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Welcome to the new website!  We hope you enjoy it.  Here are notes from the last reunion.

BROWN-FISHER ASSOCIATION ANNUAL REUNION

One hundred plus family members and friends gathered Saturday 20 September 2016 at the Old Stone House, home of Michael Braun (Brown) for the annual Brown-Fisher reunion.  The 100th  Anniversary of the first Fisher family reunion was recognized.  The early Fisher reunions, starting in 1916 was held in Cabarrus County on property early owned by George Fisher, Jr. who came to Rowan County in 1774 as a six year old with his uncle Jacob Fisher, in whose household he lived. The property was later willed to George’s son Solomon Fisher.  The property is located in Cabarrus County three miles from Grace Lower Stone Church in Rowan County.  The first Brown family reunion was held in 1914.  The Brown-Fisher Association was formed in 1993.

Registration began at 10 a.m., with attendees greeted by Juanita Fisher Lagg, Grace Brown Marlott and Debbie Brown Taylor.  At 11:20 a.m. a picnic style luncheon of hot dogs, hamburgers and all the trimmings, prepared by Norman Ribelin, Larry Brown and Sarah Z. Brown, was served. 

After lunch, President Stephen Brown greeted everyone to the reunion.  He talked about the relationship between the Browns and Fishers and how the two families have supported the  renewal and continuing upkeep of the Old Store House. He spoke of the new parking lot across the street and the advantages of the same.  He introduced Norman Ribelin and Larry Brown, whose expertise was the backbone in building the parking lot.  Norman and Larry were also the grill flippers for our luncheon. He recognized Juanita Fisher Lagg for her many years as Coordinator for the Brown-Fisher Association.  She keeps track of membership and reservations for the reunions.

Kaye Brown Hirst (former director of the Rowan Museum) invited families to view the house, the walking paths, the garden and taste the German food cooking over the open fires.  A baking oven is being constructed on the grounds and will be to use at the Old Stone House Christmas celebration.  She introduced staff members and volunteers helping with today’s activities:  Trish Creel, Shaylee Creel, Andy Eury, Robbie Crochan, Netra Bollinger, Steve Martin and Jerry Brown.  Aaron Kepley (new director of the Rowan Museum) talked about the support of the Brown and Fisher families to the Rowan Museum and the Old Stone House. Aaron is a Brown and a Fisher descendent.  A corn crib, donated by the Sifford family of the Organ Lutheran Church neighborhood, is now sitting in parking lot, but will be moved to the house property when a proper location is found.  

Treasurer Larry Brown gave a report on money matters.  He reported that $11,700.00 is needed to settle the parking lot debt.  A future project will be to construct a shelter on the Old Stone House property.  Larry auctioned a first edition of the book: A History of the Michael Brown Family of Rowan County, autographed by Roscoe Fisher Brown.  David Brown was the highest bidder.  The $70.00 will be put against the parking lot debt.
 
Juanita Lagg introduced the new Life Membership members:  Charlotte Hobbs, Raleigh, NC; Howard W. Brown, Jr., Granite Quarry; Phillip Jackson Brown, San Carlos, CA; Bobby Ray Brown, Salisbury; Laura Elizabeth Fisher, Charalotte; Carolyn Lambert, of Salisbury (a life member) gave Life Memberships to her sons, Matthew K. Barker, Louisburg, NC and Joshua E. Barker, Murfreesboro, NC in memory of their grandmother: June Misenheimer Edward, who was a charter member of the Brown-Fisher Association.  There is a total of 156 Life Memers.  19 persons attended for the first time.  Awards were given to the family with the largest members attending:  James Gibson Brown family of Salisbury with 16 members, and the Stephen Brown family of Durham with 12 member attending.  The person attending from the farthest distance: Marmee Brown, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The Oldest member attending:  Juanita Lagg of Salisbury 90 years old.  The youngest member attending: Ben Brooks Brown 1 year old son of Ben and Candace Brown.  Bobby Ray Brown, of Salisbury was recognized as a veteran of the United States Air Force.  A moment of silent prayer was observed for the 24 family members who died since the last reunion.
 
An election was also held for the Board of Directors.  President: Stephen Brown; Vice-president: Dean Brown: Secretary: Patricia B. Beck, Treasurer: Larry Brown; Coordinator: Juanita Lagg: Editor: Cathy Kirchin; members: Rod Kesler, Sarah Brown, Ann Bostian, Doug Robinson, Linda Shelton, Candace Brown, Keith Wolf, Norman Ribelin, Debbie Taylor, Paul B. Walker and Ken Clifton.
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The reunion closed with singing Happy Birthday to the Old Stone House.  The house was built in 1766.  
German Fest celebrating the 250th birthday of the Old Stone House was held from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the grounds.

Submitted by
Patricia B. Beck
Secretary
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