Oldest Area Groundhog Supper This Weekend

They’ve been doing this successfully for the last 76 years; obviously they must be doing something right. It is after all, the oldest Groundhog Supper in the area.

As one would expect, there have been some changes over those 76 years. The men of the church no longer meet to butcher hogs at Louis Rapp’s, John Kerr’s or Charlie Butler’s place. The men still meet, but the butcherin’s already done. But the end result, and that is the most important part, is still the same; Great food, great fellowship and support of a worthy cause.

It’s been going on so long no one even remembers when it started. Long time church member, Etoile Witt says, “I came here in ’42 just after the dust settled and it was going on then.” Pastor Les Bussell said, “The only thing we’re certain about is that it started some time after the flood…. Noah’s Flood.”

Fewer men of the church are able to spend the consecutive days butchering hogs and processing meat and the political correctness of our day and age might not even allow it anymore. Rest assured however, the sausage patties are still hand seasoned, hand patted and the links stuffed with the old hand powered stuffer.

Few events these days would have a “Gravy Committee.” Hooker Groundhog does and Gravy Chairman Rick Wayman is experienced and justly proud of his homemade gravy; Ruthie Boyles heads up “Biscuits,” another of the many homemade products. With years of experience, Loren Rapp manages the “Liver & Onions,” gang.

This year’s event will be Sunday January 27, 2013 from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at the Hooker Methodist Church. Groundhog Chairman John Lambley wants you to come out and enjoy the food and the fellowship while knowing the cost of your meal funds many of the worthy causes the Methodist Men support. Those causes include local missions, boy’s ranch, scholarships, children’s homes, etc.

So what do you like best? Is it Loren’s liver and onions, maybe Zella Martens’ mashed potatoes with sausage gravy? How about Barbara Seawright’s sauerkraut and ribs, or maybe it’s one (or two or more) of Ruthie’s homemade biscuits? Everyone likes the sausage, both patty or link and there’s always the famous applesauce?

For local Hooker deliveries, please call 580-652-2920 by 4:30 p.m.