The 1996 Re-union - Philadelphia Approaching 300 members of the House of Ogburn took part in the bi-annual Reunion in Downington, Pennsylvania between 30th August and 1st September 1996, and Judge Robert W. Ogburn from Colorado, and John Ogbourne from Whitley Bay, UK were invited as guests. Members came from as far afield as Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Arizona, and California.

There could not have been a warmer welcome to the guests from all the people attending. Here we see John Ogbourne, Virginia Barnwell, Judge Ogburn and Ivan Johnson, President of the House of Ogburn soon after arrival on Friday evening.

Many people said much they enjoyed meeting relatives who they maybe only had the opportunity to meet at the Reunion, members being scattered over such a wide area. There is clearly a great feeling of fellowship between people who in other circumstances would lose touch with one-another over time.

The history of the origin of the name of Ogbourne (from which Ogburn is derived) since the Norman invasion of England was given by John Ogbourne on Saturday afternoon, and Judge Robert W. Ogburn followed up with the history in the USA. The connections many shared with Bob in Virginia obviously meant a lot to many people there. A hot air balloon ride ! Something many had always wanted to do presented itself later on Saturday afternoon, and a number of flights were put on to soar on a beautiful day over the town, the only scary bit of one of the flights was when the balloon hovered above a yard full of portable toilets - ‘Surely we aren’t coming down on all these johns !’ someone cried out.

The catering and facilities of The Tabas Hotel proved ideal for the event, with a very nice dinner held on the Saturday evening attended by young and old, followed by a fashion show and disco. The church service on the Sunday morning was a moving experience, the sermon being given by House of Ogburn member and Baptist Minister Christine Clark from Long Island.

A Caribbean Luau followed in glorious sunshine. George Long, who worked very hard with his colleagues in the Philadelphia branch to make the event such a success, came to Virginia Barnwell’s assistance to make sure the balloons didn’t lift Virginia (who was already feeling lightheaded ) off her feet. Guests headed home on Sunday evening having had a great time. Lets hope this great organisation goes on and on !

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