Original Bentley Reunion logo designed in 2008. This version was made for the 2011 "Way Out West" reunion.
My family and I absolutely love attending the family reunions. Every third year, my wife's family—the Bentleys—host an incredible reunion. I cherish the opportunity to see the legacy of one generation passed on to another and yet to another—so beautiful and wholesome.
In recent years, the "Bentley Reunions" have been primarily based upon the descendants of Floyd and Dora Bentley, formerly of Laverne, Oklahoma. Many of the children, grands, great-grands and beyond still reside within a hundred miles or so of this small town in the flat and dusty Panhandle of the 46th state of the Union. Foot races, card games (mostly Pitch and Rook), multi-generational softball, slip-n-slides, organized children's games, four-wheelin', a family auction of handmade or nostalgic items and of course lots and lots of food comprise the 2-day event, and even a Sunday family worship gathering.
“Of course, I love to hear the stories told, exaggerated or not. They are nearly as satisfying as Kent Bentley’s homemade ice cream (sans the brain freeze).”
Several years ago, my wife suggested that I use my design skills to help promote the reunion among the family. Although the bulk of the Bentley's still reside in Oklahoma, there are quite a few that have settled in Colorado, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Alabama. We've had relatively good success in attracting the kinfolk back to Oklahoma to reconnect or in some cases, connect for the first time with their family and heritage. In one instance, we even held the reunion at Lonesome Valley Ranch in Colorado, near Colorado Springs. We look forward to holding reunions at other sites again in the future.
I have thoroughly enjoyed using "art and design" to help promote "family" as well as generating a little enthusiasm toward attending the event. Below are some of the art and design elements that were produced for Bentley Reunions over the past several years. If you happen to be a family member and would like to receive a copy of any of these items for keepsakes, don't hesitate to contact Lana or me.
