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Park Perspectives: Celebrating families at Hometown Days
by Pete Swisher, Hoover Park Superintendent · Op-Ed · April 24, 2014
It is always fun each year to begin the process of planning for our largest of events, Hoover’s Hometown Days, with our community partners.
One of the first responsibilities of the group is to choose a theme for the event, and this year it is exciting to announce that “Celebrating Families” has been selected.
The theme provides for us a focus, an opportunity to connect the life of our former resident turned President to our own lives of today.
Defining family can be done in a number of ways, from traditional to contemporary, or in terms of our closest relatives to the broader social circles we keep. Often in times of need, family may be considered an entire community who may come to our aid and offer support. Regardless of its definition, family is a concept that anyone can connect with.
Family played an important role in Herbert Hoover’s life.
Born the middle of three children, he would understand the value of education, community, and faith. Herbert would also learn all too young the tragedy of losing his father, and, soon after, his mother. More family entered his life as he would be taken in by his uncle, Major Laben Miles; and again later on he traveled to Oregon to take up residence with yet another uncle, Dr. Henry John Minthorn. In an even broader context, Herbert Hoover must have considered all of humanity his family, as it never seemed to matter the nationality of those in need.
This year also marks a couple of important anniversaries relative to Herbert Hoover; the first being the 140th year since his birth (1874), as well as the 50th year since his passing (1964). Similarly, it marks the 140th year since Lou Henry Hoover’s birth, and 70th year since her passing (1944). Both are laid to rest here at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, overlooking the peaceful community of West Branch.
Our Hoover’s Hometown Days event is by no accident held in August. This of course is the month of Herbert’s birth, but also a time when families routinely come together. Reunions, be it of our families or of our classmates, are frequently held during this time.
This year’s event, held on Aug. 1st and 2nd, will again host many of the traditional venues which have become staple to its success. In the months to come, planners will draw connections to their respective venues that will highlight our theme. I remind you that you too can follow the planning process online with the Hoover Presidential Foundation Web site at www.hooverassociation.org then click on the News & Events tab.
As is always the case, this event requires the time and talent of lots of people. In the months ahead, our event planning family will seek out additional volunteers to help make this the continued success we’ve come to know. I hope you will consider not only bringing your family to this wonderful event, but also joining our family in the tradition of volunteerism to help make this event a reality. After all, we all have birthdays to celebrate, and families with whom to celebrate.
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