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Houston, TX 1989 Revisited

For the next several months, as long as you see this notice, this page will be a work in progress.  When completed it will be one of the most informative pages on the web site. Do you have any ideas? Can you help?

The following is about 23 years late and is being prepared as part of our anniversary and to promote the 2012 AAFA meeting which is the first return to Houston since 1989. If is as successful as it is expected to be you can depend on seeing similar pages for other meetings.

What follows the list of attendees and their links  below is not a typical photo gallery or list of photos with descriptions.  Rather it is an illustrated narrative of the meeting based on some memories--with some links.  We had no planned or organized photo effort in 1989.  The photos below were taken by a variety of members and donated to AAFA.  In some instances credits have been forgotten.  Some of the photos were published in AAFA ACTION #3, December 1989 in the original meeting report.

The "meeting" took place on Saturday afternoon and someone had the great idea to pan the audience taking three shots and they almost got all of us.  They will be covered first.  Because this is likely to get long, and perhaps verbose, a brief list follows with links to the area where the photo and comments are found. 

Attendees

Spouses are shown in parentheses. Other attendees are being added as they are identified.  Many of these folks are now deceased. For more on deceased members, see the Memorial List.  As applicable we will include photos from other than the 1989 meeting and if the subjects are still living we will have asked their permission to publish the photograph.  Also included will be links to the members ahnentafels or ancestor table, their "In Remembrance " article if they are deceased, and to their family branch genealogy.

A
Alford Bryant J. (Mary Louise) 0124 TX JOH818GA/HAY780GA

Pictured with them on the left is Phyllis (Mrs. Landon Alford #0002).  This photo was included in the published report opf the meeting in December 1989 AAFA ACTION. He did appear in other photos of that meeting which appear below.
 

Bryant and Mary were also present at the meetings in 1991 in MS and 1993 in LA.
See his Ahnentafel
One had to talk to Bryant only a few minutes before they knew that he was big in "railroading" past and present.
See the genealogy of his branch of Alfords
He died March 21, 2004. See his "In Remembrance"

Alford Carroll (Shirley) 0212 TX BAL784NC/ISH755NC

There are no known photographs of them from this meeting.
They were not present at any other meetings.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford (Eleanor) 0097 GA WIL811NC/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings in 1988 GA and 1990 NC.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
Charles J. Alford died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at
Eleanor Alford died ???

Alford D. L. (Catherine G.) 0054 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings in 1991 MS, 1993 LA, 1994 VA, and 1995 AL.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
D. L. died December 11, 2002  See his "In Remembrance" at
Catherine died October 7 2000.

Alford Daniel Lee IV 0166 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
He was not present at any other meetings.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
 

Alford Daniel Lee III (Mary Agnes) 0170 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were not present at any other meetings.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Douglas Lee (Shirley) 0204 TX JOH801NC/!!!!!!NC
They were not present at any other meetings.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
Doug died February 20 2006. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Dovie Jean 0110 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings in 1991 MS, 1993 LA, 1994 VA, 1997 CA, 1998 KY.
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

Alford Miriam Ella Langdon 0246 AR JOH810GA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings in 1990 NC, 1993 LA, 1995 AL, 2003 AR.
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
Ella died December 3, 2005. See her "In Remembrance" at

Alford Edgar Gerald (Mary Lucille (Margie) Tilotta) 0231 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
He was not present at any other meetings.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died November 21, 1999. See his "In Remembrance" at
Margie died September 12 1951.

Alford Gerald T. 0250 TX JOH844SC/!!!!!!SC
He was not present at any other meetings.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Gilbert K. Jr. (Mary) 0019 MO JOH807LA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings 1988 GA - 2006 TN & 2011 MO.
See his Ahnentafel.
SEE The genealogy of his branch of Alfords.

Alford Gregory (Sharon) 0000
They were not known to be present at any other meetings.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
 

Alford Hollis Harold 0226 FL EDW792NC/JAM687VA
Hal was later elected to AAFA President, but had to resign because of health.

He was also present at the meetings in 1990 NC, 1991 MS, and 1992 FL.
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died March 7 1995. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Harold 0169 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Harold Glen (Freda M.) 0227 AR STA820GA/HAY780GA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Hollis W. (Arliene F.) 0196 TX JOH801NC/!!!!!!NC
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford James J. (Kathryn L) 0058 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Joe & Drew0058 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford James P. (Nina Mae) 0115 TX LOD812GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford James Posey (Mary E. H.) 0021 TX ISA782NC/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Jim (Glenda B.) 0202 TX BAI781NC/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Joe Benge George Marie) 0136 CO BAI781NC/JAM687VA
They were not present at any other meetings
See his Ahnentafel.
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died June 3, 2003. See his In Remembrance

Alford John P. 0254 NM JOH844SC/!!!!!!SC
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford John Rogers 0200 TX JOH810GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Julius Mosby 0013 MS JUL808NC/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Kenneth M. (Darlene) 0242 TX WIL811GA/HAY780GA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Landon (Phyllis P.) 0002 TX JOH810GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Lodwick H. 0011 GA GRE787NC/LOD749NC
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Margaret 0000 MS JUL808NC/JAM687VA
She wase also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Alford Murray L. (Mary Schulz) 0236 LA JOH807LA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Nancy E. 0160 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

Alford Norman Whitford 0758 TX JUL808NC/JAM687VA
He was also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Oscar W. (Dorothy M.) 0139 LA JUL797GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Shelley 0139 LA JUL797GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford R. Mark (Patricia T.) 0132 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Richard Wayne 0257 TX BAI781NC/JAM687VA
He was also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Robert A. (Marian M.) 0148 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Robert B. Maxine H. 0207 TX BAI781NC/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Robert D. (Gail C.) 0197 TX CLA89 GA/!!!!!!GA
Gail was not at the Houston meetings. They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Robert L. (Mary D.) 0048 TX EDW792NC/JAM687V
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Roy L. (Susan E.) 0208 TX JOH801NC/!!!!!!NC
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford Steve A. (Kate) 0190 LA JOH807LA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford V. Louise 0238 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Alford Victor H. 0225 FL EDW792NC/JAM687VA
He was also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Alford W. J. (Jeweleen Joy) 0138 TX JUL797GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Walter W. 0073 LA JOH807LA/JAM687VA
He was also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Alford Zeb Dickey (Joan Chasan) 0295 TX SEA807LA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Baldwin Christie (Paul F.) 0006 OK BAI781NC/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

(Black Katherine) 0134 TX CAD771NC/LOD749NC
She was also present at the meetings
See her husband's Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Brown Jean H. (Chester James) 0142 AZ BAI781NC/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

Carrigan Josephine Alford 0235 CA JOH807LA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Coyner Robert Perry (Barbara Lee) 0183 TX LOD812GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Davis Betty Alford 0223 TX JOH807LA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Dietrich Nancy Alford 0028 WA ELI779NC/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

(Fite Patricia) 0070 TX SIP800NC/JAM687VA
Pat's husband Lloyd is the Alford. She wase also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Giddings Vesta Alford 0233 TX JOH807LA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Harper Jann Alford 0195 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Hodnett Mary Lee 0224 TX LOD812GA/JAM687VA
Her first hgusband was the Alford. She was also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Jackson Ernestine L. 0248 TX WIL808SC/!!!!!!SC
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

Jester Lynette 0189 TX ????????/HAY780GA
She has no direct Alford line. She was also present at the meetings

Mehrkam Lucille 0032 TX WIL808SC/!!!!!!SC
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Mischer Mary Alford (Walter M.) 0240 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Murphy Paul Cowley (Lillian) 0255 TX JOH807LA/JAM687VA pictured on the left with Captain Lodwick H. Alford, AAFA #0011.  In his younger days Paul played football for Rice, which accounts for the cane.

Lillian Murphy pictured on the right in her wheelchair.  Who is the lady behind her looking over what some might consider the forerunner of the AAFA store that did not materalize further until 1992 in Destin, FL.

They were not present at any other meetings
See his Ahnentafel
SEE The genealogy of his branch of Alfords.
He died April 15, 1995. See his "In Remembrance" at

Rayford Bess 0131 TX JOH810GA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Robinson Oliver S. 0145 LA JUL798GA/JAM687VA
He was also present at the meetings
See his Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of his branch of Alfords is at

Shelton Rose Alford (Steve) 0192 TX JOH820SC/!!!!!!SC
They were also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

Smith Janice Stogsdill (John Charles) 0152 TX BAL784NC/ISH755NC
They were also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at [

Spicer Frances A. 0172 TX BAI781NC/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

Stoewer E. Sally (Dick) 0120 LA JOH807LA/JAM687VA J6
They were also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at

Stratton Patsy A. (Richard) 0216 TX HAL788GA/JAM687VA
They were also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
He died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Watson Mariwynn A. 0127 TX JOH810GA/JAM687VA
She was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See his "In Remembrance" at

Williams Elizabeth Alford 0040 MS JUL808NC/JAM687VA
Shey was also present at the meetings
See her Ahnentafel at
The genealogy of her branch of Alfords is at
She died ??????. See her "In Remembrance" at

Panned Audience Group- Left

In some cases there will be comments about relationships.  I, Gil Alford, had never even heard of these folks until I began to dabble, in the early 1980's, in family history that lead to the association.

Panning from left to right we have the first group image. Sitting on the front row to the right is Nancy Alford Dietrich, AAFA #0028, who had come from Washington State.  She was our librarian at the time and hauled around several large 3-ring binders containing library material.

On the next row behind Nancy is John Smith and to his right wife Janice.  They have probably made every meeting since and have become known as the official AAFA photographers and the photo archivist.  Y-DNA says that Janice and I are kin but we have not found the traditional link.  Some of us feel that her Isham Alford was a son of ole Lodwick Alford.

Landon Alford, AAFA #0002 is sitting at John's left.  Unlike subsequent meetings where there was registration and fees to cover the cost of the meeting, for this meeting the cost was cover entirely by Landon and D.L. Alford, Jr. and their families.  Landon and D.L. are from different limbs of our Alford tree but both are my 5th cousins, once removed.

On the row behid the Smiths are several siblings, children of Murray Luther Alford and his two wives.  At left is Murray Peter "Cowboy" Alford and his wife Lorene.  They never got around to joining AAFA and I think this was their only meeting.  Next is Edna Vesta Alford Giddings, AAFA #0233 who lived in the Houston area.  To Vesta's left is Josephine Alford Carrigan #0235 who came from California, and then sister Betty Alford Davis, AAFA #0223, who was from Dallas.  Not seen in these three views was Murray Luther "Plug" and wife Mary Ruth, AAFA #0236, who lived in Baton Rouge, LA.  These folks were prominent at all following meetings for as long as they lived.  All are now deceased.

On the next row at the extreme left, seemingly all alone is Oscar Alford, AAFA #0139 from Many, LA.  His wife, Dorothy, was present at the meeting.  Skipping a seat or two to Oscar's left was his cousin W.J. Alford and wife Jeweleen, AAFA #0138 from Houston.  It is difficult to identify any further back so rather than err they will not be mentioned.  Some will be available in the next group.

This next view is an overlapping continuation of the one just described.  To the left of Nancy Alford Dietrich (see above) is Lucille Mehrkam, AAFA #0032 of Houston, now deceased.  To her left is Pat Fite, AAFA #0070 also of Houston.  Pat's husband, Lloyd, is actually the Alford descendant, but it is Pat who has the genealogical interest.  They are from the Sippi Alford b. 1800 NC branch of the family. Behind Pat and to the Landon's left is the late John Rogers Alford, AAFA #0200, Landon's brother.

On the row with the Murray Alford siblings (see above) and on the extreme right is the Rev. Douglas Lee Alford, AAFA #0204, then of Hurst, TX, but he later moved.  To his right, but not looking quite like I remember her, is probably his wife Shirley.  Doug is from the branch of John Alford b. about 1801 NC and although Y-DNA says we have a common Alford ancestor we have yet to find the traditional link.

I can only make out three others with any confidence.  Near the back on the right with the prominent name tag is Hollis W. Alford and to his left, wife Arliene, AAFA #0196.  They are cousins of Doug. See previous paragraph.  Towards the center rear below the light streak in the wall is Dovie Jean Alford, AAFA #0110, of Houston.  At the back left with the heavy black beard is Roy L. Alford, AAFA #0208, son of Hollis and Arliene above.

This is the third and final view of the panoramic shots.  On the right on the front row is the late Ella Langdon Alford, AAFA #0246, of Arkansas, sister of Landon Alford above.  HELP!  Who is the lady to Ella's right?  On the second row on the aisle is the late Eleanor (Mrs. Charles J.) AAFA #0097 of Georgia.  To her left is the late Elizabeth Alford Williams, AAFA #0040 of Mississippi.  Liz and Eleanor met at the 1st AAFA meeting in Atlanta in 1988 and became good friends before both died of cancer.  Further to Eleanor's left is the late Christie Alford Baldwin, AAFA #0006 of Oklahoma.  On the next row back on the aisle is Kenneth M. Alford and Darlene, AAFA #0242 of Texas.  To the left of Darlene are brothers Gerald T. Alford AAFA #0250 of Texas and John P. Alford AAFA #0254 of New Mexico.  Gerald's wife Margie was present for the meeting, but not for this photo.  On the next row back on the aisle is Robert L. Alford, AAFA #0048, of Houston and a descendant of Edwin Alford of Pike Co., MS. Behind Robert on the next row aisle seat is the late Walter W. Alford AAFA#0073 Lt Col USMC ret.  Behind Walter is the late Bryant J. Alford and wife Louise, AAFA #0124 of Texas, from the Haywood Alford branch and to their left was Harold Glen and Freda Alford AAFA #0227 of Arkansas, also of the Haywood branch. 
To the left of Harold is probably Lynette Jester, AAFA #0189 Texas, indirecly related to Haywood.  Behind Bryant is the late Paul C. Murphy and behind him in wheel chair is wife the late Lillian, AAFA #0255 of Texas.

Next are two not so candid group shots.  Both of the same group but taken by different persons.  The comments below pertain to both views as the positions did not change.  Ladies first!  All from Houston, Texas and, on the front row left to right:

Lucille Mehrkam, AAFA #0032.

Pat Fite, AAFA #0070.

Dovie Jean Alford, AAFA #110.

The fellows across the back row from left to right:

James Posey Alford, AAFA #0021 Texas.

Lodwick H. Alford, AAFA, Captain, USN ret, President of AAFA, #0011 from Georgia.

Daniel Lee (D.L.) Alford, Jr., AAFA #0054, co-host of the meeting, Texas.

Gilbert K. (Gil) Alford, Kr., AAFA #0019, AAFA creator from Missouri.

Now for some more candid shots of small standing groups:

From left to right Jewleen Joy Alford and husband William J. (W.J.) Alford, AAFA #0138 from Houston, TX.

In the background with hand and cigarette over face is probably Hollis W. Alford, AAFA #0196 from Texas.

Who Dat?

Behind is Richard Stoewer, husband of Sally Stoewer, AAFA #0120 of Baton Rouge, LA.

On the extreme right Lodwick H. Alford, AAFA, Captain, USN ret, President of AAFA, #0011 from Georgia.

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