Who started the Cole-Hampton-Lee Family Reunion?
This questions prompted several different answers, each having some element of truth.
Answer 1
Jabo, Sporty and Floyd held the first family reunion in St. Louis (year not given).
Answer 2
Rita and Arita, in 1970, in Seattle, by hosting the "cousins party."Answer 3
Buford Cole,around 1947 upon returning from World War II, in Arkansas.
Answer 4
Matilda Cole Hampton Smith said it was her desire to see the family get together for something other than a funeral. So, in 1973 a large picnic was held in Sheffield, AL in honor of this request. Unfortunately, Matilda had passed away and did not witness this event which many regard as the formal beginning of the Cole Hampton Lee family reunion.
Answer 5
Calvin L. Hampton hosted a family reunion in 1982 in Kent and Seattle, Washington. At this reunion it was decided that the reunion be held every two years. This reunion also established the name "Hampton Cole Lee Family Reunion" which, has also been called the Cole Hampton Lee Suggs Family Reunion, Cole Hampton Lee Family Reunion, the Cole Lee Hampton Reunion, and the Cole Connection.
Answer 6
Ardell Hampton (year not given).