The Bland Community Families organization grew out of an 
intense desire on the part of the Washington siblings to see the 
people that they grew up with under happy circumstances. 

     When they gathered at their parents home once or twice a year, 
the conversations always went back to their childhood years and the 
"children they grew-up with".  Some of these families seemed like 
an extension of their own, especially the Lees and Stroders.  
When they were growing up, these three families saw each other 
almost daily.  Either at church, at school, or at work in the fields.  
They could remember some good times as children and teenagers, with 
the Lees, Stroders, Roger Simmons and others.  Since becoming adults, 
it seemed that the only time most of them saw each other was at 
a funeral.

     The Washingtons wanted to do something about this situation.
They had so much fun, among themselves, reminiscing about growing up.  
They wanted everyone who grew-up with them to get together with them 
and do the same.

     In the Spring of 1970, plans were made for the first Bland 
Community Family reunion.  It was to take place on August 15th &16th.  
A picnic was to be held at the home of Mr. & Mrs. Gus Washington, Sr. 
on Saturday the 15th.  On Sunday, the group was to worship together at 
Greater New Hope.

     The joyous occasion that was planned for that weekend did not occur.  
Instead, it was replaced by a sad occasion, the sudden death of Gus 
Washington, Sr.  He was buried on Saturday, August 15th.

     Needless to say, that took all of the joy of life for the Washingtons 
for awhile.  It took seven years for them to regain their composure.

     In 1977 Patricia Stevens Washington (Thomas' wife) was instrumental in 
helping Verdell Plan the first reunion.  She'd had previous experience, as 
her father and his 15 brothers & sisters had been having an annual gathering 
since 1946.  Patricia composed the first letter that was sent out to current 
and former residents of the Bland Community.

     The first Homecoming Celebration was held July 2-4, 1977.  Attendance 
was GREAT.  The celebration began with devotion and an organizational 
meeting at Greater New Hope Church.  Officers elected at that meeting were:  
President--Verdell Washington
Vice President--Richard Simmons  
Secretary--Julia Strawder
Asst. Secretary--Thelma Washington 
Treasurer--Willie James Lee Merrix
Asst. Treasurer--Josie Jones.

     The group voted that the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday 
(or Saturday, Sunday and Monday-depending on when the 4th falls) 
in July would be designated "Homecoming Weekend" each year.  
It was also agreed that, whenever possible, the activities would 
take place in the Bland Community.

	Methods of financing were to be through fundraising activities and 
family registration fees.  It was also decided that a savings acct be 
established.  

	Everyone had a great time at the first "homecoming" and left 
looking forward to the next year.  

	At the general business meeting in 1978, the group decided that 
its major goal would be to assist in the maintenance and upgrading of the 
Bland Community.(see Article III)  Several methods have been used to 
achieve this goal.  The first was the installation of a new fence and 
posts around Damascus Cemetery.  This project was completed under Ralph 
Lee's presidency.  The second was padding the seats of the pews of 
Greater New Hope Church.  This project was undertaken under Alberta 
Stroder Thomas' presidency.

	It was completed under Gus Washington's presidency.  When funds ran 
short, the church membership pitched in and paid the balance. 1981-1983
was devoted to increasing the financial status of the organization and to 
establishing a set of Bylaws with which to be governed.  Area Fundraising 
Chairpersons were designated.  Their responsibility was to institute fund-
raising activities throughout the year among the membership in their local 
areas.  Frank O. Gray, Sr., was appointed chairman of the Bylaws Committee.

	On July 16th, 1982 the Bland Community Family Reunion became a 
Non-profit, Chartered Organization officially renamed BLAND COMMUNITY 
FAMILIES OF ALACHUA, FLORIDA, INCORPORATED.  Following the enactment 
of the charter BCFI focused on awarding a scholarship to a deserving 
member.  In 1986 two qualified applicants applied - Karen Lee and 
Henry Woods.

	In 1979, Gussie W. Lee had a vision of how this organization could 
be used as a means of leaving our children a legacy.  It could be done by 
everybody writing his/her family history and compiling them in a booklet.
The first booklet was published in 1981.  It was amended in 1982.  The 
membership then voted to upgrade the booklet every five years.
	
	The annual Homecoming Activities have routinely consisted of a 
general membership business meeting;  a banquet(all except one year).  Sale 
of T-Shirts and a drawing during the picnic.  Worship service at GNHMBC at 
1:00 or 1:30(to allow for area attendance).  In earlier years a talent 
program was held.  Attendance was low due to the lateness of the hour.  
Refreshments after worship service consist of homemade ice cream and cake.  
A dance is usually held following the banquet.



Steven M. Washington, Webmaster