After attending a genealogy class this past year, Florence (Pribbenow) Berndt of rural Motley was inspired to put together a display of her husband Bill’s family history.

Her display, along with at least 29 others, will be featured this Saturday in Motley at “The Gathering,” an event inspired by local history and family stories.

The exhibit will take place in the Motley Fairgrounds Pavilion; and opens for viewing at 1 p.m.

“I’ve been having a lot of fun and it’s been very interesting, too,” Florence said recently, in reference to the project which she’s invested quite a bit of time into.

Her display features a number of old photos of Bill’s parents (Albert and Ada Berndt), his grandparents (George and Betty Berndt) and of the Motley Castle, which was purchased by the Berndts in 1947.

“They restored it, built a new barn and farmed there for 22 years,” Florence said.

There are also photos of The Vagabonds, a band which was formed by Bill’s dad.

“Albert got the band going in the late 1930s or early 40’s,” Florence recalled, adding that he played saxophone and clarinet. Bill’s mother played accordion in the band.

Years later, Bill resurrected the band, using the same “Vagabonds” display marquee that his dad had.

The current Vagabonds will be providing music during The Gathering, beginning at 11:30 a.m.

“My sister, Sis Goodwater, will have a display of our family, the Pribbenows,” Florence said. “She’s been putting a lot of work into that as well.”

Some of the other family names mentioned in the display line-up are: Swecker, Strack, Thomson, Dockendorf, Jones, Roberts, Schupp, Cantleberry, Kobliska, Crawford, Wilson, Marte, Shake, Bjerga, Greig, Riggs, Hull, Converse, Philipp, Morey, Sperley, Starke, Strom, Johnson, Blake, Cottingham, Townsend, Topp, Martin.

In addition to the family history displays, “The Gathering” celebration events include dinner at the fairgrounds (beginning at 11:30 a.m.); children’s games and prizes; storytelling by Morrison County Historian; music and refreshments.

The event kicks off Saturday morning at 10:30, with the dedication of the old Motley School bell, which has recently been placed in Veteran’s Park.

The ceremony will feature the Motley American Legion Color Guard; remarks by Mayor Konrad Alexander; and speakers Greg Frisk and Al Riggs. Music by Staples Motley High School orchestra members will be provided as well.

This event is hosted by the Motley Area Historical Society, in conjunction with the Morrison County Historical Society and Morrison County Genealogy Society.

“They approached us about holding The Gathering here at the Motley

Fairgrounds,” Florence, a member of the MAHS, said. “We’re really excited about it and hope a lot of people stop by to visit with each other and to learn about our local histories and how we are connected,” she added.