The Guard family loves a picnic. And one is scheduled on Aug. 1 to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the arrival of the Paul Guard family on San Juan Island.

The reunion picnic starts at 12:30 p.m., on the grounds of the San Juan Historical Museum, 405 Price St., Friday Harbor. The event is potluck; dishes, cups and utensils will be provided. Bring your own non-alcoholic beverages.

Kathy Baker Crosby, granddaughter of Alice Guard and Joseph Jensen, will share research which has resulted in a two-volume family history. Her English-born great-grandparents, Paul and Elizabeth Milhuish Guard, settled in Clay County, Kan., in about 1870 with the Wakefield colonization program, which provided a way for landless immigrants to acquire land in the States.

Paul and Elizabeth Guard’s three oldest children, Frank, Elizabeth and David, were born in England. Four younger children, Florence Wakefield, John Henry, Alice and Emily were born in Kansas; Florence was named after the program that brought the family to the United States.

The Guard family relocated to San Juan Island in 1889.

Robert P. “Bob” Guard, a former Friday Harbor teacher now living in Port Townsend, is a great-great-grandson of Paul and Elizabeth Guard. He estimates that his ancestors have about 300 descendants. Some of the names are familiar.

Alice and Emily married brothers Joseph and Frank Jensen, respectively, in a double-wedding. They are shipbuilder Nourdine Jensen’s aunts and uncles.

Elizabeth married C.E. Hackett. Their son, Fred, is a namesake of the American Legion post in Friday Harbor; he was killed in action near Montdidier, France, May 1, 1918, during the Great War. His name is on the monument at Memorial Park.

Donations will be accepted to cover the rental of the grounds. Relatives are asked to bring photos and other information to help fill in the family tree. For more information, call Bob Guard, (360) 774-2915; or Shawn Hubbard, (360) 378-3586.

In the photograph: Guard family members gathered for a picnic circa 1928-29: Front row from left, C.J. (Dick) Guard, Arnold Guard holding Jackie Douglas, Frank Douglas, Paul Guard, Margaret Guard, Edythe Guard, Gladys Guard Madden holding Jim Madden, Kathryn Madden. Middle row from left, Flossie Guard Douglas holding Allie Douglas, Emily Wright Guard, Myrtle Hemphill Guard (with glasses), unidentified child. Back row from left, Alice First Guard, Frank Guard Sr., unidentified, Emily Guard Jensen, Harold Guard (with hat), Roy Guard, Florence Mae Madden, Raymond Madden, unidentified man.