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Saturday
March 20, 2010 Since 1922 |
Food, fun highlight Barrett-Jones reunion
By Rachael Seeley
Baytown Sun Published August 14, 2006 Decedents of Harrison Barrett and Annie Jones, founders of Barrett Station, gathered at the family estate Saturday evening for the 139th annual family reunion.
The two former slaves were the first African-Americans to be legally wed in Harris County on Aug. 14, 1867, when Jones was only 13 years old and Barrett was 17.
“They were ex-slaves with only two years of freedom under their belts,” said Anna Pearl Barrett, granddaughter of the couple. “They had to go through a lot of trouble to get married.”
Today, the couple has more than 100 living decedents spanning five generations who come to eat barbeque, play cards and reminisce each year at the family estate.
“It’s continuous what Harrison Barrett started and it’s not going to end on my watch,” said Wallace Barrett, their oldest living grandson who helps organize the annual event.
To feed the influx of family that gathered for the reunion, Wallace Barrett and Charles Barrett, the oldest great-grandson of the couple, started preparing plates of barbeque a full day in advance.
Four briskets, 10 ribs and 50 to 60 chickens were barbequed for the event.
Music filled the air as the adult decedents mingled and children jumped on the moonwalk, took hayrides, hit the piñata and played in the yard.
The Barrett Achiever’s Award is given to one standout family member each year for his or her outstanding accomplishments.
“We give awards and scholarship to encourage the next generation to go on and be successful,” said Anna Peal Barrett.
Nine-year-old Qutira Barrett said this was his first time visiting the estate in a while, and he planned to enjoy himself.
“I am going to jump a little and eat a little,” he said.
Benson Barrett and his son Denzel are fourth and fifth generation members of the family and also take pride in their rich history.
“We come out here every year to celebrate our heritage with the family,” Benson Barrett said.
A community of freed slaves grew up on the land originally owned by Harrison Barrett. It eventually became one of the largest tracts of land to be owned by former slaves in Harris County.
Today the close-knit community located just south of Highway 90 and north of Highlands, boasts a population of more than 3,000 people and 12.6 square miles.
Baytown Sun Published August 14, 2006 Decedents of Harrison Barrett and Annie Jones, founders of Barrett Station, gathered at the family estate Saturday evening for the 139th annual family reunion.
The two former slaves were the first African-Americans to be legally wed in Harris County on Aug. 14, 1867, when Jones was only 13 years old and Barrett was 17.
“They were ex-slaves with only two years of freedom under their belts,” said Anna Pearl Barrett, granddaughter of the couple. “They had to go through a lot of trouble to get married.”
Today, the couple has more than 100 living decedents spanning five generations who come to eat barbeque, play cards and reminisce each year at the family estate.
“It’s continuous what Harrison Barrett started and it’s not going to end on my watch,” said Wallace Barrett, their oldest living grandson who helps organize the annual event.
To feed the influx of family that gathered for the reunion, Wallace Barrett and Charles Barrett, the oldest great-grandson of the couple, started preparing plates of barbeque a full day in advance.
Four briskets, 10 ribs and 50 to 60 chickens were barbequed for the event.
Music filled the air as the adult decedents mingled and children jumped on the moonwalk, took hayrides, hit the piñata and played in the yard.
The Barrett Achiever’s Award is given to one standout family member each year for his or her outstanding accomplishments.
“We give awards and scholarship to encourage the next generation to go on and be successful,” said Anna Peal Barrett.
Nine-year-old Qutira Barrett said this was his first time visiting the estate in a while, and he planned to enjoy himself.
“I am going to jump a little and eat a little,” he said.
Benson Barrett and his son Denzel are fourth and fifth generation members of the family and also take pride in their rich history.
“We come out here every year to celebrate our heritage with the family,” Benson Barrett said.
A community of freed slaves grew up on the land originally owned by Harrison Barrett. It eventually became one of the largest tracts of land to be owned by former slaves in Harris County.
Today the close-knit community located just south of Highway 90 and north of Highlands, boasts a population of more than 3,000 people and 12.6 square miles.