family reunion, 1925 is the first recorded Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion.
The reunion took place in 1925, welcoming families to the farm of Charles Fremont Alexander and his wife, Lydia Mae Kinzie Alexander (7th child of Caleb and Susannah). Lydia’s brother, David Lewis Kinzie, made a memorable promise to his children: he would cover all their expenses if they joined in the festivities. True to his word, his entire clan attended, creating cherished memories together.
These reunions, a beloved tradition, were typically scheduled after the summer harvests. However, an interesting detail emerged in the recap of the 1925 event— the dates reported didn’t align with the calendar that year. The newspaper stated that the gathering kicked off on Wednesday morning, the 11th, and continued through to Monday, the 17th. The closest match in 1925 is actually August, where the 11th fell on a Tuesday and the 17th landed on a Monday.
Attendees were blessed with ideal weather as families set up their tents, complete with cots and bedding. To accommodate the large turnout, they secured church pews from the local Church of the Brethren. On Friday evening, the Reunion reached a delightful peak, with 125 members gathering for a cafeteria-style dinner. It was a time of joy, connection, and community.
HISTORY OF PAST REUNIONS
50th Anniversary: 1975 Abilene, Kansas
In 1975, the Kinzie family joyfully commemorated a remarkable milestone: 50 years of the Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion!
This year, the event boasted an impressive gathering of over 55 adults and 18 spirited children, a huge turnout over the course of the fifty years since the reunion has been documented. The family photo, set against the backdrop of the Farmington Chapel, beautifully captures multiple generations coming together, showcasing cherished connections that have woven our family through the decades.
1979 Abilene, Kansas
The 1979 reunion was held in Abilene, KS.
Present in this image, against the backdrop of the Farmington Chapel, are: Todd Welch, Sara Hildreth Gramm, Mary Anna Hildreth Welch, LaVona Hildreth, Jeanette Reiste, Ruth Mohler Weiler, George Hildreth, Myron Welch, Richard Reiste, Wayne Weller, George Gayle Hildreth, and Janet Levesque Hildreth.
2007 Junction City, Kansas
The 2007 Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion took place at the Rock Springs 4-H Camp in Junction City, Kansas. This gathering brought together a vibrant mix of family members, including Tonya Looker and her family, Teresa Horton Bumgarner, the Rupe family, Dorothy Rupe, Nellie Johnson, and Garry Kinzie, among many others. Attendees enjoyed a weekend filled with laughter, storytelling, and the opportunity to strengthen family bonds. The camp provided the perfect backdrop for activities and celebrations. For those who wish to reminisce and relive the wonderful moments shared at the reunion, be sure to check out the link below for more photos!
2009 Junction City, Kansas
In line with the Kinzie tradition of hosting the Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion every two years, the family gathered once again at the 4-H Ranch in 2009. Many familiar faces returned, including Garry Kinzie, Don Kinzie, Dorothy and Bud Rupe, Marvin Rupe and his family, Beth Looker and her family, Robert Brown, Jacinda Shaw Kinzie and her family, Larry Kinzie and his family, along with many others.
2011 Junction City, Kansas
The Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion returned to the 4-H Ranch in 2011.
Front Row: Alexander Escandon, Janis "Jan" Zimmerman Escandon, Sara Escandon, Kinzie Ann-Marie Roemer,
William Roemer, Samantha Fusco, & Carlie Jo Fusco. Seated: Judy Kinzie, Larry Kinzie, Dr. William
Boyd Kinzie, Mary Ann Kinzie, Bud Rupe, Dorothy Rupe, Lowell Brown, Yvonne Escandon, Mary Beth Looker, & Twilla Mae Hutt Frerichs. Back Row: Russell Roemer, Kimberly
Ann Roemer, Garry Kinzie, Charles Kinzie, Rose Kinzie, Carol Kinzie Dickey, Patsy Lile, Jacinda Kinzie, Marty Kinzie, Dessie Jo Kinzie, David Kinzie, Tara Shepherd, Brenda
Shepherd, Kay Leigh Shepherd, Patricia Frydenlund, Nellie Brown, Teresa "Teri" Bumgarner, Rafael Escandon, Jerry Bumgarner, Tonya Looker Fusco, Todd Fusco & Albert. Frerichs. Not pictured but in attendance was Krystyn Kay Kinzie.
Thank you to Teresa Bumgarner for naming each attendee.
2013 Junction City, Kansas
As we fast forward to the 2013 Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion, a vibrant gathering comes to life!
The scene is filled with laughter and camaraderie as Larry Kinzie, Kevin Kinzie along with his family, Tonya Looker and her loved ones, Nellie Brown, and the Roemer family join together in celebration.
Plenty of activities keeps everyone engaged and entertained throughout the day. Families take aim in friendly target shooting competitions, while others enjoy horseback riding under the open sky. Uno card games spark competition amongst the members and the legendary Kinzie bingo rounds out the day.
2015 Manhattan, Kansas
In 2015, we see the younger Kinzie generation growing up!
Sam Fusco and her little sister Carlie, Kaylee Kinzie, Chris Kinzie, Katelynn Hammann, and Krystyn Kinzie are the future of the up and coming Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion trailblazers! This year's reunion was an exhilarating blend of laughter, camaraderie, and numerous engaging activities that brought everyone together in celebration.
2017 Nashville, Tennessee
The 2017 Reunion saw some new faces and a NEW location in Nashville, TN!
Joining us this year for the first time was Garry Kinzie's daughter, Michele Ho, along with her two daughters. Garry showcased a visual chart of the expansive Kinzie Family Tree, inviting everyone to explore their unique connections within the family lineage. Each attendee had the chance to find their spot on the chart and share a quick story about their branch of the family. As always, Dorothy Rupe took the spotlight and had some great stories to tell! There were kayak competitions, toilet paper games, and of course the ever-famous Kinzie Bingo!
2019 Colorado Springs, Colorado
Our biggest turnout yet! 2019 brought the Caleb Kinzie Family Reunion to Colorado Springs, CO.
With more than 70 attendees and dozens of new family members joining us from the West Coast, this year's reunion was one of the largest in recent years. Michele Ho and her daughters returned, along with Michele's brother Ron and his kids. Activities featured bowling matches, high-energy laser tag, and classic egg toss games that had everyone cheering. The highlight of the event was an intense watermelon-eating competition that had family members racing against the clock for juicy victory.
2021 First Virtual Reunion, Zoom
In 2021, we faced the tough choice of hosting a virtual reunion in light of the ongoing pandemic challenges from 2020.
Although we couldn't gather in person, this virtual event opened the door for many family members to join in who might have otherwise missed out. It was heartwarming to see so many loved ones reconnect after years apart, with countless expressions of gratitude filling the chat as people shared smiles and stories from near and far. This unique reunion proved that distance can't diminish the bonds of family!
2023 Hot Springs, Arkansas
Thrilled to be back together in person, the 2023 reunion took place in Hot Springs, AR.
The reunion was filled with activities, including putt-putt games, pontoon rides, and heartwarming stories from the Kinzie family that brought smiles and laughter. We also delved into the rich tapestry of our genealogy, discovering more connections that continue to bind us together. The 2023 reunion truly blossomed into a memorable celebration of family and togetherness.