A History of the
National Odom Assembly
The Beginnings
The need for a national Odom family
organization seems to have occurred to several people in various parts
of the country at roughly the same time. Many were doing genealogical research
on the Odom family name, but there was no coordination of effort.
In 1979 from New Braunfels, Texas,
just north of San Antonio, Helen Odum Harrell placed an advertisement in
the "Genealogical Helper" asking for correspondence from other Odom descendents
and offering to act as a clearing house for information exchange. Far to
the east in Atlanta, Georgia, Robert Earl Woodham was striving toward his
dream of a national organization with various publications and photo albums
as well as the establishment of a museum and a research center.
The First Meeting - 1980
Through the efforts of Mr. Woodham,
a family reunion of Odoms was called for in the summer of 1980. A number
of Odom descendents met at Eufaula State Park in Alabama for the weekend.
At that meeting Mrs. Janmari Williams of Birmingham, Alabama was elected
president. Robert P. Odom of Prairieville, Louisiana was named vice-president
and Victor L. Odom of North, South Carolina was chosen secretary-treasurer.
1981-1983 Reunions
In 1981 the Odom Family Reunion again
met at Eufaula State Park. There were many more Odom descendents present
for this meeting. The urgent need for structure and direction was apparent,
and a full slate of officers was elected to serve again under Mrs. Williams'
leadership. The name National Odom Assembly was officially adopted and
a newsletter to be called the NOA News was authorized. Helen Odum Harrell
agreed to publish the newsletter.
The third meeting was held at Fontana
Village, North Carolina in July 1982. A feature of this meeting was a speaker
who explained various research methods with emphasis on checking out information
to be sure it is true. Another highlight was an evening of entertainment
featuring authentic North Carolina clog dancers. Texan, Jimmy Ray Odom
of Palestine, Texas was elected president. T. Lafontine Odom of Charlotte,
North Carolina was elected vice-president and the ever-faithful Victor
L. Odom of North, South Carolina as secretary-treasurer. Helen Odum Harrell
was retained as editor of the newsletter for another year.
By the summer of 1983, the National
Odom Assembly had grown and its Austin, Texas meeting attracted Odoms from
many states. Jimmy Ray and his elected staff and many volunteers had a
most enjoyable meeting planned. The Texas barbecue was a huge success.
Also at this meeting a constitution and bylaws were approved by the Assembly.
Many genealogical charts and family history documents were on display.
Governor Mark White honored certain of those in attendance with certificates
of honorary citizenship at the banquet on the last night. Numerous other
awards were given and a spirit of family and frivolity prevailed. The new
officers elected were president Frank E. Odom of North Augusta, South Carolina;
vice-president James E. Odom of Lexington, Kentucky; secretary-treasurer
Victor L. Odom of North, South Carolina and newsletter editor Beverly Odom
of Flint, Texas. As in past years a full slate of state representatives
were again elected. The site for 1984 was voted to be Augusta, Georgia.
A committee of four was selected to assist president Frank Odom.
1984 Reunion
The 1984 meeting carried us to
Augusta, Georgia. Frank and his elected staff and volunteers were organized
and well prepared for the record number in attendance. To celebrate our
fifth anniversary, five-year attendance pins were awarded to everyone who
had attended all five reunions. Each state representative furnished their
state flag and these flags were a colorful addition as they were displayed
in the meeting room. This began a tradition that has continued. Genealogical
research was exchanged and viewed by many. Awards were presented and many,
many door prizes were given. Good food and fantastic fun was enjoyed by
all present. The officers for 1984-85 were president James E. Odom of Lexington,
Kentucky; vice-president, Barbara Odom Strickland of Columbia, South Carolina;
treasurer, Victor L. Odom of North, South Carolina and secretary-newsletter
editor, Beverly Odom of Flint, Texas.
1985 Reunion
The 1985 meeting carried us to
Lexington, Kentucky with James E. and Helen Odom as host and hostess. They
had a great program planned. The hospitality room had an abundance of delicious
goodies prepared by Helen. A tour of Lexington and the horse park was fun
and informative. At the banquet on Saturday night many handmade wooden
items made by James were given out. The NOA membership was still growing.
As is our custom this meeting closed on Sunday morning with a chapel service.
The officers elected for 1986 were president, Barbara Odom Strickland of
Columbia, South Carolina; vice-president, John Denny of Tulsa, Oklahoma;
treasurer, Victor L. Odom of North, South Carolina and secretary-newsletter
editor, Henrietta Odom Luttmer of Sallisaw, Oklahoma.
1986 Reunion
1986 found us in Columbia, South
Carolina for our seventh year of NOA conventions. Our organization is still
growing. An enjoyable program was planned by Barbara and Jimmy Strickland
with a number of volunteers assisting. A hospitality room with lots of
goodies and a genealogy display room was provided. Helen Odum Harrell had
her new book on the Odoms of North and South Carolina for sale. Jimmy and
Barbara had NOA T-shirts on sale with the proceeds going toward the expense
of the convention. On Friday night a southern barbecue was enjoyed and
on Saturday a tour and luncheon was provided. The banquet on Saturday was
good, an entertaining magician, door prizes were given and the final T-shirt
was auctioned to the highest bidder. The officers elected for 1987 were
president, John Denny of Tulsa, Oklahoma; vice-president, Pearl S. Odom
of State Line, Mississippi; treasurer, Barbara Odom Strickland of Columbia,
South Carolina replaced her dad, Victor who was recovering from major heart
surgery and felt he needed to retire and secretary-newsletter editor, Henrietta
Odom Luttmer of Sallisaw, Oklahoma. The chapel service on Sunday morning
led by R. D. Odom closed the meeting.
1987 Reunion
The 1987 NOA convention was held
in July in Tulsa, Oklahoma with host and hostess John and Amanda Denny
planning a wonderful time. We gathered in a castle known as the Camelot
Hotel. Again the hospitality room was great. A real Oklahoma barbecue followed
by the outdoor drama of Oklahoma was a treat for all the visting Odoms.
Entertainment at our meeting on Friday night were native American singers
from Witt Memorial Methodist Church. At the Saturday night banquet everyone
enjoyed the American Indian dancers in costume and performing authentic
dances. The Lords Prayer was performed in signs. For the finale the audience
participated in a friendship dance. An authentic Indian teepee was displayed
in the parking lot for all to inspect and enjoy. Awards were presented
and door prizes were given out. As at previous conventions, there was time
allowed for business meetings and free time. Officers elected for 1988
were president, Pearl S. Odom of Stateline, Mississippi; vice-president,
Bertha Odom Cosby of Mobile, Alabama; treasurer, Elna Counterman of Claremore,
Oklahoma and secretary-newsletter editor, Amanda L. Denny of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
The traditional chapel service on Sunday morning closed this meeting.
1988 Reunion
In July 1988 Jackson, Mississippi
was the site of the NOA convention. There was a total of 151 in attendance
at the Sheraton Regency Convention Center. Pearl had planned a great program.
The hospitality room and genealogy room were busy places for visiting,
researching and fellowship. The usual business meetings were held, free
time to do some sight-seeing and visiting old and new friends was enjoyed
by all. The banquet on Saturday featured southern fried catfish with all
the trimmings. Everyone was entertained by a wonderful group of cloggers.
A photo session was held by a photographer with prints made available for
sale. Pearl and her staff did a wonderful job. Officers elected for 1989
were president, Bertha Odom Cosby of Mobile, Alabama; vice-president, Emma
Cox Odom of West Fork, Arkansas; treasurer, Elna H. Counterman of Claremore,
Oklahoma and secretary-newsletter editor, Amanda L. Denny of Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Chapel service on Sunday morning concluded this meeting.
Everyone looked forward to the
tenth anniversary of the National Odom Assembly in Mobile, Alabama in July
1989.
1989-1999 Reunions
The next 10 years saw a large
growth in the NOA, as our reunions became more organized and structured
as well. Along with a chance to do genealogical research in different
places each year, they gave an opportunity to see long-distant cousins
who quickly became fast friends as well. Held in different locales
around the country, they also offered opportunities to see places that
might not necessarily be seen otherwise. By 1995, it was acknowledged
that the original membership was aging, but younger families were also
finding out about the fun of family research in the NOA. By this
time also there were more activities planned for everyone: usually
a Friday night dinner get-together at a local restaurant, sightseeing after
the Saturday morning business meeting, and a lively Saturday night formal
banquet. The traditional chapel service on Sunday morning wound up
the reunion. Along with the structured events, everyone was made
aware of local attractions, as many family vacations came to be planned
around the middle week of July. For early arrivals, Thursday activities
began to be included. Larger cities, such as Salt Lake City (1991),
New Orleans (1995), Charleston (1998), and Tampa (1999) provided many more
possibilities.
2000 Reunion
An entertaining time is planned
as the NOA marks the Millenium. To be held in downtown San Antonio,
Texas, it promises a very good time for all. To be held at the historic
Menger Hotel next door to the Alamo, the Riverwalk is just across the street.
Come join us for a Texas-sized celebration in 2000 as we discover our Odom
ancestors!
~~~~~~~~~
This history transcribed from: National
Odom Assembly Cook Book - Tenth Anniversary - Favorite Recipes; A Book
of Favorite Recipes Compiled by Victor and Beatrice Odom - Charter Members
of the N.O.A. for The National Odom Assembly On Their 10th Anniversary
- 1989.
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