The Merlini Family held its third Adirondack reunion at the beautiful Woods Inn in Inlet, NY on Saturday, August 2nd.
For nearly 80 years, members of the family have vacationed at various locations around Fourth Lake including the original Wood Hotel.
Because of that history and with four family members owning camps on the Lake, it was fitting that our reunion be held once again on the shores of Fourth Lake.
This year the new owner of the Woods Inn, Charlie Frey, watched over everything including the delicious outdoor buffet and the ever present Joedda was there to help including keeping the rain away.
Those of us who have camps, residences and businesses in the Inlet area owe a great debt of gratitude to Joedda McClain and Jay Latterman for not only their renovation of the Wood, which has been a big boost to the community, but for their stewardship of this classic Adirondack hotel—one of the very few left.
We are all grateful that the new owners, Charlie and Nancy Frey, plan to continue that tradition.
After receiving many inquiries about having a third reunion on Fourth Lake, Mary (Ciaccio) Griffin, who organized the 2007 and 2011 reunions, agreed to do it one more time.
Mary and her sisters did the work and we all had a great time.
Nearly 80 family members made the trip and many stayed over for a brunch hosted by Andrea (Ciaccio) Bracikowski at her camp and to continue the fun on Fourth Lake.
The Merlini family traces its roots to Giuseppe and Maria Merlini who came to America with their four children at the turn of the last century.
Their children married in the 1920’s and two of the families produced 12 grandchildren.
Sadly, only three of these grandchildren are left since we lost Diane (Merlini) Scarmuzzino this spring.
But Betty (Merlini) Rankin, Angelina Gillingham and Francis Sisca all made it to the reunion.
Each told the family of their remembrances of past vacations on Fourth Lake and the fun they had here over the many years.
All of the cousins, three years older now, renewed acquaintances and had a great time including a campfire on Saturday night. Lots of fun swimming, boating, skiing and talking. They can’t wait to do it again.