Mother Nature was really working against those that attended the reunion on July 26 and 27 as the descendants and friends of the late Isaac and Lucy Vandevander Hartman gathered for their annual two-day reunion.
Despite the 96° weather, everyone was ready to go on the hayride. This year’s ride went from the reunion pavilion to Mauzy Gap Road onto Rt 33 West to Old Fire Tower Road and back to Smith Creek Road. The tractors were furnished by Matt Pennybacker and Lynn Warner with Pennybacker furnishing two wagons. Tractors were driven by Lyle Hartman and Warner.
The blessing for the evening meal was given by Jon Lundquist. Despite the heavy downpour of rain, family and friends were able to get under the pavilion. Due to Stanley Simmons’ donation last year, the two pavilions were connected as one by laborers Ricky Moyers, Garry Simmons, Ronnie and Roger Kimble and David Hartman
The evening meal consisted of hot dogs and pork that was prepared by Jasper, Josh, Jay and Jordan Hartman and Darren Hedrick. Family members provided assigned side dishes.
Bobby Bodkin was recognized for making wooden plaques of the 14 children of Isaac and Lucy Hartman that were placed on the side of the pavilion. Moyers took on the project of placing box fans over the food tables to try and control the flies.
Evening entertainment was provided by Mike Eye with Steve Clutter accompanying him.
The game of find the little pink flamingos for ages 12 and under was provided. The winners were Ruger Hartman and Paisley Price. Carolina Kimble furnished the flamingos and Betty Kimble furnished the prizes.
The attendance on July 26 was 138.
On July 27, Stephanie Ashcraft gave the lunch blessing.
Betty Kimble, vice president, presided instead of Joyce Calhoun, president. Calhoun was present but, still recovering from a lung transplant. Appreciation was given to anyone who had helped with any reunion preparation.
Attendees voted to keep the same officers: Calhoun, president; Betty Kimble, vice president; Natalie Chapman, treasurer; and Cindy Hartman, historian/secretary.
Adam and Katie Hott furnished the wagon for the main stage.
Rebecca Hedrick, family photographer, took requested photos and candid shots.
Cindy Hartman reported family updates for 2024-2025. There were seven marriages, 17 births, and six deaths. Three of these deaths were grandchildren of Isaac and Lucy Hartman.
Recognized from the direct line of Isaac and Lucy Hartman were Garry Simmons (oldest male first cousin, 87), Connie Simmons (oldest direct line female, 78), Brooks Tatum Hartman (youngest male, 4 months), Berkley Mae Roberts (youngest female, 9 months), Bobby and Pat Bodkin (longest married, 57 years), Dakota and Autumn Roberts (shortest married, 1 month) and Rob and Latrisha Frye and Jacob Hartman tied (traveling the farthest, California). Gifts for those recognized were furnished by Joyce Calhoun and Rebecca Hedrick.
Trivia for this year was picture trivia of the young 14 siblings of Isaac and Lucy Hartman. Ashcraft was the winner, winning a Hartman Family Reunion shirt.
Raffle winners were Daisy Hartman – Thirty One bag with items donated by Betty Kimble; Jennifer Dudley – Hartman Reunion shirt donated by Betty Kimble; Jeff Hott – handmade mantel clock donated by Bodkin; Ashcraft – handmade mantel clock donated by Bodkin; Richard Hartman – handmade cornhole score board donated by Bodkin; Elizabeth Price – sunflower field Scentsy warmer donated by Betty Kimble; Diana Crawford – frosted night Scentsy warmer donated by Betty Kimble; Ryder Hartman – football donated by Natalie Chapman; Betty Kimble – Norman Rockwell prints donated by Cathy Armentrout and Ashcraft; Berkley Roberts – porcelain doll donated by Bonnie and Garry Simmons; Tammy Conley – handmade table runner donated by Crawford; Braxton Kimble – flashlight donated by Ronnie Kimble; Connie Simmons – freedom ring Scentsy warmer donated by Betty Kimble; Ryder Hartman – framed fawn photography donated by Jodi Miller; Brett Chapman – oil lamp donated by Bonnie and Garry Simmons; Connie Simmons – West Virginia cheese board with accessories donated by Crawford; Braxton Kimble – weighted sleeping buddy sloth donated by Latrisha Frye and Chapman; Carla Hartman – oil lamp donated by Bonnie and Garry Simmons; Braxton Kimble – plush deer blanket donated by Betty Kimble; Crawford – handmade framed cross stitch donated by Miller; and Bonnie and Garry Simmons – handmade herbal all natural products donated by Sheila Lundquist.
Treasures in the hay were provided for children ages 3-7 and 8-12, and items were furnished by Perry and Linda Simmons.
Cake walk without the cake, five $10 gift cards and a $15 gift card, donated by Betty Kimble, were given to six people: Eve Hott, Paisley Price, Alaina Crosby, Talia Ah Loe, Sydney Hoover and Bryce Kimble.
Water balloon toss for children 12 and under winners were Alaina Crosby and Evy Jo Johnson. Adult balloon toss winners were Brooklyn Smith and Conner Hartman.
Egg toss for 12 and under winners were Wyatt and Eve Hott. Adult egg toss winners were Darren and Bryce Kimble. Five dollars was given to each winner on balloon and egg toss donated by Betty Kimble.
Reunion attendance for July 27 was 147.
The next reunion is scheduled for July 25 and 26, 2026.
