There is not much to report because I have not been active in my quest for Grab.... history. However there are two things I would like to include in this letter and they are: 1. I would like to find out how many of you would be interested in attending a Graboyes, Graboys, Grabois gathering here in Vallejo sometime after April of 1994. My preliminary thoughts were for a one day part at Marine World Africa USA cost at the present time is 30 dollars for adults, 27 for kids, and babies free. The price includes all you can eat and drink at a catered private picnic area and the cost of admission. I will also try to set up some get togethers to discuss and trade information concerning Grab.... I think this can be accomplished over a three or four day period. (Of course, if you would like to spend more time in the area we are a ferry boat away from San Francisco).
The second thing I want to include is a part of a letter I received from Bernard Grabois on Feb. 10, 1989. "A Russian girl married a Frenchman and moved to France where she had several sons (I believe the number was five). The children could have been born in either Russia or France. After his death she moved back to Russia with her sons. The Frenchman could have been from Napoleon's army as the version I heard has it. If he did desert from the French army, the founder Grabois might have been able to go back to France after Napoleon's overthrow and an amnesty that followed; and after his death his wife wanted to return to her native land. The number of sons would explain the several branches of the Grabois family who although related drifted apart and lost their family identity for a variety of reasons including political and economic pressures." What makes this so interesting is there is a similar story in my family.
I hope to hear from all of you to let me know if you are interested in the GATHERING. Please let me know as soon as possible. Reservations with Marine World need to be made 6 months to a year in advance.
I would also like to mention that I plan to be in Philadelphia some time this year and if you would like to meet with me let me know.
Arnold Graboyes