Name/Title
145th Bull Family Annual PicnicEntry/Object ID
000664Tags
William Bull and Sarah Wells Stone House AssociationScope and Content
The Celebration & Activities
The Event: A massive three-day gathering that brought together over 600 family members, friends, and history lovers. It was hosted by Mike Brown, a Bull descendant and curator of the Bull Stone House, along with the Bull Stone House Association.
Activities: The reunion featured a roast beef dinner, live music from the Ramapo Fault String Band, pony and wagon rides, miniature ponies, and colonial-style crafts for children.
Historic Unveiling: A solemn ceremony was held to unveil a cemetery stone dedicated to five of Sarah and William's children: John, Thomas, Isaac, Mary, and William.
Family History & Milestones
Awards: Ribbons were handed out for various family milestones. Notably, Delores and Eugene Richter of Pennsylvania won ribbons for being the oldest attendees (ages 91 and 95) and for being married the longest (72 years).
Deep Connections: Multiple generations shared their memories of attending the reunion over the decades, emphasizing the importance of preserving their genealogy and passing down family heirlooms.
An Inspiration: Sarah Wells
The Legacy of Sarah Wells: Cousin and writer Anita Janine (A.J.) Bull gave a talk on Sarah Wells, researching and writing a book titled "Out of a Meanness: the Courage of Sarah Wells".
Her Story: Sarah Wells was born around April 6, 1694, in New Jersey. While early records are scarce (likely destroyed by the British during the Revolution), her history suggests she may have been an orphaned or indentured child who overcame immense adversity.
A.J. Bull described Sarah as an early "feminist" and a true inspiration who "took the bull by the horns and made a big success of her life with absolutely nothing".
Note: The Bull family heritage remains open to the public. Those interested in visiting the historic property, taking a tour, or supporting the living history museum can learn more by visiting bullstonehouse.org.