Springer Reunion held in Island Falls

By Theresa Leavitt Peters, Mattawamkeag
    The Island Falls celebration, parade and festivities were held in August and two grandchildren of the late Eugene and Minnie Springer were coming to Maine from Texas as they wanted to attend the high school banquet on Aug. 4.
    They were also coming to visit with their mother, Tat (Mrs. Alton) Springer and aunt, Priscilla Anderson Brownlow of Houlton.
    But, the celebration event was a great chance to have a Springer reunion!
    Some family members had not seen cousins in years! Some quickly phoned and e-mailed to see if this was of interest of anyone. Cousins in Connecticut and Caribou to Augusta said yes! Cousin Anderson and wife from Iowa would be able to attend, too.
Contributed photograph
SPRINGERS — Alton Springer, left, and Eugene Springer at the blacksmith shop in Island Falls. 
    The plan was on. The first item on the agenda was where to have the reunion. Cousin Irene Anderson suggested it would be fitting to have it where the Springers grew up in the house beside the Baptist Church in Island Falls.
    Our grandfather, Eugene Springer married Minnie Burpee in the early 1900s. He was a blacksmith by trade. He had his shop right beside the jail — the next street over. They had eight children, including son Alton and seven girls: Carrie Ellis, Sylvia Burpee, Lena York Dow, Gladys Leavitt, Lydia Siton, Hazel Brannen and Priscilla Anderson Brownlow. 
    Alton also learned blacksmithing and worked with his father and later was a blacksmith for Robinsons at Sherman Lumber Company. The seven daughters married and relocated in other towns in Maine and as the families grew they moved to other states. All, except Priscilla have passed away and leave many sons, daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
    Many people were planning to attend, so we knew the house would not be large enough for us. Our cousin Gary Springer (son of Alton) arranged with the pastor of the Baptist Church so we could have our reunion there. Gary’s mom, Tat, was a member at the Baptist Church and Eugene Springer was a deacon in earlier days. Today there is a stained glass window in memory of Eugene and Minnie Springer purchased by their youngest daughter, Priscilla Brownlow.
    August 5 came with great anticipation and joy, as we had a great reunion in the beautiful facility and fellowship hall of United Baptist Church in Island Falls. We were glad to meet and get re-acquainted with Springer relatives, Dows and friends, so much we have decided to try this again another year and perhaps go over the 60-plus in attendance.
    God has blessed the Springer family and we are thankful.