History of the Reunion

History of the Lowe Family Reunion

The Lowe Reunion was originally called the Lowe / Powell Reunion. Although the Powell part was dropped, the Powell name will always continue to be in our hearts, a part of our family, and be equally important to us.

Before the Lowe/Powell Reunion, we would often have small family get-togethers. The first planned reunion started in 1963, when Linda Lowe, Margaret Beardall, and Jerrie Lowe were at Jerrie’s home having Linda dye their hair. As they were talking, the idea of everyone getting together for a reunion came up, and they decided to see if they could arrange one. They sent the invitation out on simple postcards, and the idea became a success.  

Some of the people that hosted the reunion for the first few years were Doug & Linda Lowe, Ray & Jerrie Lowe, Homer & Margaret Beardall, Jim & Marilyn Lowe, Ron & Roma Davis. Jessie (Jackie) Lowe had always been the reunion treasurer. Many more have hosted the reunion since and we wish to thank them all.

For many years it was held at Kelly’s Grove because at that time we could get the park for no charge. (Something to do with our ancestor Richard Lowe having something to do with the property for so many years before.) After Kelly’s Grove it was held in at least 6 more places.  Once in the adjoining backyards of Ray & Jerrie Lowe and Earl & Jackie (Jessie) Lowe’s home, because of too much flooding in the canyons. Lately it’s been held at the Springville City Rotary Park up in Hobble Creek canyon. Keeping to the tradition of staying close to the old homestead in Springville, Utah.

The reunion typically will last from Friday through Sunday. Arrive in the morning on Friday and leave in the morning on Sunday.

No one is sure when the first family from out of state started to attend, but there were around fifty or so people there for the first few years. It has grown much larger since then. 

For the first few years we didn’t have a quilt. But now one of the main parts of our raffle includes a large, beautiful hand-stitched quilt.  For all those years until she passed away Laurel Danise made the quilts. After she passed away Sherilyn Lowe graciously took on the cherished project and has made them each year since.

The year Jim and Marilyn Lowe were in charge, they decided to do a Western themed reunion. Each reunion has had its own theme since.  

There have always been games. Such as badminton, gunny sack, foot race, three legged, baseball, baby bottle drinking contests, horseshoes, and of course bingo. Some games change each year and some stay the same. Mystery Mouse has been a part of the reunion since the first year. If you have ever been at a reunion, you know about Mystery Mouse and the small, wrapped packages mysteriously left here and there for the children. Some years there’s even a treasure.

The program has highlighted many wonderful talents. Some are old favorites, and some are new to us each year. Doug Lowe had MC almost every year — some years without a microphone, having to all but yell to be heard and almost losing his voice. That now has been turned over to those who are in charge for the year.

At the first few reunions, we asked for a $2.00 donation from each of the families. But when that didn’t seem to be working, we started relying on the raffle for funding.

All funds for reunions come from the raffle, except for some donations, Many of the hosts have not only put a lot of  their time but put in money out of their pocket if it was necessary.  

We wish to thank all those who have and those who will donate their gifts & creativity to the raffle table, as well as to those who support it by going in on the raffle.

There had always been some campfire singing, but in the early 1970s the all-night (well almost all night) campfire singing really started when Kent Lowe brought his guitar and his talent. Although sometimes now we don’t sing as much, we do still gather around and tell stories and visit till the late hours.

Who could ever forget the Midnight Treasure Hunts that Shelly Lowe Erickson put together? Talk about challenging but fun! We now do an “after dark” starts just before dark hunt/games for 13 and up only and the family that is hosting the reunion takes charge of it. It’s always a fun and competitive time and some of the ideas that family comes up with are amazing. 

Ray and Tammy Lowe have stepped in each year starting sometime in the 90’s, bringing up the emergency medical supplies.  Came in very handy several times. From scrapes & sprains to allergic reactions to falling into the campfires. So grateful to have them and the kit there to help.

This is just a small portion of our reunion’s history. Each year we make more memories and history for us all to enjoy. We hope to see all our family there this year and at the Lowe Reunions to come.