Lockes in History

Did you know that in the mid 1800s, our ancestors paid 23 cents a gallon for fuel? That is about $5 in today's terms - sound familiar? And industrial libricant was selling for nearly four times more. That fuel was whale oil.

As the North Atlantic whales migrated from their winter homes to their summer feeding grounds off the New England coast, the fuel industry took advantage.

Many Lockes residing on the New England coast made their living as seafarers. Undoubtedly, many shipped out on whalers and returned with barrels of valuable oil.

Today our fuel is of a different source - albeit the cost is similar! And now we appreciate whales for their true magnificence, rather than for the fuel they can provide. Join the Locke Family Association as we follow our seafaring ancestors and bring the past to the present on a Whale Watch Boat Excursion.

Make sure to bring extra layers of clothes. No matter how hot it is on shore it can be quite chilly on the ocean. Sneakers are advised for deck safety.

This year's reunion meeting will be held at:

Best Western Wynwood Hotel and Suites
580 US Hwy 1 Bypass, Interstate Traffic Circle
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-7600

Accomodations are also available at this location. Ask for "Locke Family Reunion Group Rate" ($115.95 + tax). Valid July 31 through and including Sunday, August 3, 2008. Limited number of rooms reserved until July 1! After that date any reservations will be on first come first serve basis at the regular room rate.

For more information on other available accommodations, recreation and tours: www.portsmouthchamber.org.

The Schedule

Friday August 1 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
6 p.m.

Meet and Greet Dinner
Best Western Wynwood Hotel and Suites
580 US Hwy 1 Bypass
Interstate Traffic Circle
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-7600

Saturday August 2 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire
9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Best Western Wynwood Hotel and Suites
Meeting Room
580 US Hwy 1 Bypass
Interstate Traffic Circle
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-436-7600

9 - 9:30 a.m.

Registration

9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

LFA Business Meeting

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Catered Lunch and Gift Basket Raffles

12:30 p.m. SHARP

Car pool to Whale Watch dock
The boat has life preservers for emergency only and suggests parents of young children may want to bring their own for the young ones.

Sunday August 3 in Rye, New Hampshire
11 a.m.

Locke 'till we meet again Next Year!
Location and activity will be announced at the business meeting

*Gift basket raffles were a success last year. Not only did the sale of tickets help defray some of the cost of the reunion but it was fun for all. Last year's baskets were contributed by LFA Board Members. This year we would like to include anyone who would like to make up a basket for raffle.