2014 Brubaker Family Reunion

John P. and Mary Brubaker honored; 300th Anniversary Commemorative Fraktur unveiled

 

The history of the Brubaker family is deeply rooted in the soil.  Brubakers and farming have a long and intimate history.

In addition to seeking freedom from religious persecution, our Brubaker-Brubacher ancestors came to the New World seeking affordable, bountiful land to cultivate.  This led them to Lancaster County and what is now East Hempfield Township.  On the land of the original property patented and warranted from William Penn to Hans Brubaker, at the Parish Resource Center on the campus of Homestead Village, the 92nd annual Brubaker Families of America reunion was held on August 3rd, 2014.

Our featured speaker this year was Luke Brubaker from Brubaker Farms in Mount Joy who shared the story of ‘Brubaker Farms Sustainability (Conservation, Food, and Energy)’.

Joining J. Clayton Brubaker (1927) and Levi H. Brubaker (1934), Luke and his sons Tony and Mike were honored as Pennsylvania Master Farmers in 2008.  

Luke with his wife Barb and sons Tony and Mike, operate a 950 cow dairy.  The family also produces 250,000 broiler chickens each year and farms more than 1,000 acres.

Brubaker Farms. Mount JoyGrown from modest beginnings, Luke purchased the farm from his father in the 1970s with only 18 cows.  When his sons returned from college in the 1990s, they undertook expansions that have resulted today in an operation that supports three families and 10 employees and a gross income of more than $5 million per year.

Luke lives in the house his father bought in 1929 and his grandchildren play in the creeks he played in as a child.  He farms the same land his father did, even as farming in Lancaster County has dramatically changed since his father’s days. 

John P and Mary Brubaker recognition

New President Dr. J. Kenneth Brubaker presenting award to John and Mary Brubaker.

In addition to our featured speaker, milestones and unveilings were the focus of attention in this year’s program.  Past President John P. Brubaker and his wife Mary, who served as Recording Secretary, were honored for their 16 years of service to the Family Association. 

John and Mary make Catonsville, MD their home. 

Last year’s featured speaker, Fraktur Artist Lynn Sommer of New Holland, PA was on hand with Eileen Johns, Chair of the 300th Anniversary Committee Lynn Sommers and Eileen Bender Johnsto unveil a beautiful 300th Anniversary Limited Edition Fraktur creation.  A limited number of 200 of this beautiful, one-of-a-kind creation will be available for sale, with all proceeds going to help underwrite the costs of our 300th Anniversary celebration.  In August of 2017 at the 300th Anniversary fete her original edition will be offered for sale at auction to the highest bidder. 

Be sure to mark your calendar for August 2, 2015 for our next reunion.  Details will follow soon!

See images from the event below: