Reunions of the Cape-Mauer family:

The next Cape-Mauer Family Reunion will be held on June 18th, 2022, at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport, Nebraska. Please contact James Cape for additional information.

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REUNION 2022 REUNION 2019 REUNION 2016 REUNION 2013 REUNION 2010 REUNION 2007 REUNION 2005 REUNION 2002 REUNION 1999
REUNION 1996 REUNION 1993 REUNION 1990 REUNION 1987 REUNION 1984 REUNION 1981 REUNION 1978 REUNION 1975
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The 2022 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held in June, 2022 at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport, Nebraska.

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The 2019 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held in June, 2019 at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport, Nebraska.

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The 2016 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held in June, 2016 at the Prairie Winds Community Center in Bridgeport, Nebraska.

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The 2013 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held in July, 2013 at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.

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The 2010 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held in Fort Robinson, Nebraska. It was a good place to hold the reunion, with lots of activities and a good hall for meetings.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape/Mauer Reunion June 25 27, 2010

Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, Nebraska

June 25th, 26th and 27th were the dates chosen for the Cape/Mauer family reunion in 2010. This year the group decided to meet at Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, Nebraska in the northwest part of the state. Attendees started arriving Friday by pickup, car and RV. After getting settled in their respective lodgings the group assembled at the Buffalo Soldiers Barracks meeting room for a catered supper of lasagna, salad, rolls and dessert.

Saturday morning more family members arrived. Family genealogy charts and memorabilia were on display, creating much interest. Visiting and catching up on news was the main order of the day. Others took time to tour the museum where, among many interesting items, a doghouse from the WWII era donated by Howard Cape, was on display. Another item of special interest to the family was a WWII uniform belonging to Walter Runge donated by the Runge family. (Martin Cape, Clifford, Vernon, Lester and Walter Runge were all stationed at various times at Fort Robinson.) Many other activities such as jeep rides, horseback riding, swimming, canoeing, etc. were available. Shannon Jensen brought her horses for trail riding and also a pony and cart to give rides to the younger members, which was great fun for them.

At noon a delicious catered lunch was served. Following lunch, pictures were taken of the various families, and then everyone assembled for a group photo. The steps of the Buffalo Soldiers Barracks were a good location for staging the large family photo! Then a meeting of the Cape Family Historical Foundation was held. The rest of the afternoon was spent visiting or engaging in the numerous activities. The evening meal was fried chicken with all the trimmings. By early evening most people were ready to head back to their lodgings for some rest while others departed for their homes.

A church service was held Sunday morning at the Buffalo Soldiers Barracks. Brad Eddy opened the service by playing his guitar and singing a song, and then his brother Bond conducted the service on the meaning of Love. Bonds talk had an inspirational family theme and gave us all something to think about. Following the service a brunch was served to the attendees and then more pictures were taken of families that we missed on Saturday. All too soon it was time for the majority to leave for their homes. Some of the remaining families took scenic drives. Then after supper at the restaurant in the lodge the majority attended the rodeo put on by locals and park employees. We then went back to our lodgings for rest and preparation before our early morning departures.

The weather was great. It was good to see faces of those we hadn't seen for a while, to meet new relatives and to welcome the new babies and other newcomers to the family. People enjoyed the location and varied activities and I heard several comments of maybe we can have it here again. It was fun as we went here and there at the fort to keep bumping into family members. 82 attended from 11 states (including Nebraska) plus Saudi Arabia. A great turnout!

Margery Cape

July 11,2010

Attendees from SD, NV, OK, CA, MT, C0, NE, FL, MN, AZ, WY and Saudi Arabia.

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The 2007 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was July 21st and 22nd of 2007. It was in Sidney, Nebraska at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp. There was a memorial service for John Cape at 10:30 on Friday morning in Dalton, followed by lunch.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape/Mauer Reunion July 20 22, 2007

Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp Sidney, NE.

The Cape/Mauer family reunion commenced on Friday, July 20, 2007 after the memorial service for John A. Cape at Dalton, NE. The reunion had been rescheduled from 2008 because of the large number of people coming for the memorial. Relatives and friends from 11 states plus NE. assembled at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney on Friday afternoon. In the evening a cream can dinner was prepared and sewed by Susan Young and her crew. For the majority this type of dinner was a first but all agreed it was delicious.

On Saturday the attendees visited in the morning and enjoyed a lunch of fried chicken with all the trimmings. Following the lunch pictures of individual families were taken plus the group picture. The young people and some older family members gathered in the south room to read (the new Harry Potter book), do puzzles and play games while others visited. Some families spent time in motel swimming pools, The special meal Saturday evening was sloppy joes plus lots of delicious side dishes, Most of the group drifted back to their respective homes and motel rooms fairly early in the evening but some gathered in their rooms for more visiting.

Nancy Eddy had a good attendance Sunday morning, when she substituted at the church service for husband Jim Eddy who wanted to be there but was on duty with the railroad. After the service the group along with others assembled for a very bountiful brunch. A discussion then followed as to whether we should get together for a reunion every 2 years instead of waiting 3 years but no rm decision was made on this matter. Following the short meeting the displays were taken down and the final cleaning of the building took place. By this time many of the group had already departed for their homes with others leaving in the next few days. Some made their way to Kayo and Carols place just north of Dalton, where Earl and Connie hosted visitors touring the historical displays in the cabooses. It was noted that a new railcar had been added to Kayos collection a l920s vintage UP boxcar body that he will use for storage.

Although the weather had been hot, there were no storms during the reunion for which everyone was thankful. People described the reunion as being relaxing. Whatever it was, it was rewarding to see the great turnout of all ages and everyone seemed to be having a fun time.

Margery Cape

July 2007

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The 2005 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was Friday, Saturday and Sunday JUNE 24, 25, & 26 2005 at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, NE.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape/Mauer Family Reunion June 2005

Remember When was the theme for the 2005 Cape/Mauer reunion on June 24, 25 and 26 held at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, Nebraska. Participants started arriving in the area early in the week and by Friday a lot of catching up on family news had occurred. Approximately 131 people attended from 12 states plus Nebraska and Brazil.

Displays included old family photos, genealogy information, a computer with family information, photo albums and current pictures of those in the military. Shirley Mauer furnished information about Emily Dickinson and how we are related. She also brought Federal Cake (cookies) that she made from a recipe of Emilys. They were delicious!

After lunch on Saturday the families were introduced and pictures taken. Randy Cape was the emcee and had a few quizzes with prizes for the correct answers then the group picture was taken.

At 5pm Jodi Langley and Brian Dougherty were married at the Methodist Church in Sidney. Quite a few of the visiting relatives attended the ceremony and reception that followed while the rest remained at the Camp.

Sunday morning a delicious Brunch was served followed by a church service conducted by Jim and Nancy Eddy. A meeting of the Cape Historical Foundation was held alter the church service. Lots of helping hands made the clean-up and putting away of tables, chairs and equipment go very quickly then the majority of the group went to View the items in the caboose, look at rocks that Norma Jean had collected and tour the house on the home place. Don Cape took videos and recordings of family members as they viewed items in the caboose.

Time went by quickly and all too soon it was time to say goodbye and head toward our homes. We all look forward to our next get together in 2008.

Margery Cape

July 2005

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The 2002 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held JUNE 20th to 23rd 2002 at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, NE.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape/Mauer Family Reunion June 2002

The dates chosen for the 2002 get-together of the Cape/Mauer descendants in Sidney, Nebraska were June 20-23. Some of us were wondering if we'd have a repeat of the severe weather we experienced at the last reunion in June 1999. However, the weather was on the warm side but no storms so there weren't many complaints. Those arriving early spent time visiting the local relatives and viewing the historical items in the caboose. Friday evening the early arrivals enjoyed a catered Italian supper at the Lodgepole Youth camp in Sidney.

On Saturday more guests arrived and spent time catching up on news and viewing albums and pictures brought by the group. The theme this year was travel so many creative arrangements appeared on the tables. 101 guests from 9 states including Nebraska enjoyed the catered Swiss Steak dinner at noon. Following dinner, with Randy Cape as MC, family members were introduced, trivia games played and family members celebrating 50 years of marriage were recognized.

Special guests were four cousins from Texas, J.M. Cape, Mary Ann Ennis and Mary & Doug Stewart and two other cousins, Barbara York from Gering NE, daughter of Don Mauer and Carolyn Lane of Okla. daughter of Jesse Mauer. Everyone thought J.M. Cape was pretty brave to make a return trip to the reunion after experiencing the bad storm in 1999. A meeting of the Cape Family Historical Foundation took place at 2pm.

The group then assembled outside for a group picture. In the evening a catered Sloppy Joe supper was sewed then the group viewed videos of previous reunions and the recent Pony Express ride. Katie & Mariah Hall and Katie & David Cape entertained the group with piano selections.

Sunday morning pan of the group gathered for an inspirational religious service led by Nancy & Jim Eddy. At noon a potluck was held followed by visiting and clean up of the camp.

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The 1999 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held JUNE 25th to 27th 1999 at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, NE.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape - Mauer Reunion Nebr. June 1999

Lots of excitement was in store for the relatives attending the Cape - Mauer triennial reunion on June 25, 26 and 27, 1999 at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, NE. Relatives and friends from Nebr. plus 12 other states and Mexico started arriving during the preceding week with 137 attending the 3 day event. In carrying out the Western theme, photos of horse and riders, albums and written stories were put on display. Jim Cape brought two computers to display genealogy information and was kept busy demonstrating the program he had developed.

On Saturday many other relatives arrived all decked out in their best western attire and wearing their assigned neckerchief color to aid in identifying which family the younger children belonged to. Table decorations of cowboy boots started appearing on the tables. At noon the group enjoyed a delicious dinner of roast beef, baked beans and all the trimmings then each family was asked to introduce their members and pictures were taken. Special guests, Beulah Francis from El Cajon, CA. and John M. Cape from San Marcos, TX were introduced. Beulahs grandfather Johann H., John M.s grandfather John Matthew and the NE Cape's grandfather Martin were brothers. About this time two Indian maidens arrived. Better known as Diane & Tricia. (More about them later.)

The afternoon was spent visiting, young people playing volley ball and younger children doing crafts. Family cookbooks, compiled by Lorena Holland and her committee, were for sale at $4.00 each. A meeting of the Cape Historical Foundation was held at 2 pm. At 5 o'clock a group picture was taken then it was time for a Taco supper. After eating most people went outside to listen to a singer of cowboy songs perform. During this time dark clouds were beginning to form (some aren't sure it it was a result of the rain dance" performed by the Indian maidens or nature but if it was the maidens they didn't realize how much power they had it!) Lightning continued to flash all around so some left for home while others moved inside for more music. About 7:30 pm it was decided everyone should leave and seek shelter. Over 40 of us went to the basement of Doris and Dennis Jensens home about a mile from the Youth Camp. The children watched TV, until the power went off, while some of the adults watched the clouds. It turned out to be a very severe hail storm with strong winds. Most all the vehicles parked outside suffered damage with dents and windows broken from golf ball sized hail. The electricity was off for about 1-1/2 hours but Doris was prepared with candles. The youngsters, lead by the adults, sang songs which helped to pass the time. when the storm subsided some of the adults ventured out to check on damage and most people left for their lodgings. The clouds still looked pretty threatening so everyone was glad when they got to shelter.

On Sun. morning people returned to the Youth camp for a church service lead by Jim & Nancy Eddy. After the potluck dinner was served at noon people spent time visiting, children playing games with general cleanup starting about 4 pm.

Everyone agreed that this would be one reunion that wont be forgotten very soon. (But we must talk to those Indian maidens about that rain dance.) Fortunately no one was hurt seriously in the storm just lots of crop and material damage. it was agreed that we meet back in 3 years without the storms.

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The 1996 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held JUNE 21st to 23rd 1996 at the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, NE.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape Reunion June 1996

June 21, 22 and 23 were the dates picked for the triennial Cape reunion in 1996. Relatives started arriving in Sidney, Nebr. from distant points on Thurs. with the majority coming on Friday. States represented besides Nebr. were South Dakota, Florida, Ohio, California, Oklahoma, Montana, Colorado, Wyoming, Alaska, Minnesota and Louisiana. Some families from out of the area stayed at the Lodgepole Youth camp in their motor homes or in the A frame cabins. Others stayed with relatives or in the nearby motels. Friday evening relatives gathered in the large dining hall for visiting, puzzle solving and music.

Sat. morning a meeting of the Cape Family Historical Foundation was held. At noon the group assembled for a delicious meal prepared by the committee and volunteers. After lunch the day was spent catching up on news, taking pictures. looking at photo albums and children playing games.

The Layton High School was holding an all school alumni reunion at Dalton so several graduates and their guests attended the banquet Sat. evening. The rest of the group stayed for an evening meal at the Youth Camp. In the evening there was visiting and music.

Sunday morning a church service was held. A potluck dinner was served at noon and the rest of the day was spent visiting. After the cleanup of the lodge quite a few of the people that did not have to leave for home attended the 44th wedding anniversary celebration of Charlie and Betty Cape at the Presbyterian church in Dalton, Nebr.

Those attending the reunion activities report a great time and looking forward to the next one in 1999.

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The 1993 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held JUNE 22nd to 27th 1993 at Dalton and the Lodgepole Valley Youth Camp in Sidney, NE.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape Reunion Nebr. June 1993

As June 1993 approached Cape relatives from 12 states plus Nebr. looked forward with excitement to the triennial reunion in Sidney, Nebr. Little did some of them realize just how much excitement they were going to experience. On Tuesday June 22, John & Margery Cape from Grass Valley, Ca. stopped by the home of Kayo & Carol Cape near Dalton. Nebr. Although some dark clouds were forming the foursome decided to hurry over to the Cape home place about one mile away to do some grass mowing. Hardly had they arrived when a tornado cloud was noticed very close by. Dashing back to Kayo's place, John grabbed his camera and Kayo started taking video pictures. Carol and Margery alternated between dashing to the basement and running out for a quick look and check on their husbands. One tornado touched down near Bridgeport (20 miles away) and another one touched down about 3 miles west of Kayo's place where it knocked down trees and a windmill. It headed toward Dalton but lost velocity and fortunately didn't do anymore damage. The next couple days everyone watched the clouds very closely but no repeat and the weekend of the reunion brought very nice weather.

On Wed, Thurs., and Fri. those that had arrived early spent time cleaning and repairing the caboose that will house the books and antiques belonging to Robert and Mina Cape and the Mauers. Friday evening 33 adults and 23 children spent the evening at Kayo and Carol's. The children enjoyed roasting weiners (and marshmallows). Beef and antelope meat cooked in the pit and potluck dishes were also served and enjoyed. A decorated cake honoring birthdays and anniversaries was served along with ice cream. it was a nice day and tables and chairs were set up in the shop building to accommodate everyone. The majority of the out of town relatives stayed at the Super 8 motel in Sidney where personnel had a bit of trouble keeping all the Capes straight.

Sat. morning June 26 a meeting of the Cape Family Historical Foundation was held at the Lodgepole Youth Camp in Sidney. At noon a delicious catered meal of turkey and trimmings was sewed. Approximately 100 were in attendance. In the evening another catered meal of hot sandwiches and side dishes was served.

During the warm afternoon the younger set enjoyed the water play while the adults visited, took pictures, looked at old photos and viewed the video of the tornado. Although there was talk of a dance, slides etc. in the evening all those with energy left were putting their young children to bed so the day ended early.

Sunday the group gathered again with a potluck meal served at noon. Some relatives had to leave early to get back to their homes and others that hadn't attended on Saturday arrived for a day of fun, visiting and eating.

In the late afternoon, the clean up group stated work and with many pitching in the work went last. A majority of the group then went to Kayo's or Charlie's for more food. tour of the caboose, trip to pasture, seeing the eagles and horses. Part of the group left early in the week while others stayed and enjoyed the hospitality of the Cape relatives in Nebr. for a few more days.

Reports show that a happy fun time was held by all.

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The 1990 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held JUNE 23rd and 24th 1990 at Legion Hall in Dalton, NE.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape Reunion Dalton Nebr. June 23 & 24, 1990

Relatives gathered from 14 states besides Nebraska for the family reunion held on June 23 & 24, 1990 at the Legion Hall in Dalton, Nebraska.

The weather was warm and nice so the children played on the playground equipment. A wading pool was brought to the area so some of the little one had fun splashing in the water and running through the sprinkler. Even a few water guns were spotted so no one was exempt from getting wet. A lively game of volleyball was enjoyed by the young and energetic adult set while others took pictures and caught up on family news.

A beef pit BBQ dinner was served to 102 attendees on Saturday with a potluck & sandwiches served on Sunday.

A meeting of the Cape Historical group was held on Saturday afternoon and the evening was spent viewing slides and movies of family members from earlier years.

A definite void was felt by those attending as this is the first reunion since losing Martin R. (Nov. 1988), Robert E. (Sept. 1989) and Mina Cape (Oct. 1989). They may be gone but will never be forgotten.

The group departed for their homes on Sunday and agreed to meet again in 3 years.

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The 1987 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held JUNE 27th and 28th 1987 at Legion Hall in Dalton, NE.

As reported by Margery Cape:

Cape Family Reunion June 27 & 28, 1987

The triennial Cape family reunion was held on June 27 and 28, 1987 at the Legion Hall in Dalton, Nebr. Relatives started arriving from Florida, Montana, Washington, California, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado and Nebraska and borrowed beds, floors and couches from Nebr. relatives prior to the weekend. John and Kayo prepared the "pit" for the BBQ and the beef was wrapped and put in to cook Friday evening to be dug up fully cooked at 11:00 am on Saturday. In the meantime many delicious dishes were also being prepared proving the fact that some of the best cooks in the country are in the Cape family.

Mina Cape was able to participate in the family gathering by coming from the rest home in Bridgeport each day to the family home. On Sunday she spent a short time up at the Legion Hall with relatives and friends. Robert Cape visited and kept family members entertained with stories of the past.

The weather was very cooperative and children, including some big kids, had fun playing on the playground equipment. Young adults had a lively game of volley ball. Saturday evening the group enjoyed old movies of the family taken and shown by Damon Pierce. Family pictures were taken on both Saturday and Sunday by the many photographers in the family. A meeting of the Cape Family Historical Foundation was held on Sunday afternoon. A committee was chosen to plan the reunion for 1990.

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The 1984 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held in Dalton, Nebraska at the Legion Hall.

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The 1981 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held at Mud Springs, Nebraska. Robert and Mina Cape's 60th wedding anniversary was celebrated.

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The 1978 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held at Mud Springs, Nebraska. The main activity was working on a Quonset hut west of the house. Afterwards a square dance was held in the new building.

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The 1975 Cape-Mauer Family Reunion was held in Hot Springs, South Dakota. It was held at the ranch of Howard and MaryJane Cape. 73 family members were able to attend from South Dakota, California, Washington, and Nebraska. This was the first official family reunion. Prior get-togethers included the 1971 50th wedding anniversary, the 1967 wedding of John Mason and Sharon Cape, and the 1961 40th wedding anniversary.

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The 2016 Cape-Mauer Reunion is being arranged
Please bear with us as we make our plans.


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CONTACT jcape @ pacbell.net if you need additional information