The Anson Bowen Call Family
2007 Reunion Recap

Our topic this year was the 25 children of Grandpa Call.  Prior to the reunion program, attendees mingled together and browsed among poster photos of grandpa, his wives and their children.  There were a number of family items for purchase, including CD's prepared for previous reunions, a new CD containing Tierney Lichfield's transcription of grandpa's missionary journal, and a nicely-presented photo album book (also prepared by Tierney) containing early pictures of the family.   In addition, there was lots of excitement as about 1000 copies of Aunt Lorna's new book arrived by truck.

The more formal part of the gathering started off with a tasty light dinner and dessert prepared and served by Karen Lichfield and her two daughters, followed by family organization business, and then a well-prepared slide show and biography of grandpa's 25 children as prepared by the Karen and David Lichfield family, and narrated by Michael Lichfield, this year's family organization president.

Hats off to Michael and his family for all their efforts in having made this a most pleasant evening and a time to remember for all who were able to attend.   It was a busy, busy time for them all, especially in light of Michael's upcoming marriage scheduled just three weeks following the reunion.  Congratulations are in order.

Now a little more about Aunt Lorna's new book.  As many of you know, she has been preparing a history of her father, entitled Anson Bowen Call, Bishop of Colonia Dublán.  The work constitutes a great history of Grandpa Call, and perhaps the definitive history of the colonies.  Much research was done.  The myth is dispelled that Poncho Villa drove the Saints out of Mexico in the first exodus of 1912.  The drama of Anson Bowen Call, wondering if his marriage to Julia was recognized by the Church, is told in a touching way.  The many faith promoting experiences in his life are retold.  Getting to know Anson Bowen Call personally is one of the pleasures of reading the book.  You will come away standing a little taller and walking a little straighter knowing you are a descendant of Anson Bowen Call, bishop of Colonia Dublán.  The project was begun in 1994, and Lorna and her son Lynn were excited to present this tangible document of extraordinary quality.  It will be a keepsake for all of his descendants.

The book is hardbound, with 686 pages, and contains over 150 photographs.  This non-profit book retails at $39.95 plus shipping.  If you would like to have one or more copies for you and your family members you should contact Lorna's son Lynn right away, as they are going fast, and there will likely not be another printing for many years.  To order the book by email, contact Lynn Alder at  lalder@earthlink.net.

MICHAEL LICHFIELD, ABCFO President
April 2007