Pagel Family Reunion this Saturday in Hallettsville

The Pagel family will hold its annual reunion on Saturday, July 11, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Hallettsville Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 206 S. Dowling St.. The Pagel family’s Texas roots date to 1850, when patriarch Gottfried Pagel, his wife Friedrike, and their eight children emigrated from Pomerania, Germany, and settled at Willow Springs in Fayette County, before moving to Lavaca County in 1858.

The event includes a catered meal of chicken-fried chicken breast with three sides $10/plate, payable at the door, a brief business meeting, and time for visiting. Attendees are welcome to bring a dessert to share.

Photos and family history information will be available for perusing at the reunion. Family members planning to attend are asked to RSVP with an approximate meal count and to share any recent births, deaths, or marriages but are welcome to attend if they are unable to RSVP. Contact Rox Ann Johnson roxannjohnson@ me.com or (512) 9254804.

Prior to the gathering, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., a historic family home will be open for tours at 406 N. La Grange St., Hallettsville. Built in 1902, the house was purchased in 1905 by Johanna Kuehne Pagel, who moved from the family farm into town following the death of her husband, Charles Pagel. Johanna and Charles had 14 children, and many of today’s Pagel descendants trace their family line back to this branch.

The home is now in the early stages of being renovated as a bed and breakfast by Janis Richardson, Johanna’s greatgreat- granddaughter, and her husband, Merle.