"These are my people, this is where I come from....."
YOUNGSTOWN — The Mashburn family held its first family reunion in 1865 to celebrate the end of the Civil War and honor Richard Byrd Mashburn, who served in the Confederate Army and was released from a Union prison that year.
On Saturday, the family will hold its 143rd annual Richard B. Mashburn Memorial Picnic at Mashburn Memorial Park on the Econfina River with about 200 family members and friends.
Jack Mashburn, great-nephew of Richard Mashburn, said he believes his family reunion might be one of the oldest continuously held reunions in the country. The location had to be changed a few times because of bad weather, but there has been no gap in the gatherings.
At 80 and "proud of every mile," Mashburn can remember reunions when the attendance ranged between 5,000 and 10,000.
"After World War II, there was gas rationing, and attendance really dropped off," he said.
The picnics are held on family-owned land on Hallmon Road off Mashburn Road. The family flag, which Mashburn designed and had sewn by a family member, will fly during the picnic.
The flag's gold band represents the Mashburn word being as good as gold. A white portion represents "this country in pristine condition," and a green section represents farmers.
In the center is a rendering of his great uncle, Richard Byrd Mashburn, wearing his Confederate uniform, beside his older brother Stephen Mashburn, who didn't believe in slavery and served with the Union Army in his uniform. The latter is Mashburn's grandfather, who was shunned by the family for making that choice.
"After awhile, he was accepted back into the family," Mashburn said.
Mashburn said there is a long, covered table near the river that holds the food for the picnic. Everyone brings their own tables and chairs, and there is a restroom facility at the park.
"We always have games and fun for the young children. Years ago, we used to grease a pole with cooking oil and put an envelope with $5 in it at the top. The kids would try to climb the pole to get the money," said Mashburn, adding that this year, there will be inflatables for the children to play on. "The children think it's fun and feel a responsibility to continue the reunions because of their pleasurable memories."
Entertainment is another staple of the Mashburn picnics. A bluegrass band called "The Millers" will perform, and there will be door prizes and gifts for the oldest and youngest Mashburn.
Boston butts are this year's entrée. Vegetables, salads and desserts are supplied by attendees, as well as ice and drinks.
"It's a renewal of fellowship," Mashburn said. "It gives you a sense of belonging, a sense of where you come from. If you don't know where you've been, it's hard to tell where you're going."
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