Whitfield clan gathers for Demopolis reunion

The sign on the gate leading to Gaineswood read “Welcome Home, Whitfields.”

Scores of the descendants of Gen. Nathan Bryan Whitfield passed by the sign Saturday as they entered the grounds of the home built by the general. Whitfield family members from as far away as Colorado and Massachusetts joined with kin closer to Demopolis for two days of food, fun, fellowship and sharing history.

Events began at a Friday evening social when the family gathered at the pavilion on the Jim Bird property in Greene County. Early Saturday members gathered for a tour in Trinity Episcopal Church, which the Whitfield Family has supported over the years.

At 10 a.m. everyone gathered on the north lawn of Gaineswood for a group photo, including children and a few dogs. Patriarch of the clan, Adm. Bryan Whitfield Compton, sat front and center in the place of honor.

Many of the guests then gathered in the ballroom of the Greek Revival house museum for a presentation by architect Dick Hudgens. Hudgens has been involved in the restoration of Gaineswood for several years. He spoke of the challenges facing the Friends of Gaineswood and the efforts of the non-profit group to raise money for the work that needs to be done. The first priority, he said, is to “stop any more damage.”

Hudgens interspersed his talk on the plans for restoration with tidbits of history about the home, the people who lived there and the craftsmen who built it. “The more you study the house, the more impressed you are with the details,” he said.

While Hudgens was speaking, many of the children attending took part in a scavenger hunt, finding items throughout the house pictured in a handout. Docent Kathy Patterson also answered questions about the home from curious young Whitfields.

All those attending the reunion were invited to lunch at The Cedars, the former Asa Whitfield farm, where they could inspect a genealogical chart of the family. A bus tour of Demopolis was scheduled for the afternoon, and a final party was to be held at The Cedars on Saturday night.

The reunion committee included David T. Compton, Archie Bird and Ann Arnold.