2024 ANNUAL MEETING OF THE THORNHILL FOUNDATION
AND HARDIE FAMILY REUNION – THORNHILL
Friday, April 12 through Sunday, April 14, 2024
2024 marked the 50th Anniversary of the first gathering of the descendants of John and Mary Hardie at our family home, Thornhill. Over the past 49 years we gathered once a year in a variety of locations including Talladega, New Orleans, Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, El Paso, Vermont, Scotland, and Paris, France.
In April of 2024 we celebrated 50 years of family gatherings by returning to our mutual family home, Thornhill in Talladega, Alabama.
EVENTS (Click on Agenda above for printable schedule). Along with some of the customary events such as gathering for meals, we had some additional special events and activities:
Friday, April 12 – We gathered at Thornhill with our hosts, the Greene family for an evening reception as we watched the sun set over the distant hills.
Saturday, April 13 – We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Bar-B-Que pavilion; took tours and learn the history of our homeplace; walked amongst the spring flowers on the beautiful tree-shaded grounds at Thornhill; and visited the peaceful cemetery, resting place of our ancestors. Other activities included scavenger hunts, and the “John Hardie & Co”. Gift Shop featuring tartans, books, and artwork. Following an afternoon break, we gathered for more family conversation over an evening meal at selected venues in Anniston.
Sunday, April 14 – Options included Sunday service at John and Mary Hardie’s family church, the First Presbyterian Church of Talladega. See more activities below.
OTHER ACTIVITIES – for Sunday or any day:
APRIL IN TALLADEGA 2024: This year’s reunion overlaped with the annual April in Talladega tour of homes (and the First Presbyterian Church – John and Mary Hardie’s church). Other events such as a Block Party on Courthouse Square with crafts, activities, and food took place over the weekend.
CLICK HERE FOR APRIL IN TALLADEGA WEBSITE
HERITAGE HALL: Museum and Art Center in downtown Talladega housed in former Jemison Carnegie Library. 200 South Street East, Talladega.
CLICK HERE FOR HERITAGE HALL WEBSITE
SUNNY KING CRITERIUM Bike Race and NOBLE STREET FESTIVAL – Downtown Anniston, April 13 – 14. Also the Noble Street Festival, fun events after our mid-day activities.
CLICK HERE FOR SUNNY KING CRITERIUM
CLICK HERE FOR NOBLE STREET FESTIVAL
CHEAHA STATE PARK: The highest point in Alabama. We also suggested hiking at Cheaha State Park, located between and just east of Oxford and Anniston.
CLICK HERE FOR CHEAHA STATE PARK WEBSITE.
CLICK HERE FOR CHEAHA STATE PARK HIKING INFO.
TALLADEGA SUPER SPEEDWAY: Those of you with a need for speed, signed up for a tour of the Talladega Motor Speedway and had the option to visit the International Motorsports Hall of Fame, located between Oxford and Birmingham. Call: 877.GO2.DEGA.
CLICK HERE FOR TALLADEGA SUPER SPEEDWAY WEBSITE
CLICK HERE FOR INTERNATIONAL MOTORSPORTS HALL OF FAME WEBSITE
REUNION MAP
