A holiday note from the Webmaster
2024 Year-End Reflection: A Journey of Family, Tradition, and Connection
In 2024, I had the privilege of assisting my father, Rommy Haines Jr., and several of his cousins in organizing a special event and creating an online archive for the Descendants of J. Wingate Haines and Mary Briggs. This project, for me, has been part family reunion, part history lesson, and part personal journey. In honoring the traditions of our Quaker ancestors, we affectionately termed the landmark event “The Gathering.”
The term "gathering" resonates deeply within Quaker tradition, symbolizing the act of coming together for worship, fellowship, and communal reflection. It reflects the Quaker emphasis on community and the shared spiritual experience of collective unity. Synonymous with terms like "Meeting" or "Friends Meeting," it embodies the regular assembly of Quakers for worship, the sharing of spiritual insights, and the consensus-driven conduct of community business, all grounded in principles of equality and mutual respect.
Following our Gathering, I am struck by an enhanced sense of community among the JW and Mary Descendants. Initially uncertain about how this project would be received by other branches of the family, I was pleasantly surprised on the morning of the event. On a hot Saturday in late July, people from across the state and country arrived, each setting up their cherished family photos, heirlooms, and memorabilia. Heartwarmingly curated displays featuring farm relics, family portraits, and meticulously preserved files underscored the profound significance of our collective history to so many of us.
JW and Mary lived during a time marked by significant historical events such as the Industrial Revolution, westward expansion in the United States, and the Civil War. When I was growing up, hearing about them felt akin to hearing about ancient relics with little relevance to my daily life—like quill pens and abacuses: interesting but seemingly useless. However, after the Gathering, I now feel a much closer connection than ever before. The 100-150 years that separate us no longer feel incomprehensible. Learning about their children, their children’s children, and the tangible impact they had on Aroostook County and my own upbringing has resonated with me throughout my life.
The way my grandparents spoke about community, how my parents lovingly tended to the land, and the unique work ethic ingrained in every farm kid I grew up with in The County—all reflect deeply entrenched Quaker traditions. Evidence would suggest these values are woven into our shared DNA and history as well. The cousins I met and worked with all reflected these tenets, and I hope to also carry on with these principles in my own life.
This past year was a joy for me. To work closely with family, to discover beloved traditions, to learn where I came from and what I hope to leave behind has been so impactful to me, and I cannot quantify the gifts this project has given me.
JW and Mary used to feel so far away from me, and today they are two of my guiding lights. Their commitment to family and community fuel my dreams now. Their hard work and spiritual foundations are now scaffolding for my future projects. I am forever changed by finding out that the things that are important to me have always been important. It’s just our turn to make it so.
As we approach the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the themes of togetherness, gratitude, and tradition that have been such a cornerstone of this year's journey. The holidays are a time for family, for reconnecting with our roots, and for honoring the spirit of our ancestors who paved the way for us. I hope this season brings each of you moments of peace, joy, and reflection.
Happy Holidays, Cousins!
May this festive season be filled with warmth, love, and cherished moments with those who matter most.
With love and gratitude,
Jasmine Jaye Haines
Webmaster
