Meet at the old homestead on Sun., Sept. 1 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. for the 104th reunion. Flyer is here.
100+
The Chamberlain Family of the Township of Otonabee–South Monaghan held its first family reunion and picnic in 1921. For 99+ years, family members and their descendants arrived at the same farm site to re-connect with each other each year. The years 2020 & 2021 were different, and reunions were online to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thank you to the folks who shared photos and stories for this online tribute to a vital tradition.
A Vision that Endures
Since 1921 when Thomas Daniel Chamberlain and his relative David Eason started the Chamberlain Family Picnic, thousands have visited the old homestead near Peterborough, Ontario where the family settled after coming to Canada in 1832.
The first Chamberlain couple on the farm, William and Ellenor (nee Ingram), had ten children — seven girls and three boys. Their daughters Jane, Jemima, Ann, Elizabeth, Mary, Margaret and Emmaline added the names of Esson (Eason), Frankish, Fife, Taylor, Kelly, Reynolds, and Dixon, respectively, to the clan as they each married. Son Thomas married into the Hamilton family, and William Evans married three times: To Agnes Hare, Christena Henderson, and Louise Lawrence.
Far from being a Chamberlain-only party, the picnic now welcomes William and Ellenor’s descendants who bear many names from across Ontario, Western Canada, and some parts of the United States.
100+ Picnics
2024 is the 104th consecutive Chamberlain Picnic. In lieu of meeting one another in person during 2020 and 2021, family members and friends met online and were invited to share their recollections of picnics past. Read their stories here.
Pioneer Family
William and “Ellen” Chamberlain had ten children. Picnic goers are identified by their own particular branch of the family. Learn a little more about each ancestor.
Homestead History
In 175+ years, the Chamberlain Homestead has changed, while keeping a number of features the same. The log cabin the Chamberlains built around 1860 for their large family is still in use, while a new log addition provides modern conveniences. See the changes and similarities.
