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I was lucky enough to be contacted by Tom Topper, of Buffalo, NY, in anticipation of his return to the Adams County area, for this year’s Topper Reunion and he told me that I’d be hearing from his cousin Joan who would be sending me a copy of her cookbook. Imagine my surprise when I received a copy of the volume, Topper - McKim Records and Recipes, which not only recounts the history of the Topper and McKim families, but is imbued with a love of family that treasures and cares for one another. The love comes through loud and clear both in the reporting of its history but as well as in the recitation of it recipes. This is a book I loved. The respect and care for one another comes through on every page.
On the Cover:
“ Several items reminiscent of past family reunions create a still-life on a folding table made by Harry Topper. The chicken corn soup served in white china bowls was a stable for many reunions. The cards and horse represent fond memories of hours spent playing games. The horse game originally carved by John L. Topper includes six horses and is played with dice, a track and up to 36 players. ”
“ Good food and plenty of it is a common theme at all reunions. Betty (Topper) Smith contributed the zucchini bread and “Jim” Devine’s key lime pie is pictured on a plate that belonged to her grandmother Mary Isabelle McKim. Beneath the pie is an 1889 document of Gregory P. Topper’s estate distribution. That this and other early documents of our ancestors exist is incredible. I’m sure there are more to be found. ”
“ The patch quilt made by Mary (Staub) Topper represents the many colorful members that collectively join to make our extended family. We hope you enjoy the collection of treasured photos and family recipes. ”
—Cover design and photo by Karen (Topper) Hostetter.
“ Welcome! The whole family is coming to dinner! From around the state and beyond it’s borders they’re coming, the old and the young. Drawn by some magnetic force they’re coming to share stories and to catch up on news. They’re coming to trade recipes and take pictures. But most of all they’re coming to enjoy being together and — of course — they’re coming to eat! ”
Excerpt from an article by Linda Morris on the Topper family reunions in The Sunday News 8/30/87.
For the majority of the past century, descendents of Topper and McKim families have met for an annual family reunion. The current Topper reunion is a franchise of the original gathering of the John M. McKim family. For many years, families gathered at the home of Tom and Pauline (McKim) Devine in Edge Grove, PA. For the past 25 years, reunions have been held at the home of Don and Betty (Topper) Smith in New Oxford. Descendents of both families continue to be represented.
Home of Tom and Pauline (McKim) Devine
Chicken Pluckers --Jean (Hershey) Topper and “Jim” Devine
Jumping Rope --Geraldine and Rosie Neiderer and ?
“The current guest list spans four generations and in the true Topper/McKim tradition, continues to grow.
Generations evolve and location and games may change, but the tradition of gathering to share values and spend valued time lives on. Two important things we can give our children are roots and wings — the family reunion provides both.
”
—text by Joan Topper
Passing the Orange
Friendly Card Game --Frank Topper, Bob Storm, Pap Wallach, and Roy McKim
Peanut Scramble
Doing Dishes
1993 Reunion Group (left to right) Catherine “Jim” Devine, Mary (Staub) Topper. Francis Topper, Tom McKim, Harry Topper, Helen Topper, Jeanette Devine, Earl Topper, Gloria (Corcoran) Topper
The Topper - McKim Family Record and Recipes comprises about 35 pages of Topper - McKim records and 115 pages of recipes. The book is indebted to Harry J. Topper who provided the groundwork of the Topper - McKim history used to complete the thesis. Over the years he ventured on many roadtrips where he visited archives, scoured cemeteries, searched dates and documents and otherwise followed leads tracking down the family history.
Joan Topper skillfully penned the document and a host of chefs, cooks and bakers fashioned the recipes that comprise the counterpoint of the the treatise that get you ready for a clambake, cookout, party, or picnic.
The first Topper reunion of the children of William H. Topper started 94 years ago years and was held on the 12th of September 1909 at the Worth Corbin Grove in Indiana —Worth Corbin was a prize–winning farmer, and husband of Rosa Topper. The minutes of the first Topper reunion recount that the intention of the children of William H. Topper, who had recently passed away, was to bring the family together and organize a yearly reunion to remember their father. The first reunion reportedly had 52 Topper relatives and 101 guests. Later reunions were held in Michigan, where the Topper family relocated. This year’s reunion was the 94th reunion and was held in Noll Park in Crystal, Montcalm County, Michigan.
Front row (sitting):
Rebecka Pennock (child), Dawn Pennock, and Debra Powell.
2nd Row:
Kim DeYoung, Delores DeYoung, Hali DeYoung, Katlin DeYoung, Sandra Groner, Eva Powell, and Flossie Pendell.
3rd Row:
Johnny DeYoung, Rayburn DeYoung, Tammy Groner, Vera Nieman, Lois Dirheimer, Sharon Chappell Mastella, Marguerite Smith, Mary Topper, Ruth Ann Visser, and William Powell.
Last Row:
Carl DeYoung, Janice DeYoung, Mike Wilcox, Jennie DeYoung, Mark Groner, Michael Groner, Justin Groner, William Downing, JoAnn Dirheimer Boyd, Jack Dirheimer, James Pennock, Chuck Mastella, Mary Powell, Leon Powell, Ann Marie Visser, John Groner, and Theresa Sova.
Information concerning the Topper reunions in Michigan and Indiana was generously furnished by Bill Powell, grandson of Carrie Elizabeth Topper DeYoung of Michigan.