Merle (daughter of Erin Jones/Dixon) and granddaughter of Arthur Jones hosted the first annual “Beyond the Cookshack” Picnic and family reunion, in West Chester PA, on Sunday, July 3rd.

Merle purchased several “Beyond the Cookshack” cookbooks and gave them to each of her children.  The picnic/reunion included many of the delicious foods from the cookbook.  It was a HIT with the family, and got us all talking about the Clingman/Jones heritage, traditions and yearly reunion.

It has been many years since Merle participated in the Jones Valley reunion, but this helped to bring the family tradition closer to her.  She smiled all day, and still talks about it with her friends in the retirement home.

We made the Cheese Log, Turkey Chili, Shack BBQ Sauce (used hot-dogs and chicken instead of brisket), Mexican Chicken Casserole, Herb-Roasted Sweet Potatoes, Corn Souffle, Jalapeno Deviled Eggs, Tea Cakes, Betty’s Gooey Butter Cake, and Party Trash.  We couldn’t make the Elephant Stew……a little short on Elephant!

We had a blast!!  Thanks for sharing the family traditions.  We plan on having our “Cookshack” reunion up north every year, at the same time you have the Jones Valley Reunion.  It was a real joy for Merle to share and reminisce!

(originally posted on Merle Nessle’s blog, I think by Elizabeth Beam)