JOHN DAY – D.C. and Hattie Mae Hill originally came from the Delta of Mississippi, Jackson, Miss., and El Cajon, Calif. In 1941, they settled at John Day, where they remained for the rest of their lives.

On July 4, 2002, the Hills’ remaining four children reunited at John Day, including Lamar Hill and his wife, Ernestine, of John Day; Elizabeth (Hill) Davis of John Day, Paul Hill and his wife, Thelma, from Durham, Calif., and William Hill from Grand Junction, Colo.

The group gathered for a barbecue at Lamar and Ernestine’s home and other activities during the weekend included the Sumpter Flea Market, garage sales and antique shops. Much time was spent reviewing family albums and reminiscing.

The three brothers are World War II veterans. Paul, a lieutenant navigator on a B-29, was stationed at Guam, flying missions over Japan; William, a sergeant in the Army Medical Corps was stationed in Fort Lewis, Wash., and Texas. He served in Germany and later in Korea; and Lamar served on the U.S. Navy ship William Mitchell in the Pacific Theater.

Elizabeth Davis was a teacher for 30 years in Jackson, Miss., John Day and Prairie City. After retirement, she substituted for 15 more years in area schools. Mrs. Davis’ daughter, Judy Mitchell of Lake Oswego, also attended the reunion with her son, Aaron Rudishauser, who received a degree in criminology from Southern Oregon University. He played football in three minor leagues in Europe: Basel, Switzerland; Vienna, Austria; and Helsinki, Finland.