The 44th gathering of the Baum family was held Aug. 7 at the Thomas Baum house near Fairfield with 94 family members attending. The annual event was hosted by Clare and Walter Baum who welcomed all on the very warm, yet clear, August day. Geraldine Baum Bush was the oldest member attending this year’s reunion. Other family members, young and old, traveled from Florida, Wisconsin, Virginia and South Carolina, as well as across North Carolina to be at the event.

An extensive covered dish luncheon was served outside under tents and the large pecan trees. Music throughout the time was played by Karen and Dennis Modlin of Bath. In addition to their planned program, they played a rendition of “The Lighthouse,” a piece which has traditionally been sung at many reunions.

Following lunch, R.S. Spencer gave an update on recent publications of the Hyde County Historical and Genealogical Society, highlighting its semi-annual journal, “High Tides,” and its hardcover book, “Landmarks of Hyde County.” Sherye Baum Bergmann then spoke about the family effort to gather information of recent generations of the Baum family so that the information in “Currituck Legacy,” the book about the N.C. Baum family, can become current. She also presented a large image of the Baum crest to Clare and Walter Baum.

Before all left, there were pictures taken and lots of goodbyes, as well as thoughts of the 2012 reunion on the first Sunday in August.