Class Agents Other decades

1940s & 1950s

Melvin Stone '41 wrote that he is enjoying retirement activities at the Atrium. He is volunteering lots of hours at SCORE and with other groups.

Jean Thompson Lyford '43 of Brewer wrote that she and her husband, Bud, were happy to have summer house guest Judy Daggett Campbell '43, who lives in Staunton, Va. “We enjoyed reminiscing about the fond memories we both had while attending GNS many years ago,” she wrote. The citizens of Brewer are happy to have Daniel Lee '80 as their superintendent of schools.

Ruth Ellen Dorr O'Brien '47 writes that she was sorry to hear Grace Bowley Gavett '47 recently lost her older sister, Inez. Grace had just returned from the funeral in Maine when I talked to her in July 2006. Lisa, Grace's daughter, lives with her in Vienna, Va. Her daughter, Susan, also lives in Virginia. Oldest daughter, Anne, lives in Maine.

Lucy Herrick Ledien '47 writes: “We're all getting new parts—new hips, new knees, etc.” Lucy also wrote that Bertha Coombs' husband, Arthur Reed, passed away in July 2006. She says that Janice Gillis Cleveland and Dot Jackson get together frequently. Lucy noted that she and Ruth Dorr O'Brien, her Gorham roommate, had their annual “get together” in August. “It's always great fun talking about ‘ole Gorham days,'” she said.

Barbara Poole Hampton '47 said: “I miss and think about our ole GSTC gang so often. I have been blessed with great health, therefore can continue my usual busy activities. I still play lots of tennis, walk 3, 4 miles daily, swim my laps, go to Curves, find lots of volunteer opportunity, active in church, and play lots of bridge. Our son and his family live in Houston so we entertain our grandkids lots.” They had planned to go with an Elderhostel group to Victoria and Vancouver B.C. to mark their 50th wedding anniversary, which was December 29. “Our son, his wife and three grandkids are taking us on a cruise for a week to celebrate,” she said. “We love company, so please come stay at the Poole/Hal Hampton Inn in Austin, Texas.

Class Agent M. Grace Piselli Keene '50 submitted the following notes. “As I was touring the Gorham campus with classmates, Rosalie Preble Barden '50, Trudy Ford '50, and Audrey Stevens Driskell '50, at the Gorham Alumni Reunion on June 17, I spied the plaque on our Class of 1950 gift of a campus light. It is located on the walkway by the President's House. We were impressed. So, thanks to those of you who made the contribution last year. We also strolled by Robie Hall where our gift, given in 2000 for our 50th, was a definite ‘spot of beauty.' It was truly very attractive. We admired the growing trees, shrubs, and flowers. The landscapers did a wonderful job by surrounding it with colorful annuals.”

You can relate to Agnes (Sweetsir) Racine '50 of Windham as her priorities are family first, then her “music.” For those who know Agnes, she still plays her French horn in Chandlers Band, Westbrook City Band, and the Maine State Ballet Orchestra. With her husband, she winters at Cape Canaveral, Fla., enjoying her daughter and family, and again, playing in the Brevard Community Band. A sixth great-grandchild was on the way, as of this writing in July.

Our world travelers, Tom and Jean Ellen Smith Strus '50 of Illinois took a trip with another couple to South America. Flying in to Puerto Vara, their hotel view was of two volcanoes. While in Argentina, they toured via three boat trips and four bus trips, enjoying the scenery through the Andes. In Buenos Aires, they saw a tango show and then had a tango lesson. They flew to Rio de Janeiro, climbed the mountain on which stands the 100-foot statue of Christ. Jean Ellen planned to visit family in Cornish and to attend an Elderhostel in Portland in the fall.

Grace had an inspirational chat on the telephone with Nellie Page Morse '50 of New York. Nellie lives with two other grandmothers since the death of her husband. They are dear friends of 34 years. Nellie, a grandmother of 12, has taken each grandchild on a trip of their choosing at age 12. Here are a few of the places selected: Indy 500 races, cruise to Alaska, Paris, Washington, D.C., by train, Legoland in southern California, and Hawaii.

Richard and Rosalie Preble Barden '50 of Gorham, along with 35 choir members of the Congregational Church in Gorham, flew to Shannon, Ireland, and Galway Bay on the Atlantic. They gave four concerts at churches in the area. They visited the Cliffs of Moher. They found Eyre Square to be a hub of many narrow streets, and limestone in the hills of Burren, and stone markers built about 4,000 years ago at Poulaborne Dolman. In Maycullen, they watched a demonstration of crystal cutting at the Connemars Celtic Crystal Factory as well as several abbeys and castles. Rosalie discovered the general topography to be barren, with large outcroppings of ledges and buildings made of stone. In fact, stone walls are everywhere in this emerald isle.

Glenys Dearnley '50 of Tilton, N.H., traveled to Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport to spend time with family. Eleanor Tobey Milliken '50 of Dover, N.H., winters in Florida with her husband. Both have recovered from health problems last winter. Eleanor planned to attend a family reunion in Maine and to take the ferry to Nova Scotia. Ramona Lancaster Cosentino '50 and Hank, of Conn., spent two weeks vacationing in Rome and Venice with their two 16-year-old granddaughters and their families. They rented a villa in Camiaoria to relax and reap the joys of their trip. Most of the month of August was spent at their Surry, Maine, home.

This is the year for most of us to celebrate our 60th high school reunions. There were 226 students in my class at Edward Little High School in Auburn. Some 100 people attended our reunion in June. In Limerick, Jeannette Dumas Cobb '50 and Nina Curry Stitson '50 graduated in a class of eight. Yes, eight….and all are alive and well! They celebrated the occasion by going on the Downeast Duck Tour in Portland, dining at the Village Café, checking out the Limerick Historical Society, and completing their day at Nina's place for stories and memories.

Hugh and I had a marvelous tour of the antebellum homes and mansions in 2006. We concentrated on the states of Georgia and South Carolina. Highlights were: CNN, Center of the Civil Rights Movement, Cyclorama for Civil War buffs and scholars, Fort Sumter, the Citadel, cotton plantations, formal gardens in Charleston, horse-drawn carriage ride in Beaufort, U.S. Marine Base in Parris Island, Lafayette Square among the live oaks and magnolia trees in Savannah, the Andrew Low home, and fabulous Jekyll Island. We climbed 129 steps at the famed St. Simons Lighthouse to view the Atlantic Ocean.

Class Agents Marilyn Weymouth MacLeod '51 and Barbara Stanley Neal '51 reported that “we had a small but enthusiastic 55th reunion.” Those attending last summer were Vern Bodwell '51, who drove the car he had while attending Gorham (a 1930 Ford), Cynthia McComb Bowles '51 and her husband, Keith; Beverly Merchant Sloatman '51 and her husband, Charles; Priscilla Jones Wilson '51, and Marilyn and Barbara. “It was a fun day.”

We received a note from Helen Knight Sheffer Barnett '51. She has been having radiation and chemotherapy, but says she's feeling better and is back on the tennis court. She was celebrating her wedding anniversary. We had a letter and e-mail from Mary Barker '51 and Paul Barker's son-in-law. Mary passed away in July 2001 and Paul died last March. We send our condolences to their daughters Barbara and Polly and their families.

Florrie Belisle '53 wrote to report that classmate Elizabeth McDowell Finley '53 passed away on September 3. Due to health issues that she has been experiencing, Florrie also has resigned as co-class agent. Micky (Ouelette) Vermette '53 continues to serve as class agent.

Class Agent Suzanne Gilbert Corcoran '55 provided the following notes. Beverly Ramsdell '55 writes of her early 50th wedding anniversary trip in April 2006 to San Francisco, Honolulu, and a cruise around the Hawaiian islands, with a return trip stay in Las Vegas. Judith Spiller Getchell '55 had a busy summer with family and friends at the lake. She and her husband, Maurice '54, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in September. Mildred Hammond Black '55 returned home from California because her two sisters have been ill. Mildred and Jerry Black '57 are still working on The Little Meetinghouse Project and planned to spend the winter in California.

Martha Soper Thoits '55 took a wonderful trip to Alaska and celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with a party in 2006. Sylvia Amadei Pickett '55 and Jackie Brooks Greenwood '55 went on a 17-day cruise that stopped in Germany, Estonia, Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark, and ending in London. Connie Hanson Harrison '55 hosted the annual summer get-together with 14 classmates at her home on Sebago Lake. Those gathered included: Norene Grover '55, Chris Willard Bennett '55, Pat Tardiff Crowley '55, Suzanne Gilbert Corcoran '55, May Cyr Forte '55, and Doris Frye '55. Nancy Guiney Grant '55 spent the winter in Florida, and last summer and fall in Maine, attending many weddings and sadly, funerals.

Class Agent Betty Lou Dodge Banks '56 wrote: “Our 50th reunion has come and gone but the memories linger on! It was an incredible two days together, beginning with a fantastic cocktail party at Dimillo's Restaurant on Friday night in Portland. The guest speaker for Commencement 2006, Victoria Rowell, graced us with her presence at our party. Victoria has lived in Maine and stars on the television show The Young and the Restless. She was friendly and spoke with everyone, and posed for many pictures. Incidentally, she made an amazing speech at Commencement.

The next day, it was on to lead the Class of 2006, all 1,500 of them, at their USM Commencement. Everyone looked pretty classy in their gold caps and gowns! This was followed by a delicious lunch at the Portland Club with the faculty and USM President Richard Pattenaude. Saturday night we had a wonderful meal and social time “on the hill” in Gorham. Many memories were shared and fun was had by all. The college was very gracious and we thank them for doing so much for our class.

Ann Crosby Payson '56 did an outstanding job as chairman. She paid a lot of attention to details for months before the reunion. Many thanks to Ann and her hard-working committee. Gerry Hallett Pomerleau '56 did the tedious job of contacting classmates who were out of touch and was very successful. Fred Welch '56 contacted all the industrial arts grads and had a great response. Mary Jean McDonough Doherty '56 handled all the money and reservations. Those who attended the 50th were Darrell Payson '55 and Ann Crosby Payson '56, Bob and Gerry Hallett Pomerleau '56, Keith Packard '56 and Penny, Don O'Malley '56 and Monique, Ed Haggerty '56, Don Cramer '55 and June Halberts Cramer '56, Frank Harrison '56 and Connie Hanson Harrison '55, Ed Richards '56 and Laverne “Bunny” Best Richards '56, Adeline Clark Whitney '56, '75, Bill and Kathleen Alexander, Jerry '58 and Jacky Lajoie LaPlante '56, Bob Sampson '56, Jim Doherty '55 and Mary Jean McDonough Doherty '56, Wilfred Gouzie '56, Fred Welch '56 and Patricia Lord Welch '55, Connie Gray Henkel '56, Jean McKay Dolan '56, Ralph Taylor '56 and Mary, Phyllis Smith Cross '56, Will and Janet Gullifer Whitney '56, Connie McLean Baribeau '56, Lynn Markee '56 and Elizabeth, Madeline Bates '56, Carroll Scribner '56, '68, Ralph Egers '56, '63 and friend Janice McGuire.

This was the first reunion that Harley and I missed as we had gone on a Mediterranean cruise. However, we did go to the spring reunion in June and had a chance to see June Tevan Colombosian '56, Mary Jean McDonough Doherty '56, June Halberts Cramer '56, Janice Littlefield Ludwig '56, Dick Kelley '56, Adeline Clark Whitney '56, Jackie Lajoie LaPlante '56, and Ralph Taylor '56. Our class gift was dedicated at this time. If you have a chance, drive up to the front of Robie Hall and see the lovely, large rock planters on either side of the walkway. Thanks to all for your help in making such a gift to the college.

Connie Gray Henkel '56 is back living in Maine, after spending her whole life since GSTC in New Jersey. Phyllis Smith Cross '56 attended the reunion with three of her children who seemed to enjoy all the festivities. Connie McLean Baribeau '56 is still teaching special education in Brunswick and enjoys it tremendously. Dot Chase '56, of Yarmouth, and Sally Brown Bradley '56, of Wakefield, R.I., and Elizabeth Moore Barlow '56, of Cantonment, Ill., were unable to attend the reunion but all sent their best wishes.

Please e-mail or write to me with any news for further issues of Mainestream. I'd really appreciate it!”

Charlene Boisvert Thompson '57 wrote: “Greetings to all! You may be a bit surprised to see a different name attached to these notes. Our Class Agent David Yates '57 passed away in 2006. Therefore, when Class President Tom Curran '57 called together classmates to begin planning our Golden Reunion, one of the items that we discussed was a temporary replacement for David. Thus, I've got the job until our class has its meeting in August. Mail class notes to Charlene at 10 Victoria Street, Portland, ME 04103. Call her at (207) 780-0908 or e-mail: charlfrank@yahoo.com. Remember, I can only put in items if you send them to me!

A bit of class news that I've garnered: Tom Curran '57 is flying all over the country in his role as vice president of the National Education Association–Retired. He's accumulating frequent flyer miles at a great pace! Les Lafond '57 is completing a three-year term as president of AARP Maine and has decided not to remain in the position for another term. He's been a very effective leader on both the state and national levels of the organization and will be sadly missed. Martha Knight Nason '57 welcomed her first great-grandchild. Congratulations! I wonder how many of us are now great-grandparents. (I know that if we have grandchildren, we are already GREAT grandparents!)

Tom called a group of us together in October to meet with Elizabeth Huntley, director of Alumni Relations. Those in attendance included me, David H. Parker '57, Melvin Fineberg '57, Martha Knight Nason '57, Travers Jackson '57, Sheila Flanagan Jezar '57 and her husband Rene, Grace Gilpatrick '57, Carolyn Phillips Leavitt '57, and Les Lafond '57. Ideas for the reunion were discussed, as well as possible projects for a class gift. A committee of Dave, Les, and Mel volunteered to visit the Gorham campus and investigate various options.

The reunion will have two distinct events.  Please mark these dates on your calendars!

• May 12, 2007 is Commencement. On that day, the 50-year class, in special caps and gowns, leads the graduating seniors into the auditorium for Commencement exercises. The class will gather for a special breakfast prior to the Commencement ceremonies.

• Friday, August 17, 2007 is Alumni Day on campus with class meetings, a luncheon, campus tours, etc. Much more information about these events is in the letter that you should have received in December. Please respond to the questions that are being asked.  Time is of the essence.

Also we have lost touch with the following classmates. Please let me know if you have any information about Marilyn Church Cairns '57, Rita Collins '57, Ronald Begin '57, Virginia Frankowski '57, Walter D. Morris '57, Daniel MacGilvray '57, Ronald A. Pouliot '57, William Sweet '57, Robert McIntosh '57, and Donald Raymond '57.

Thanks for the opportunity to keep in touch with all of you.  I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.”

back to class notes