In 1967 Father James Reymann, Charles and Salome’s son, received a letter from one of his nephews who was actively serving in the Vietnam War. Gilbert Reymann, Jr., “Sonny” to his family, was writing to express his concept of “The Reymann Foundation”. Sonny had also been in contact with his cousin, Charles “Chuck” Reymann (who he affectionately called Charlsy). Both cousins felt that creation of the Foundation had much merit.
For many years Father Reymann had considered some sort of foundation to enable him to dispose of his estate to a worthwhile cause. Though having these thoughts, he had never followed through until approached by Sonny and Chuck regarding creating a foundation to perpetuate the ideas that Charles and Salome had stood for during their lives.
On March 5, 1967, several members of the Reymann family gathered at the Reymann home. Discussion was the possibility of establishing a foundation in memory and honor of Charles and Salome Reymann.
What followed from that letter from a nephew to his uncle, and that first gathering around the Reymann kitchen table, was that on July 3, 1967, the original founders signed a document defining the membership of the Foundation. The charter establishing The Charles and Salome Reymann Foundation was signed on July 7, 1967.
Sonny’s Letter:
15 Feb ‘67
8:30 pm
Dear Father Jim:
Hello Ohio! And how is the weather in your section of the state?
I imagine by now you would be quite willing to trade some of your cold for our relatively warm atmosphere. Believe me, it works both ways.
There are several reasons for writing to you today, the first of which is my concept of “The Reymann Foundation”.
By now Charlsy has contacted you along with my personal representative, Ron Haydon. Forgive me for not writing you personally sooner, but time just would not permit.
The idea of the foundation has much merit and should have been introduced before now. But then again, it is never too late.
Briefly, here is my idea. Without a doubt you know your mother and father far more than I ever expect to, but from what bits and pieces I have been able to gather it is my belief that some form of a memorial should established to honor the memory of Charles and Selma Reymann, Sr.
A foundation built around the scholastic and philanthropic welfare of our own and needed families are the basics of this conception. I feel that higher education is where most people of academic means but not financial fall by the wayside and our foundation would thereby become the shoulder upon which we could elevate the individual to his noteworthy profession.
Financially, the foundation could be initiated, as Mr. Haydon has probably pointed out, through life insurance. Such insurances could and should be purchased by your brothers and anyone also a liking to donate to the cause.
The control then would be placed in the family in the immediate future. And when the foundation should become lucrative enough to begin a life of its own the decisions would be handled by its trustees.
On the legal end, I have been in contact with Charlsy. He is willing to donate as much time, gratis, to the inception of the foundation as is necessary.
I realize that there is a vast amount of work which needs to be done, and here I sit.
You will never know how I long to be in Akron to coordinate the ends in establishing this concept.
Men have volunteered their time in my absence to further this cause. Please grant them the help necessary to further this belief.
As a living testimony in memory of this idea, I propose that the Reymann “house on the hill” be held in the Reymann name under the foundation so as our family will always have a central priority place whenever we deem essential.
I can see no reason why our families should drift when the matriarch, which now holds us together, should be granted her eternal peace.
Would you let me know how you feel on this subject? It is of great interest to me and one I will follow through with until I am convinced I am in the wrong.
Aside from the above I wish to convey my Anniversary Greetings on your ordination.
Anticipating your approval in this regard, I remain,
Respectfully yours,
Sincerely,
Gil Reymann Jr