Dameron-Damron Family AssociationDDFA Reunions
Every year since 1987, six years after it was formed, the DDFA has had a reunion. The first six were held in Missouri, then they moved to Cabwaylingo State Park in Wayne County, West Virginia. The land of this state park was part of the land grant of Damrons in West Virginia. Since 2007, the reunion has been held in various places around the US where the extended family has settled. The reunions feature a banquet and meeting on Saturday, but family members often get together the whole week, going to various places in the area to research the family or to enjoy all that the area for that reunion holds.
The 40th anniversary of the DDFA was in 2021, and that reunion was held in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. We’ve put together articles and photos from all our past reunions for you to reminisce or see what you missed. Let us know if you have any pictures or observations you’d like to add!
READ AT THE 40TH DDFA ANNIVERSARY REUNION, 2021, PIGEON FORGE TENNESSEE
Hello everyone and thank you all for making this a wonderful 40th anniversary reunion. We have a lot to get to so I will be brief.
When John Dameron and Leonard Dameron started the DDFA back in 1981 I’m sure they had no idea we would still be here today and celebrating 40 years. This is a great milestone and with all the things going on in the world we are still surviving. Members have come and gone. Some have lost interest in research, some thought it was too stressful, and many have passed away. It seems that with each newsletter we list more and more obituaries. This past year has been hard as we have had several close members of the DDFA pass due to covid19.
I am Cindora Damron Creasman, Chairperson of the Board, and I would like to acknowledge our board members who are the backbone of the DDFA.
John Dameron and Leonard Damron co-founded the DDFA. After Leonard passed away in 2003, John continued with the DDFA. John still serves as an advisor to the board and continues to research and write articles. He is both loved and respected by all the DDFA members. Thank you John.
Our former editor and now-advisor to the board is Charles Chaney. Charles has also maintained the Web Page DDFA.org for many years. Due to medical problems Charles has stepped back from several of the DDFA duties but continues to be a part of the DDFA as advisor. Thank you, Charles.
Davonna Damron Guthrie joined the DDFA Board in 2008 as treasurer. Then added membership to her job and is now co-editing the newsletter with her husband, Don Guthrie. Don has often graciously stepped in to help with anything DDFA related, not just our newsletter. If there is something to be done for the DDFA, Davonna and Don will always make sure it gets done. They have been dedicated members of the family since they started, and we all appreciate their willingness to take care of the organization. Thank you, Davonna and Don.
Willmore Dameron and his devoted wife, Susan took over the reunions from me back in 2014 and have done a great job. Each year we hold the reunion in a different state, but every 6-8 years we return to where it all began, Northumberland Co., Va. Planning DDFA reunions is not an easy task. I know because I did it for 20 years. Making sure the location, accommodations, and activities are safe, clean, reasonably priced, and accessible to as many family members as possible takes a lot of research and preparation. Willmore always does a great job, regardless of where the reunions are. When we were in Oklahoma and our reunion had ended, I overheard management talking behind the desk about how they were impressed by Willmore’s expertise and friendliness. Thank you Willmore.
Our newest board member is Donna Claire Carter.
Donna has been a long-standing member of the DDFA since her first reunion in 1992. Donna joined the board in 2019 and has done numerous jobs for the organization. Currently Donna is working and learning about our DDFA DNA project and will be helping maintain the DDFA.org webpage. Thank you Donna.
Our final member is Stacy Scudder. Stacy joined the DDFA when we held our reunion in Pikeville, Kentucky. Stacy joined the Board in 2012 and is now an advisor to the DDFA Board. She will be moving to Portugal soon with her husband, who is from England. I hope she will continue to serve as advisor to the board. Thank you, Stacy.
All the DDFA board members are dedicated to our family history, research, and helping our members connect to their families. We work together and help each other whenever we can, because we’re all part of the same family. If anyone is interested in joining us on the board, we meet online once a month. We hold a yearly meeting at our reunions, which isn’t a requirement, but it’s nice to get together in person to talk about all things family. We are currently looking for help with membership, newsletter editing, genealogy research, newspaper research, authoring of family articles, circulation, or anything you can do to help us to make it to 50 years.
Thank you all, Cindora Damron Creasman, Chairwoman
2024 ANNUAL DAMERON-DAMRON FAMILY ASSOCIATION REUNION WAS HELD IN HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA
JULY 11-14.2024
HYATT PLACE HUNTSVILLE/RESEARCH PARK
6860 Governors West NW, Huntsville, AL 35806
1-256 666 9660 x 7521.
The Hyatt Place Hotel has created the DDFA 2024 Direct Booking Link. When guests are making their reservations, they will be able to type in the group code of G-DDFA under the special rates drop down menu. Once the dates are selected, the group codes will automatically populate with the discounted rate. You can also call in to make your reservations. When speaking to the front desk agent, they will need to reference the group name of DDFA 2024 Everyone has until June 11, 2024, to make their reservations, after that date the discounted rate of 135.00 a night will no longer be available. You can also book your rooms for a longer period of time if you chose to do so at the discounted rate. Please note that when making your reservations online, you can only book up to two rooms at a time. You are responsible for your own reservations.
Our annual meeting/banquet will be held Saturday July 13 at the Hyatt Place hotel in their meeting room from 12-5pm. The Hyatt Place hotel restaurant will cater our meal.
Our meeting/banquet will have a raffle this year plus door prizes, cousins old and new, and lots of friends to visit with. We’re sometimes lucky and have family in the area stop by. Please feel free to bring any photos, family history, heirlooms, or stories you would like to share. We will have books with Dameron – Damron history displayed, posters, and pictures of past reunions. There will be t-shirts, hats, mugs, and our DDFA newsletters available for purchase.
Membership renewal and new memberships can also be done at this time. Our annual membership fee is $20.00, which includes the two newsletters printed that year. DDFA membership is not required for our reunion so please feel free to bring a friend or anyone interested in our Dameron-Damron family history.
*** Huntsville, Alabama, affectionately known as “Rocket City,” is a vibrant and exciting destination with a rich history, thriving cultural scene, and fantastic attractions for all ages. ***
U.S. Space & Rocket Center
This world-renowned facility is home to one of the most extensive collections of space artifacts in the world, including the famous Saturn V rocket. Visitors can learn about the history and future of space exploration through interactive exhibits, simulators, and a planetarium. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Huntsville, Alabama, and a must-visit destination for space enthusiasts and families. The center also features interactive exhibits, simulators, and a planetarium.
Alabama Constitution Village
Step back in time and explore Alabama’s history at the Alabama Constitution Village. This living history museum takes visitors on a journey through the state’s founding in 1819, featuring meticulously restored buildings and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life.
Huntsville Depot and Museum
The Huntsville Depot and Museum is a fascinating historic site that transports visitors back to the days of the railroad’s golden age. Visitors can take a trip on a historic train, explore the museum’s collection of antique railcars, and learn about the railroad’s important role in Huntsville’s development. As one of the oldest remaining railroad structures in the country, the Depot offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century rail travel and the Civil War’s impact on the region.
Burritt on the Mountain
Perched atop Monte Sano Mountain, Burritt on the Mountain is a living history museum that showcases 19th-century rural life in the South. The site features the beautifully restored mansion of Dr. William Burritt, a collection of historic buildings, and costumed interpreters who bring the past to life. With its stunning panoramic views of Huntsville and engaging exhibits, Burritt on the Mountain is a fantastic destination for history enthusiasts.