Bulman Family Reunion held July 15
The 60th annual Bulman reunion was held Sunday, July 15 at the Eitzen Community Center in Eitzen, MN. A noon potluck dinner was enjoyed by descendants of James and Elizabeth Bulman of Little Thetford, England (70 miles north of London). The five Bulman ancestors who came to America from Little Thetford were Thomas, William, George, Mary and John. A sailing ship took them from Liverpool, England to New Orleans, LA then upriver to Evansville, IL. They stayed there approximately five years before driving horse and wagons to
English Bench near Dorchester and settling there around the hill called “The Elephant”.
President Bruce Bulman of Caledonia, MN led the business meeting following the meal. This year, 50 persons were in attendance. Grace Bulman and Debbie and Brad Harguth set up for the meal. They will continue next year by setting up and making the future reservation of the center. Laina Ford and Cheri Wiedenmann Francik were at the registration table.
The President opened the meeting. Attendants for the first time were Dawn Janssen from the Mary Elizabeth Bulman line, who came from Allison near Waverly. The oldest attendant was Doris Ann Meyer, age 88. Tom Bulman of Decorah gave the treasurer’s report and minutes from Cheri Francik were approved. Laina Ford, historian, asked for people to record recent deaths, marriages and birth information.
Mary Sperduto gave greetings from sister Norma in Germany, sister Shirley from Green Bay, WI, cousin Elaine Gross Meyer and Charlie Davis, husband of Karin. Cheri Wiedenmann Francik gave greetings from Australian relatives: Lorna Lambshed (98 years), Heather Maynard and Ronda Oppatt. It was mentioned that everyone missed Lois Wiedenmann, who died this past spring, but enjoyed all her gifts, picture albums and family history items. A head count per family was taken: George Washington Family - 17 people, Thomas - 15, Mary Saddler - 8, William - 10 and John (from Illinois) - 0.
There was one marriage recorded: Justin and Linsey Harkin Bulman 10/10/17. Parents are Jerry and Machelle Bulman. There were two deaths recorded: Lois Arlene Wiedenmann (12/24/1922- 3/27/2018) and Eloise Bulman (7/8/1931-10/8/2017).
Births recorded: Hazel Belva Ross (8/16/2017). Parents are Kristin (Kruse) and Jonah Ross;
Olivia D. Bulman (4/9/2018). Parents are Justin and Linsey Bulman;
Levi Olivar (8/31/2017). Parents are Kelly and Jonnie Olivar;
Willow Rae Baumler (2/24/2018). Parents are Ericka (Ford) and Tanner Baumler.
The family is requesting email contacts from any of the five Bulman lines so that they can receive notifications of upcoming Bulman reunions and minutes of the reunion. Please send email contacts to: dgangi3279@charter.net. Those who have updates on marriages, births or deaths that have not been recorded at a reunion are asked to send information to the historian: lainaford54@gmail.com.
The next reunion is scheduled for July 21, 2019 (the third Sunday of July) at the Eitzen Community Center.
