BFNA Official Genealogy Website a 501c3 Nonprofit
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BFNA's Founding History
The BLAISDELL FAMILY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION (BFNA) was organized on August 15, 1935, to represent the descendants of Ralf Bleasdale - who was born in Hawkshead, England, 1593, sailed on The Angel Gabriel, and was shipwrecked at Pemaquid Point, ME. on August 14, 1635. At least 38 spellings of Bleasdale have since evolved, the most prevalent being Blaisdell, Blasdell, and Blasdel. Other variations include Bleasdell and Blasdale.
The Blaisdell Papers, published regularly since 1935, is the fifth oldest family publication in the U.S. It documents the genealogy, vital statistics, current and past activities of the descendants of Ralf Bleasdale. Published biannually in June and December, the Blaisdell Papers accompanies membership in the BFNA. Dues for basic membership are $15 a year, payable in advance. Gift memberships are $12 each. A DVD containing publications of the Blaisdell Papers (1935-2015) may be purchased for $15.
The BFNA has recorded genealogical and historical data on computerized files since 1991. Over 88,666 Blaisdell descendants are documented in the lineage-linked Personal Ancestry File (PAF) accessed by the BFNA Genealogist. Notes are maintained with information relating to biographical sketches, obituaries, vocations, military service (including Revolutionary War service notes), education, affiliations, census data and other sources of information. The Blaisdell Papers is a certified source for DAR/SAR memberships.
BFNA members are encouraged to review, verify, and send current family information to the BFNA Genealogist and Vital Statics Editor to update and maintain accurate records.
Annual or biennial reunions are held regionally in Northern and Southern California, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Oklahoma-Kansas, Texas.
National reunions are held every five years, alternating between regional locations and Pemaquid, Maine (where Ralf Bleasdale landed in 1635). Recent reunions have taken place in Amarillo, TX, in 1990; Portland, ME, in 1995; Greensburg & Guilford, IN, in 2000; South Portland, ME, in 2005; Mt. Vernon, IL, in 2010, York ME in 2015.
The BFNA cooperates with other historical and maritime groups interested in recovering and raising The Angel Gabriel. Periodic updates appear in the Blaisdell Papers. We are also cooperating with the Maine Historical Society to preserve Blaisdell items.
Blaisdell's In The News
BLASDELS NAMED GRAND MARSHALLS - BRIGHT, INDIANA
Hatch rides nine birdies to Blaisdell Pro-Am crown
Hatch rides nine birdies to Blaisdell Pro-Am crown
32nd Bright Parade takes place July 30
BRIGHT, IN — The 32nd Annual Bright Parade will go on this year on Saturday, July 30.
The Bright Parade started as an idea to boost the spirit of the Bright community thirty-two years ago. After decades of putting on the Bright Parade, Dale Lutz, Jody Blasdel, Art Little, and their families are passing the torch to the Bright Area Business Association.
While much of the parade will remain the same this year, one thing will be a little different: the parade will start at 11 am.
As always, participating in the parade is free. Simply arrive at Bright Christian Church on State Line Road between 9 and 10 am. Parade staff will guide you from there.
Those who would like to participate in the parade should be ready to come and show off their businesses, ball teams, Scout troops, antique cars and tractors, youth groups, dance teams, and civic and political groups, just to name a few. Hundreds of people will be lining the route all through the town.
This year’s Grand Marshalls are Jody and Karen Blasdel. Jody Blasdel recently retired as superintendent of Tri-Township Water Corporation after nearly 42 years of service.
Questions about the parade can be emailed to parade@brightareabusinesses.com.
Hatch rides nine birdies to Blaisdell Pro-Am crown
Hatch rides nine birdies to Blaisdell Pro-Am crown
Hatch rides nine birdies to Blaisdell Pro-Am crown
Zippo Manufacturing Company owner George Duke (right) presents Terry Hatch with a check for $50,000 and a one-of-a-kind Zippo lighter after Hatch won the Blaisdell Pro-Am golf tournament at The Pennhills Club Tuesday. Hatch shot a 4-under 66 to win Photo provided
BRADFORD, Pa. — Three holes into the Blaisdell Pro-Am golf tournament, Terry Hatch set a personal goal — to not make a fool of himself.
Hatch found himself three strokes above par with 15 holes remaining at the Pennhills Club, a less-than-ideal spot to be in as he played with defending tournament champion Terry Hertzog.
Hatch rebounded admirably, however, and after nine birdies, had worked his way to the top of the leaderboard. His final birdie gave him the one-shot advantage needed to win the tournament, as his 4-under 66 edged runner-up Alexander Knoll by a stroke and secured the tournament’s $50,000 prize.
“I’ve known (Hertzog) for 30 years, and I said to myself, ‘Just try to get through it.’ Then, I made five birdies in a row,” Hatch said. “My putting was good, I hit some good shots and just had some momentum.”
Hatch, a native of Pottsfield and club pro at Royal Oaks Golf Course in Lebanon County, double-bogeyed the second hole before bogeying the third, but responded with birdies on six of the next seven holes. As his round unfolded, Hatch said, growing confidence helped him maintain momentum.
“(The course) wasn’t easy — the pins were in some difficult spots and the ball was spinning off the greens,” Hatch said. “The greens were faster today. I just made some nice putts and hung in there.”
Hatch had played in the tournament once before, shooting what he roughly recalled to be a 75. After Tuesday’s victory, Zippo Manufacturing owner George Duke presented Hatch with a prize check and a one-of-a-kind Zippo lighter.
“I haven’t won a tournament of this magnitude in quite some time,” Hatch said. “I got a new set of irons a couple weeks ago and was hitting those well. My driver was pretty consistent, and I was just hitting it well.”
The tournament drew players from throughout Pennsylvania and New York, many of whom commuted from the Buffalo and Rochester metro areas.
Liam Friedman and Kevin Ausserlechner each shot 2-under to tie for third, while five players shot 1-under to tie for fifth. Of the 68-man field, 14 players shot par or better.
This marked the eighth year of the event at Pennhills, which is sponsored annually by Zippo and held in memory of company founder George G. Blaisdell.
Before Tuesday’s Class ‘A’ pro-only tournament, teams of five competed Monday in an event that paired two pros with three local amateur golfers.
The team of Louis Sforza, Chris Reiley, John Bedford, Matt Clark (Niagara Frontier Country Club) and Liam Freidmon (Wollaston Golf Club) won first place with a gross score of 19-under. First place in net scoring was awarded to the team of Kathy Taylor, Kate Colella, Hallie Dubia, Michael Mancari (Wildwood Country Club) and Philip Cardwell (Rockville Links Country Club) with -12.
“It’s a great event,” Hatch said. “A lot of pressure playing for $50,000 and I was lucky enough to win it. I wasn’t playing well a few weeks ago and I had a friend tell me, ‘You can win a tournament by accident.’ And I think I just did.”
Reprinted by permission of the Ocean Times Herald
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