After immigrating to America in 1847 (to Wisconsin) and 1870 (to Nebraska) the native Dutch Walvoord Families celebrated their new American freedoms by gathering together and celebrating America’s birthday. This was an annual reunion event for many years in both Wisconsin and Nebraska.
In the first picture are descendants of the Henry and Henrietta Walvoord Family of Cedar Grove and Amsterdam, Wisconsin about 1912. My Great-grandfather (John G. Walvoord) is seated along the left side of the wagon in the middle wearing a white straw hat. My grandfather (Randall Henry Walvoord) is the boy seated in the back corner of the wagon holding an American Flag.
In the second picture are descendants of the William O. and Janna Walvoord family of Holland, Nebraska in Lincoln County in September 1911. (Photo originally thought to be taken at one of the annual 4th of July family reunion picnics). William Walvoord is in the middle row 4th from the left wearing a vest. His wife Janna is standing behind him in black with her hands on his shoulders. William and Janna had eight children.