The Damon Family Reunion 1896

Summer of 1896 in Charlotte, Maine, many Damon family members met together for a reunion, seen below and colorized with artificial intelligence.

In the summer of 1896, the Damon family orchestrated a memorable reunion at their time-honored farm nestled within the scenic environs of Charlotte, Maine. The journey to the estate was a delightful procession, with the family members arriving in horse-drawn carriages that meandered through the picturesque countryside. The rhythmic trot of horses against the rustic roads invoked a sense of nostalgia, evoking memories of bygone days.

Once assembled at the family farm, the air was charged with an atmosphere of conviviality and shared history. Classic outdoor games such as croquet graced the lawn, eliciting both friendly competition and laughter. The tranquil pond on the property invited members to explore its waters aboard boats, fostering moments of relaxation and connection amidst nature's splendor.

As the sun set, the family congregated beneath the sprawling canopy of an ancient oak tree, the same that had witnessed generations of their kin. Anecdotes about their forebears were recounted, intermingling historical facts with cherished family legends, weaving a tapestry that bound the present to the past.

A sumptuous dinner awaited them, served within a grand tent adorned with a tasteful fusion of Victorian elegance and modern comforts. The meal showcased an amalgamation of timeless Victorian recipes and contemporary culinary delights, symbolizing the harmonious blend of heritage and innovation.

As the evening unfolded, discussions blossomed within the familial circle, spanning a range from thought-provoking philosophical explorations to captivating visions of what lay ahead. The gathering of intellects interwove strands of contemplation regarding the prevalent zeitgeist with reflections on their own time and place. The dialogues seamlessly intermingled reflections on Victorian ideals and aspirations, fusing the spirit of their era with insightful contemplations on their immediate reality.

Under the vast expanse of the night sky, a bonfire was kindled, casting dancing shadows and a warm glow upon the faces of the kinfolk. The crackling flames symbolized not only the endurance of the Damon lineage but also the perpetual renewal of connections that transcended time.

As the reunion concluded, the Damon family departed the farm with hearts enriched by the shared experiences of the weekend. The event had fortified the bonds that tied them to their past while instilling a collective sense of anticipation for the uncharted terrain of the future. In the aftermath of the gathering, the echoes of laughter, conversations, and cherished moments reverberated in the air, etching this reunion into the annals of the family's history.

 

 my great grandparents on my paternal side

Walter Francis Damon was born on February 13, 1920, in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada to John Francis (Frank) Damon and Gladys Marie Wanamaker. Walter was the first child of Frank and Gladys and he had seven younger siblings: Florence, Ronald, Dorothy, Hazen, Robert, Ken, and Douglas.

As a young boy, Walter grew up in St. John, New Brunswick and attended school there. He was a hardworking and responsible young man and helped his parents raise his younger siblings.

On November 9, 1939, when Walter was 19 years old, he married Jean Amelia Janes in St. John, New Brunswick. Walter and Jean had nine children together and they raised their family in St. John, where Walter worked as a machinist.

Walter was a devoted husband and father and he loved spending time with his family. He was always there to support and encourage his children and he was deeply loved by all of them.

Walter's father, Frank, passed away on October 25, 1973, at the age of 76. Walter continued to live in St. John with Jean until his own death on May 19, 1994, at the age of 74. He was survived by his wife, Jean, and his nine children, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walter's legacy lived on through his loving family and he was deeply missed by all of them.

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Jean Amelia Janes was born on November 6, 1921, in St John, New Brunswick, Canada, to William James Janes and Caroline Janes Burbridge. She was the oldest of six siblings, including Frederick Gerald, Donald E., Betty Doreen, Robert Louis, and Elsie Virginia.

As a young girl, Jean Amelia attended school in St John and helped her family with household chores. When she was 18 years old, she married Walter Francis Damon, who she had known since childhood. Together, they had nine children and built a happy home in St John.

Throughout her life, Jean Amelia was known for her kindness and generosity. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, and she had a special talent for cooking and baking. She spent many years working as a homemaker and caring for her family, and she was greatly loved by all who knew her.

In her later years, Jean Amelia lost both her mother and father, as well as several siblings. She remained strong and resilient through these difficult times, and she continued to be a source of support and comfort to her children and grandchildren.

On April 6, 2007, Jean Amelia passed away at the age of 85. She was remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, and her legacy lived on through her many loved ones. She was buried in St John, near the home where she had spent most of her life.

 

 

John Francis (Frank) Damon & Gladys Marie Wanamaker

my great great grandparents on my paternal side

John Francis, known as Frank to his friends and family, was born in Calais, Maine in 1897. He was the fourth child of Charles and Margaret Damon, both of whom were 28 at the time of his birth. Frank's mother, Margaret, was a housewife and his father, Charles, worked as a laborer.

Frank had a younger brother, Frederick, who was born in 1899 when Frank was just one year old. Frank and Frederick grew up in Calais, Maine and were close throughout their lives.

In 1901, Frank was three years old and living with his family in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. Frank's mother, Margaret, was 29 years old at the time and his father, Charles, was 32. Frank had three older siblings, Curtis, Ruth, and Walter, and a younger brother, Fred.

Tragically, Frank's mother passed away in 1903 when Frank was just six years old. Margaret was just 34 years old at the time of her death.

Frank grew up and, at the age of 22, he married Gladys Marie Wanamaker in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada. Frank and Gladys had six children together: Walter, Florence, Ronald, Dorothy, Hazen, and Robert.

Frank's father, Charles, passed away in 1931 when Frank was 33 years old. Frank continued to work as a millwright at the paper mill and raise his family in St. John, New Brunswick. In 1940, Frank was 43 years old and living with his children, including his nephew Phillip, on Lord Road in St. John.

Frank lived a long and full life, surrounded by his loving family. He passed away in the 1980s, leaving behind a legacy that was carried on by his children and grandchildren.

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Gladys Marie Wanamaker was born in Chelsea, Massachusetts in 1897 to James Wilfred Wanamaker and Viella Sophia Fanjoy. Gladys was the second child in a family of six siblings. When Gladys was 13 years old, she and her family were living in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, where her father worked as a Baptist carpenter.

On November 4, 1919, Gladys married John Francis (Frank) Damon in Saint John, New Brunswick. Gladys and Frank had eight children together: Walter, Florence, Ronald, Dorothy, Hazen, Robert, Ken, and Douglas.

Gladys was a devoted wife and mother and dedicated herself to raising her family. She and Frank raised their children in St. John, New Brunswick, where Frank worked as a millwright at the paper mill.

In 1961, Gladys's mother, Viella Sophia, passed away at the age of 86. Gladys continued to live in St. John with Frank until 1963, when they moved to Meade, Kansas. Gladys passed away in 1974, leaving behind a legacy as a loving and dedicated wife and mother.