Shared Memories
Personal stories, memories, and traditions shared by Hinchman family members.
Share Your StoryUncle Henry's Fourth of July barbecues were legendary. From 1955 to 1995, he hosted over 200 relatives at his farm. His secret sauce recipe is now passed down to the next generation.
The Hinchman Family Association was founded in 1924 by my grandfather Charles Hinchman. The first reunion had 75 attendees. Annual gatherings continued until 1960, and we're now reviving the tradition!
In 1967, Dad drove the whole family from Pittsburgh to California in our station wagon. We visited every Hinchman relative along Route 66. It took us two weeks but created memories that lasted a lifetime.
The Hinchman family orchard in Lancaster County was planted in 1920 by my great-grandparents. For three generations, we picked apples there every fall. The property was sold in 1985, but the memories remain sweet.
My grandfather William Hinchman served in the Civil War with the 78th Pennsylvania Infantry. He wrote letters home that described the battles at Chickamauga and Chattanooga. These letters are treasured family heirlooms.
Summer vacations at Lake Hinchman were the highlight of our childhood. The lake was named after our family who donated the land in 1955. We swam, fished, and made memories that span three generations.
Great-Grandfather Thomas Hinchman arrived in Philadelphia from England in 1847. He worked as a blacksmith and eventually opened his own shop on Market Street. The tools he used are still in the family.
I remember the summer of 1952 when the entire Hinchman family gathered at Grandmother's farmhouse in Pennsylvania. There were over 50 cousins running around the fields, and Grandpa Henry told stories late into the evening.
Every Christmas Eve, our branch of the Hinchman family makes Grandma Rose's famous gingerbread cookies using a recipe that dates back to 1890. The secret ingredient is a pinch of cardamom.
When I was a girl in the 1940s, we would visit Aunt Mary's house every Sunday. She had a Victrola and would play old records while telling us stories about the old country. Her voice still echoes in my memories.
This is a sample story contribution to demonstrate the badge system.
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