FAIRFIELD — The 50th Baum family reunion was held last Sunday outside under tents at the historic Thomas Baum house (circa 1816) near Fairfield, and was attended by 83 family members.

Traditionally held every year on the first Sunday in August, the reunion drew folks this year from New Jersey, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia and North Carolina. Older family members were recognized, as was the youngest, Jason and Betsy Cutrell’s son, Justin Cole. The Thomas Baum house is where his great-great-great-great-grandfather lived in the early 1800s.

A short program followed the delicious covered-dish luncheon, which featured all of the old family favorites including fried chicken, barbecue, stewed corn, collards, green beans, pone bread, watermelon and an array of desserts. Walter Baum, along with Pat Baum Herman, spoke about the first reunion in 1968, which was held on Rachel Baum Dudley’s front porch near Engelhard. Clare Baum and Stephanie Jones then sang a song about Thomas Baum and his five children after which R.S. Spencer Jr. updated all on recent publications on Hyde history.

Then, Ann-Cabell Baum, assisted by Bristol Cutrell, held drawings for two copies of “Currituck Legacy,” “The Baum Family of North Carolina” and other memorabilia. The short program concluded with the singing of “America the Beautiful” led by Clare Baum, Stephanie Jones and Dawson Page.

Family group pictures were taken on the steps of the home place before all departed with happy memories and looking forward to next year’s 51st Baum reunion on the first Sunday in August 2018.

Submitted by Clare Baum