The Spiker Family Gathering Place

         This month we tackle the not-so-easy task of untangling the numerous hidden messages in Gay Zinn and Jake Spiker's "Courting Letters." (Click here to read the CURRENT edition.) If you don't know what the "Courting Letters" are, you should revisit some of our Archived Editions, beginning with November 2020.

     Now for the important stuff...here's what Mike Spiker told me:

     "YES, a REUNION is being planned for this Memorial Day weekend, May 29 and 30th. Same events and schedule as in the past (Click here for details from our last reunion in 2019.) Mask-wearing and social distancing are optional but recommended. Vaccinations are not required but are also recommended. Trying to reopen America and family reunions.

     Everyone is welcome. Toward the first of May, we will need a head count so we can get the right supplies for both days of this event.

     Please bring a covered dish, drinks, lawn chair(s) and, if possible, an item for the auction."

     October 2020 - American Flag is installed at the South Fork Church Cemetery.

     November 2020 - A shoebox stuffed with letters and cards addressed to our grandparents, Jake Spiker and Gay Zinn is opened and the contents revealed. Follow along as we open their "Courting Letters" from 1905 through 1907.

     December 2020 - Gay sends first Christmas Greeting Card to her sweetheart, Jake Spiker.

     January 2021 - Gay and Jake begin writing almost daily letters to one another. Gay "quits" her other beaus.

     February 2021 - The valentines Jake and Gay sent to one another were not what we expected. See pics.