A Last SPECIAL AWARD and Thank You

THANK YOU ALL!!!

We'd like to thank all who followed and especially all who submitted to help us make this virtually  the best McGraw Reunion we could have given the circumstances. If you liked what we did, we hope you comment on the posts or you can drop us an email to mcgrawreunion@gmail.com   We'd love to be able to provide feedback to those who took the time to send in submissions.

We hope that we can all gather together next year in person at Southern WV Community and Technical College in Saulsville. Our relatives have been keeping this tradition alive for 67 years and you have helped to make sure it continues on through difficult times. John & Mahala's children and grandchildren lived through the influenza outbreaks of 1917-1919 and became our grandparents and great-grandparents. Hopefully someday out great-grandchildren will carry this tradition into it's next century. All of that starts with you continuing to have an interest in your family and your history and instilling that same interest in your children and grandchildren. Sometimes we don't realize all the things we want to know until there is nobody left to tell you about them.

To that end, one person went above and beyond to help us provide you with your yearly dose of family lore and he is always most generous in helping us with our Memorial Service.

Thank You to Herk McGraw!

Herk is going to get a 2020 Virtual McGraw Reunion T-Shirt!

Thanks everyone and we'll see you next year for the

68th Annual McGraw Family Reunion!

(Good Lord willin' and the crick don't rise!)

As part of our normal tradition, we pass the hat to cover expenses and the cost of prizes and our website. There is no minimum and this is purely a voluntary donation. If you would like to contribute, you may do so by sending a check payable to the McGraw Reunion Association to:

McGraw Reunion

Box 60

McGraws, WV

And our 2020 Door Prize Winner is....

Everyone liked last year's door prize so much, we thought we'd do the same prize again this year. A custom McGraw Reunion cutting board.

Every item submitted to be used in our Virtual McGraw Reunion received an entry into our door prize drawing. Per our usual procedure, everyone went in a hat, and...

Our Winner Is.....

David McGraw!!!

Thank you for helping make this Virtual Reunion a Success!!!!

2020's Farthest Away Descendant is.....

Juanita (McGraw) Beasley
All the way out in Delta Junction, Alaska!

That's 3,935 miles according to google maps!

Juanita (Nita) is the daughter of Danny G. McGraw

Danny is the son of Barbe and Stella (Eskins) McGraw

Barbe was the son of Gordon and Susan (Brooks) McGraw

Gordon was the son of  William Harrison "Pole" and Pauline (McGinnis) McGraw

"Pole" was the fourth child born to John & Mahala.

Nita says that she's lived in Alaska on and off since 1983 because her husband is retired from the US Air Force.

   

 Nita: "I wish that I was a story teller because I’d love to add memories of my great grandmother Susan McGraw and great aunties, they lived in Mullens all their lives. Aunt Norma was a high school teacher and after her retirement she taught piano. I have such wonderful fond memories of them but I was not blessed with the gift of the gab. I think my dad got a double dose 😁."

2020's Oldest McGraw Descendant is.....

Daniel G. McGraw

at just over 80 years old!

This year's oldest nominee is the son of the late Barbe and Stella (Eskins) McGraw
Barbe was the son of Gordon and Susan (Brooks) McGraw
Gordon was the son of  William Harrison "Pole" and Pauline (McGinnis) McGraw
"Pole" was the fourth child born to John & Mahala.

"My last reunion was at the School with my Grandmother "Aunt"Susie wife of Gordon B McGraw." Danny was born in 1940 and is from Mullens, WV. He is a Vietnam veteran who served 20+ years on active duty in the US Air Force.

Congratulations Danny and Thank You for your service to our country!

2020's Youngest McGraw Descendant is....

2020's Youngest McGraw Descendant

Steven Connor McGraw

Just under 3 months old!

Steven is the 4x Great Grandson of John & Mahala. Last year his brother Grayson was our youngest McGraw. His father and grandfather were also named youngest McGraw descendants

Steven is the son of Michael and Kaylee (Lafferty) McGraw.

Michael is the son of Brian and Robin (Estep) McGraw

Brian is the son of Michael and Patricia (May) McGraw

Michael is the son of Marvin "Jack" and Lois (Wittemann) McGraw

"Jack" is the son of H.G. and Pearl (McGinnis) McGraw

H.G. is the son of John & Mahala (Cozort) McGraw

Pinata Pictures!!

It's Pinata Time!!!

While the adults hold their yearly memorial service, we take the kids outside to enjoy some more child-friendly activities. Each year we have a pinata as well as a treasure chest filled with toys for the kids to pick from. We thought we'd share a few pics from the past years for the young and the young-at-heart. We try to make sure there's always plenty of activities for everyone!

In Memory Of...

In Memory Of Those We Have Lost

Since We Last Gathered

Every year at 2PM, after we have stuffed ourselves from shared tables packed with everyone's best, we take a moment to remember those who are not among us. Those family members we have lost over the past year. This year, as he has for many years, Reverend Cousin Herk offers a prayer and blessing for those lost.

Memorial Prayer by Herk McGraw

Our most gracious heavenly Father,

we appreciate and thank you for all that

you have given us.

Today we especially thank you for those

who have died this year. They were

precious to us. Let us pause a minute

to remember them...................................

We are thankful for this reunion and those

who keep it going. It is a fun and

satisfying time to remember our ancestors.

We ask that you be with those around the

Nation who cannot be apart of this celebration.

Hold them close to your heart, oh Lord.

All this we thank you for, in the name of your

son Jesus Christ. Amen.

Benny McGraw

August 26, 1942 – April 10, 2020

Benny was the son of the late Walter and Opal (Spence) McGraw. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kaye (Lambert) McGraw, his parents as well as his sister, Sharon (McGraw) Brown. He is survived by his children Sherri L McGraw, Michelle R. McGraw and Amber McGraw-Bolick, grandchildren Whitney Herman and Johnathan Walter Self as well as 7 great-grandchildren, Taylor I. McKinney, Jacob A. Bolick, Damien N. Bolick, Michael J Bolick. Alana M Herman, Parker Herman and Braiden Herman. He also survived by his brother Larry McGraw and three step-daughters from Kaye: Angela Cook, Crystal Griffith and Kelly Wray.

You may leave condolences for the family by clicking here:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/beckley-wv/benny-mcgraw-9124642

Photos Courtesy of Sherri McGraw

Dakota Michael Richardson

May 20, 1992 ~ June 30, 2020

A native of Beckley, WV, Mr. Dakota Michael Richardson was the son of Jesse Nelson Richardson, and Michelle Lea Sneed.   He was a fun loving, kind hearted soul that loved to game.  He took his work passion for diesel Mechanics after his Pops, Frankie Funderburk. He was a best friend and hero to his sisters.  He loved his Mother and spending time with his family and friends.  His greatest hero was his Paw Paw. 

Surviving are his wife, Chloe Richardson of Charlotte, NC, his sisters; Makala Richardson of Kermit, WV, Jessica Richardson of Belmont, NC and Erica Funderburk of Elizabethville, PA, and his brother; Dalton Funderburk of Rock Hill, SC.  Also surviving are his Maternal Grandmother; Alma (Brown) Sneed of McGraws, WV and Paternal Grandparents; Betty and Steve Richardson of Glen Rogers, WV.  He is preceded in death by his Paw Paw, James Sneed. 

Condolences may be left for the family at: www.whitesellfuneralhome.net

And while not a descendant, we would like to take a moment to honor:

Dan McGrath

1962-2019

Dan was the Chief of the Thomond Sept of the McGrath Clan in Ireland. Through DNA research done by the US McCraw Family Association we know that through our first known American ancestor William MacCraw we descended from the Clan McGrath through genetic links as far back as the 1200's. Last year, the Clan McGrath hosted an International Clan Gathering in Dungarvan, Ireland. The descendants of John & Mahala were well represented at what would be the largest clan gathering in all of Ireland in 2019. He was a gracious and welcoming host, a friend to all, a visionary leader and will be greatly missed by all the members of the Clan across the world.

Recipes From the Past - Answers Revealed!

Recipes From the Past
Answers taken from the McGraw Reunion 60th Anniversary Cookbook

Lemon Fluff Jello Salad

1 3/4 Cup Evaporated Milk

1 4 or 6 oz Lemon Jello

1/4 Cup Lemon Juice

1 Cup Sugar

1 3/4 Cup Hot Water

2 ½ Cup Vanilla Wafer Crumbs

Chill unopened can of evaporated milk until icy cold, 3-4 hours. Dissolve gelatin in hot water and chill until partially set and then whip until light and fluffy. Add lemon juice and sugar. Mix in whip chilled milk until light and fold into gelatin mixture.

Line bottom of 13 x 9 inch pan with vanilla wafer crumbs. Pour mixture over crumbs. Chill until firm. Cut into squares or leave in pan to serve. Serves 12.

– Letty McGraw

(from Peggy Weishaar)

My Best Gingerbread - (Mama's Recipe)

Cream together:
½ cup Shortening
½ cup Sugar
1 Egg

Mix together:
2 ½ cups Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Ginger
1 tsp Cinnamon
½ tsp Cloves

Mix 1 ½ teaspoons soda in 1 cup hot water and 1 cup molasses.  Mix alternately flour mixture and liquid.  Bake at 350 degrees until tests done.

– Grandma Mary McGraw


Angel Biscuits

5 cups Flour
1 tsp. Soda
3 tsps. Baking Powder
3/4 cup shortening or margarine
1 Package Yeast
2 Cups Buttermilk
½ cup Warm Water

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt.  Cut in shortening.  Dissolve yeast in warm water.  Mix with milk and into dry ingredients.  Cover and let rise until doubled. 

Roll out on floured board ½ to 3/4 inch thickness.  Cut biscuits and place on greased baking sheet.  Let rise until almost double.  Bake at 400 degrees about 12 minutes.

– Buena McGraw Cook


Fried Tomatoes

Drippings from breakfast bacon
3 half ripe tomatoes
Mix Together: 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 cup meal

Slice tomatoes about 3/8 inch thick and roll in flour mixture.  Drop into hot bacon drippings and brown on one side, turn and brown on other side.  Place on hot platter and serve while hot.

While the ingredients listed in the recipes are pretty accurate, the quantities would certainly vary depending on how many people are being served.

My mother and Aunt Mary never bothered to measure ingredients for anything, they just put in a pinch of this or a shake of that until it tasted right to them and the finished product was always good.

– Martha and Holroyd Brooks


Stuffed Peppers
Mama's Recipe (Mary McGraw)

2 cups Ham, chopped or 6 slices of bacon, fried and crumbled
6 Peppers, steamed
2 medium Onions
4 Medium Tomatoes or Tomato Juice
6 Medium ears of corn, cut off, whole
½ tsp. Dried Basil or 2 tops fresh Basil
2 Tbsps. Sugar

Saute onions in 1 tbsp oil, add tomatoes and cook down.  Add corn and remaining ingredients.  Fill peppers and back at 375 degrees until peppers are tender.

– Fern Harris


Corn Pudding

1 can Corn
2 Eggs, slightly beaten
1 tsp. Salt, dash of Pepper
1 cup Milk
½ cup or small Onion, chopped
1 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsps flour
1 Tbsp melted Butter

Combine ingredients, pour into greased 1 1.2 quart casserole. Set in shallow pan; Add about ½ water to prevent scorching. 
Bake at 350 degrees to 375 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes until knife inserted in middle comes out clean.  Let stand 10 minutes before serving.  Serves 6.

– Julia Z McGraw  (Mrs. Darrell McGraw )


Mac's Fudge
 
1. 9 X 13 Pan
2. 6 Qt Heavy Pot
3. 5 Cups Sugar
4. 3 TBS Flour
5. 4 TBS Cocoa

Blend above ingredients well

6. 1 can condensed  milk
7. 13 oz evaporated milk

Bring to a low boil constantly stirring for 7 minutes

8. Add: 1 stick of butter-allow to melt and a splash of vanilla
9. Add: 16 oz Marshmallows
10. Add: 2  18 oz jars of Peanut Butter(we use regular Jiff, not crunchy)
11: Stirring constantly and pour into 9 X 13" pan (we spray the pan and add wax paper)

– Gerald McGraw


Snake Eye Candy

2 lbs. Confectioner's Sugar
1 Stick Oleo
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/4 cup Evaporated Milk
Peanut Butter

Mix by hand sugar and oleo.  Then add vanilla and milk (a small amount at a time) and mix.  When it feels right (not too soft), put on a large piece of wax paper sprinkled with powdered sugar.  Roll out with rolling pin.  Spread peanut butter all over and then by corner roll into a large roll.  Cut slantwise and wrap each slice in saran wrap.

– Rita and Horace McGraw


Apple Cake

1 1/4 Cups of Flour
Pinch of Salt
2 Tsp. Sugar
1 Tsp. Baking Powder
½ Cup Butter (1 Stick)
1 Egg

Combine above and beat in 2 Tbsp of milk. Put dough in bottom of 8 x 8 pan. Place sliced apples on top of dough.

Combine and sprinkle the following on top:
3/4 Cup Sugar
2 level Tbsp. Flour
2 Tbsp. Butter

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

– Lois Wittemann McGraw
(Mrs. Jack McGraw)


Mary's Stack Cake

1 cup Sugar
2 Eggs
1 cup Margarine
2 tsps Baking Powder
1 tsp each: Ginger, Cinnamon, Nutmeg
1 cup Molasses
½ cup Buttermilk
1 tsp Soda
Applesauce
about 5 cups plain flour; enough to make stiff dough

Sift together all dry ingredients.  Cream sugar, molasses and margarine.  Add beaten eggs.  Add alternately flour and milk.  Chill for atleast an hour..  Roll to bout 1/4 inch thick and cut out with serrated pie pan or plate.  Bake on cookie sheets at 350 degrees until barely brown.  Cool and stack with spiced (Cinnamon and Ginger) Applesauce.  Let set several hours before serving. 

– Mary McGraw

McGraw Brothers by Jorea Marple

This spring a new book was released detailing the lives of two of our own. Darrell V. McGraw, Jr.,  and Warren McGraw. Written by Darrell V's wife Jorea Marple, an educator who has lived most of her life on the public stage as well. The book starts with their raising in McGraws and follows them as they enter the political scene in West Virginia and become rising stars and then eventually part of the establishment in the Judicial, Legislative and Executive branches of state government.

Jorea has graciously allowed us to share a portion of this book with you here today. It was released this spring and a big promotional tour had been planned to get the word out, but like with our reunion, the Covid-19 outbreak was an unforeseen detour. While this kickoff was delayed, you can still get a copy if you wish to do so. It is on sale at select bookstores in the Charleston area and you can also get a copy from Amazon by clicking the following link:

https://www.amazon.com/McGraw-Brothers-One-Blood-People/dp/057862916X/

After the excerpt, we have a little more about the family as well as a couple of stories that were shared with us for the Virtual Reunion.

Thank You, Jorea!

Reproduced by permission from Jorea Marple, 

McGraw Brothers: Of One Blood Are All People (Jorea Marple, 2020), 244-246.

Copyright Jorea Marple, 2018

The "McGraw Brothers" Family

While the book focuses on Warren and Darrell's careers, there are in fact 4 McGraw brothers who were born to Darrell V. McGraw, Sr., and Julia (Zekany) McGraw. Tim and Mark round out the quartet. Darrell V, Sr., is the son of William Hereford "Fud" McGraw, who was the son of William Harrison "Pole" and Pauline (McGinnis) McGraw. "Pole" was the son of John & Mahala.

3 of the McGraw Brothers (L-R: Tim, Darrell, Warren) at our 2015 Reunion.

In the 1970's Julia worked with Darrell to produce the first of our family histories. Compiling family lore with research from other family members like Dwight and Herbert McGraw (from the H.G. "Dad" line) the ubiquitous multi-colored covered booklets were distributed for years. 

We had 2 different people submit memories about the family. The first is from Patty Byars:

"My best memories of the McGraw family are when Darrell, Sr., and his wife Julia were at Sabine Grade School.  Darrell was the principal and Julia was my 2nd grade teacher.

One day a friend of mine was swinging on the restroom bars, that went across the the top of the dividers that separated the stalls. She went so high her knee broke the back of the commode. Of course, everyone ran out of the restroom. When I wouldn't tell on the person that broke the commode, Julia gave all the girls 2 slaps with a paddle. I got to talk to Julia one day in the nineties and she still remembered that day.

Julia also sent me a copy of the booklet that has the family history in it. It's a green booklet. I was in West Virginia last year and attended the McGraw Reunion. I'll look forward to seeing it on my computer Sunday."

Our second story comes from Herk McGraw, who is first cousin to the McGraw Brothers:

Following our move to St. Albans, about 14 miles west of Charleston, I would spend most of the summers, between '43 and '49, with Grandma and Grandpa McGraw. Darrell V., Warren, and I had many days of “frolic” and “devilment.” (snicker, snicker) On this day Darrell V., Warren and I were in a big discussion as to whether chickens could really fly - other than jumping off the ground a foot or two and gliding a few yards.

Wellll, this called for an experiment. Sooo, we ran to the chicken yard, grabbed a couple of hens, and headed across the creek and up the hill on the other side of the road to Uncle Pate's house. When we reached the spot as far as we dared go we pitched the two hens in the air. Instead of flying they just glided to the ground with a big thump. We never knew if those hens ever laid eggs again. Luckily neither Grandpa nor Grandma saw it or if they did they ignored it. I'm figuring they didn't see it. We never knew if those hens laid eggs again.

That's my story and I am sticking to it.

Herk McGraw

LAST MINUTE ADDITION:

We found a pic of all 4 brothers that was shared a few years ago by Portia (McGraw) Mullins, daughter of Mark McGraw. This picture was taken in 1999 at their mother Julia's 85th Birthday Party.

Julia died on February 11, 2004, at the age of 90.

Game Time!! Recipes From the Past

Recipes From the Past

Can you match the recipe to the cook?

Since the 1 o'clock hour is traditionally meal-time, we have a quiz for you. Can you match the dish to the person who brought it?

Try your hand at these and in a half hour we will post the answers AND share the recipes so you can try these at home!

Mac’s Fudge Letty McGraw
Apple Cake Grandma Mary McGraw
Angel Biscuits Gerald McGraw
Corn Pudding Rita McGraw
My Best Gingerbread Julia McGraw
Stuffed Peppers Buena Cook
Snake Eye Candy Grandma Mary McGraw
Mary’s Stack Cake         Martha and Holroyd Brooks
Fried Tomatoes Fern McGraw
Lemon Fluffy Jello Lois McGraw

From Then 'til Now by Patty McGraw

From Then ‘til Now

I attended my first McGraw Reunion in July, 1969, at the John McGraw Grade School gym, a month before I married Mike McGraw.  

Mike told me about his family and their reunion, but until I had attended I had no clue what I was in for.  

You see, I suddenly realized I was in trouble.   I had never seen so much food in all of my life.  I was about to marry a man whose family were all good cooks and I, as the old saying went, couldn’t boil water!

So began my experience of learning to cook.  I watched and learned from my dear Mother-In-Law, Lois McGraw.

I remember watching her cook for the reunion.   She would start cooking the Saturday before the reunion.  She made Shake ‘N Bake chicken, macaroni salad, and baked beans.  Lois liked baking and would make the best desserts.  Her homemade chocolate pies, lemon pie, cherry delight and apple cake desserts were delicious.

From Lois, I learned to make Mike’s favorite dishes. Before she passed, she would call me and say come up and help me cook whatever she was cooking. She would say, “You need to learn how to make this.” I can truthfully say I have very fond memories of my Mother-In-Law.

During the 1970's, I watched as Mike’s Aunts prepared for the McGraw reunion. His Aunt Galena and Aunt Wilda would start baking cakes and pies early in the week for the reunion. 

At that time, Galena still had the store and Post Office in McGraws and was working. Wilda would walk out to her store daily to see how many cakes or pies Galena had made.  If Galena said ten, Wilda would go home and make eleven so she could say she had made more.  Thing was, sometimes Galena would tell Wilda she had more than she really had - that’s sisterly love and competition for you!

It would take several men and boys to help carry in the food Galena and Wilda had prepared for the reunion.

Mike’s Mom, Lois McGraw, his Aunts: Galena McGraw Kerns, Wilda McGraw Shumate, Naomi McGraw Sadler, and Rita Riley McGraw were all good cooks.  Their food was homemade from scratch and prepared with love.  I learned from the best and I did learn to cook!

Fast forward to July 19, 2020, fifty-two years since I attended my first reunion.  Instead of serving our usual reunion food, we will be sharing a virtual meal.  This will definitely be a first for everyone.  My Brother has attended our reunion twenty-plus years.  His comment about the virtual reunion was “We (he) couldn’t eat the food.”  Sorry, Steve!  

After this Covid-19 event, I would hope and pray that next year, the good Lord willing, we will once again meet the third Sunday of July, for the 68th McGraw Reunion.  I hope to see you in person in 2021.

Sincerely,
Patty McGraw

P.S. I will be cooking!

Rawmeat and Bloody Bones by Herk McGraw

“RAWMEAT AND BLOODY BONES”

Quite frequently when I was a little “bud” I would spend the week-end with my grandparents and sleep with uncles Paul and Leon. Before we would go to sleep they would usually tell me the story of “Rawmeat and Bloodybones”for their benefit.

Rawmeat and Bloodybones was a man that had been riding illegally on a coal train car and fallen off at full speed. Now, he chased little boys. They would hear him coming across the corn field, on the porch, coming up the steps, and into the bedroom. Then they would grab me and say, “gotcha!” It scared the bejebbers out of me.

Sundays were spent at my grandparents for dinner after church. We did not have a car so we walked the mile or so to grandma and grandpa's. On this day in the summer we were walking home after the big day. The moon was full and it was a clear night. Mom and Dad were carrying my sisters (twins) who were still in diapers. I would run ahead of them until I got too far and Dad would say, “Wait on us.” I was running ahead as we were passing the little church. There was a slight curve to the right past church with trees on both sides of the road making a tunnel.

As I got to the the entry of that stretch of the road the moon showed through the moving leaves and I could see ole Rawmeat and Bloodybones. Dad didn't have to call me back because I stopped dead and ran back to him. He dropped his hand and and I grabbed hold his finger. I walked through that tunnel

knowing old “Rawbones” could not get me.

It was like holding on to the Lord's finger and “walking through the valley of death with no fear.”

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Herk McGraw

(Administrator) It's a good thing nobody told Herk about the Polk Gap Monster!

"Polk Gap/ Polk Hollar Monster”

A bigfoot like creature usually referred to as the "Polk Holler or Polk Gap Monster" has been reportedly seen in Wyoming County near Maben, and Glen Rogers. It has also been reported to roam the area of Twin Falls and Saulsville. Witnesses claim they have seen a large bipedal animal of great size with a broad back and long arms and legs.

One witness said “I couldn’t put an exact size on it but it was a lot larger than any man”.

New Shoes for Easter! by Steve McGraw

New Shoes for Easter!

by Steve McGraw

Looking back some sixty years, I now realize that growing up in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia in the 1950’s and 60’s could have resembled those scenes of American families as depicted in classic Norman Rockwell paintings unless, like us, you had very little money.  So, to be completely honest, our lives were more like those we saw in the old “Little Rascals” TV shows where most people – and especially the kids – were poor and always trying to figure out how to make the most out of whatever was available.

One year, the consequences of our frugal lifestyle came into play beginning with the important event of attending the annual Easter service at Connelly Memorial Baptist Church.  My older brother, Tony and I really got dressed up, struggling with stiff, button-up shirts whose tight collars seemed too small for clip-on ties, and included wearing shiny black lace-up shoes on that special day.  Unfortunately, I had experienced a typical pre-teen growth spurt and discovered that I had outgrown the previous year’s Easter shoes at the worst possible time; Easter Sunday morning.

Fortunately, there was a Pic-Way Shoe Mart on our way to church and it was open on Easter Sunday mornings – a rare and amazing coincidence!  So, frantically, my father, mother, brother and I all piled into our ’57 Chevy, zoomed down Norwich Hill, flew across the little bridge over the Roanoke River, beeped the car’s horn repeatedly as we navigated through the Shaffer’s Crossing railroad tunnels, and finally skidded into the Pic-Way parking lot as all four doors on our car popped open simultaneously.  Wearing only thin socks on my too-big feet, I dashed into the store with my family and, with help from my parents, quickly found some shoes that fit our price range, shoved them onto my cold feet using a silver shoehorn while my father handed over the cash to the clerk, ran back out to our car and barely made it to the church on time...but I looked quite spiffy in my brand new shiny black lace-up shoes.

Proud of my shoes and very happy with all the compliments that I received on them from family members and friends, I decided to wear them to church each Sunday after Easter.  That worked fine for the first couple of weeks, but one Sunday it was raining really hard, and I wore my new shoes from our house to our car, from the car to the church, from the church back to the car, into my cousins’ and grandparents’ homes and back out to our car, and finally from our car back into our house.

So, when I got home after having done a lot of walking and running in the rain – and maybe a little mud puddle stomping and splashing as well – in my new shoes, I carefully took them off and placed them on newspaper to dry next to our house’s open gas floor furnace grate and turned up the heat.  A few hours later, I was horrified to discover that the shoes’ thin soles had separated into multiple layers of what looked like disintegrating paper, and the bottoms had also separated from their formerly shiny tops.

My shiny new black lace-up Easter shoes were now ruined and unwearable, but what did I expect for $2.00?!

Remembering simpler times. May your new clothes, your new shoes - and especially your fond old memories of days past along with thoughts of better times to come - last you a lifetime!

Steve with Lynne (McGraw) Goroncy from our 2015 Reunion.
Steve won the Visions of West Virginia quilt that Lynne hand crafted as our door prize!

My McGraw Reunion Story by Marla McGraw

MY MCGRAW REUNION STORY

I remember well the first time, my future husband Scott, brought me to visit his family and home in Southern West Virginia.  It was Spring time and the cherry trees were blooming at the West Virginia State Capital. We stopped and walked under the falling cherry blossoms hand in hand. It was pure magic. As we drove further South, we entered the steep green mountains their sides covered in stunning rhododendron blooms with their sweet perfume. Somehow, he must have arranged it all so that I would fall in love with the beautiful place that he came from. I met his family, his parents Mike and Patty, his two brothers Brian and Jeremy, and his aunts and uncles. They were all so warm and welcoming. It was very easy to become a part of their family.  

As the years passed, I came to find that Mike and Patty were never so happy as when their house was full with their 3 sons and their families. Especially when it was the McGraw Reunion Weekend. Patty would be cooking all week to prepare wonderful food for everyone to enjoy. The fridge and stove top so full that you could not possibly fit anything more. She makes the most delicious food! All of the last minute details being hurriedly sorted out: picking up the ice, opening up the college, setting up all of the tables, loading two cars full of food to take over, photo albums, sign in sheets, door prizes and flowers for the entry tables so that they were ready when the family members began to arrive.  

Mike loved the reunion. I think he loved it so much, because his father Jack, loved it so much before him and Mike loved his family more than anything. He loved seeing his kids and their families, the cousins, aunts, uncles, and the family he had never met before. It made him happiest when there were young people at the reunion. He enjoyed everyone reminiscing and catching up with each other. He wanted the McGraw reunion to live forever, for the family to have a place to gather and remember all those that came before them.  

It is hard, but Mike has passed on now. I am so lucky that he was my father in law. He was so generous and kind and never wanted to be in the spotlight or be recognized for all that he gave.  He had a gruff exterior but was really a teddy bear inside.  I miss him a lot, but I think I miss him most at the reunion.  I miss his booming voice getting everyone’s attention for the blessing of the food and as he guided the family through the other activities of the day.  Patty still works tirelessly on the reunion and now my husband, Scott, has taken over the reins and guides us through the activities of the day.  I know Mike would be so proud of Scott and so happy that the reunion still lives on.  Mike loved to hear about all of the family history Scott had been researching and bringing back to life so that the future generations will know about John and Mahala and the lives that they lived.  

Unfortunately, this year we are unable to all gather together, due to the coronavirus pandemic, but we can still set aside time to celebrate the McGraw Reunion and our family. On this McGraw Reunion Day, please take some time with your family and share your memories. Remember the past reunions and all those that came before you.   Pick up the phone and talk to a family member you haven’t seen lately. We need each other to help get through this difficult time. Visit the McGraw Reunion Facebook page and leave memories for other family members to read. Share your history and your lives with each other. It is a very special gift.  Please take time today to count your blessings and recognize what a wonderful family the McGraw family is. I know I am so blessed to be a McGraw, with such a wonderful husband and family.  I hope this post finds you all healthy and well and I look forward to seeing you at the McGraw Reunion next year.

Take care,
Marla McGraw                   
07/12/2020 

My Friend Marvin C. "Jack" McGraw by Herk McGraw

MY FRIEND MARVIN C. “JACK” McGRAW

As well as I remember Jack was a short heavy set fellow. At least he was shorter than my dad. I guess I liked him because he was short like me. He was always laughing or smiling when I was around him. He seemed like a fun guy. He was a favorite around our house.

Mom bought me a army uniform when I was 6 or 7 years old. I was proud as punch and wore it all the time.

"Jack" in Milwaukee, WI, with his future wife Lois Wittemann.

Jack had joined Uncle Sam's Army and was home on leave. Whenever I saw him I would always salute and he would salute back. On this day, I was in my uniform in the front yard when I saw him coming down that old dirt road toward Ravencliff. We lived on the left side of the road and he had his left hand on the steering wheel. I jumped to attention with a salute. He had a great big smile and tried to salute me with his right hand and he couldn't get it where it should be with his head toward me so he saluted with his left hand. After he went back to camp I wrote him a letter, with Mom's help, and he answered it.

We had moved before he returned home and I never saw him again. But I will never forget the short little guy who saluted me. He was my friend.

That's my story and I am sticking to it.
Herk McGraw

(Administrator: Herk remembers Jack as a short fellow. The below picture was shared by "Mack" McGraw's son Gerald (Jerry). It was taken by his mother Rose and while we don't have a date we think it was taken in the 1950’s. Without looking at the list of people under the picture, can you guess which one in the picture is Jack?)

From left to right: Horace McGraw, G.C. "Jake" McGraw, Earl McGraw, Huey McGraw, Robert C. Byrd, Dennis Mack McGraw, Jack McGraw, Woodrow McGraw, and unknown.

An Article from the Raleigh Register about Jack's wartime exploits...

Jack admiring the hole shot out in the rudder above the windows where he sat.

Photographs from David McGraw & his sister Lynne (McGraw) Goroncy

David and Lynne have very interesting connections to John & Mahala in their family tree. They are the children of the late Carl & Elizabeth (Yardas) McGraw.

Carl was a 'double' grandson of John & Mahala. Carl's father was Luther McGraw, son of H.G. 'Dad' McGraw. David says: "My GrandFather Luther Carl McGraw (SR) was killed when my Dad was very young. Fortunately, "Dad" McGraw took in my Father and Grandmother Pauline Nichols McGraw. Perry "Earl" McGraw married Pauline and raised my Father."

Earl was a son of Okey "Oak" McGraw, and THAT is how he became a 'double' grandson!

A few years ago Lynne, sent us a short article from the Wallowa Oregon newspaper about her Dad, Luther Carl McGraw. It's from 1944 or '45 when he was in the Army Air Corp. This article talks about the McGinnis' family. Not only did John & Mahala's son Lewis (Bum) settle in the Enterprise/Wallowa area, but H.G. (Dad's) wife Pearl was a McGinnis and her brother Benjamin Harrison McGinnis moved there as well.

Carl ended up moving to Pennsylvania after the war and getting married.

Earl was a teacher among other things and Lynne shared some pics of him teaching in Mullens.

Here's a shot Lynne shared of Earl and Carl at Earl's house on Church Street in Mullens. David remembers Earl as "a loving person , with whom I enjoyed fishing, doing woodwork, and visiting family and friends. Earl was my GRANDFATHER..."

David sent a few current snapshots of his family to share. "Bonnie and I are blessed to have 2 sons, 2 daughters in law and 4 grandchildren. My Sons are Perry David McGraw and Chad Earl McGraw. We did not have to travel far to pick out these names for our sons."

Perry is standing behind his Mom and Chad is standing behind me.

Left to right:

Seated = Lauren McGraw, David McGraw, Bonnie McGraw, Natalie McGraw, and Beth McGraw

Standing = Elizabeth McGraw, Rebecca McGraw, Andrew McGraw, Perry McGraw, and Chad McGraw

David says in closing: "As a child, I have many wonderful memories of time spent in McGraws. I was blessed to have close ties with family members from both clans of Luther and Earl."

Regards and stay safe,

David Earl McGraw

The Day Milam High School Burned - Herk McGraw

THE DAY MILAM HIGH SCHOOL HOUSE BURNED

The Milam High School Class of 1923

School was out, "teachers let the monkeys out," the gang sang as we took off for home. It was the last day of school in 1943. I had just finished the 3rd grade and we were moving the next day.

My grandmother Dean, Aunt Phyllis, and Uncle Conley had come to help Mom pack to move. We lived about a quarter mile down the creek from the school on a little plot where the bridge crosses the creek to the water plant now.

Mom kicked Conley and me out of the house so they could get the packing done. We were on the hillside across the creek between the creek and railroad looking at something when we looked up and saw black smoke rising from the direction of the school. We ran home to tell Mom. She said it was probably Uncle Oak's chicken house. Naturally we had to go see and Mom said OK. We took off up the road. When we hit the turn at Ed Kerns' store, post office, and service station we could see it was the school house.

The Mullens Fire Department, I suppose, was already there. The men were rigging the hoses to pump water from the creek where it comes under the bridge.

About the time they got the water running a lady ran over the hose on her way to the post office. The pressure on the hose caused a weak spot to give way and water went everywhere. The firefighters went crazy stopping the pump and installing a new section of hose. They got the water running and guess what, here came the lady headed for home. This time the hose held.

Conley and I watched for awhile, got tired and hurried home to tell Mom it was the school burning. The big story in the family was that Uncle Darrell 's typewriter had burned in the fire.

That is my story and I am sticking to it.

Kenton Herford McGraw, Jr. “Herk”

We have a whole page on our website with information about The Old Milam High School

To check it out CLICK HERE

Picture Courtesy of Lynne (McGraw) Goroncy

1977 Milam Reunion - Hawaii comes to McGraws

Back Row L-R: Marvin "Jack" McGraw, Galena (McGraw) Kerns, Horace McGraw

Front Row L-R: Naomi (McGraw) Sadler, Mabel (Unknown)