1903

One day to go in getting off these notes and not a single sentence written. Sitting in an old high back rocking chair older than the "sec" himself watching a couple of gardeners cleaning up the lawn and shrubbery. The "sec" used to do it himself but no more. Don't have to explain "why" to you octogenarians.

A thought. Class records for many years are lean. One of you some time back suggested that they be brought up to date. Didn't have the nerve to try it on you but why not give the idea a chance and use myself as a guinea pig. So here goes.

Always wanted a farm. Decided on a place near Gettysburg. All this "BI" (before Ike). Found an old run-down place and decided to modernize it. A fireplace of huge proportions and a Dutch oven clinched the purchase. Then the fun of remodeling began. We finally moved in. Next farm equipment followed by a small herd of registered Holsteins and Brown Swiss. Saw myself galloping around on our cob where Early's cavalry had harassed the Northern Army during the Battle of Gettysburg.

But instead of a horse it was a tractor on which the "sec" did his riding. All went happily, but each year brought problems as it became more difficult to get dependable help. So after eight years of pleasant country living we decided to sell.

A year of residence and planning in Gettysburg followed, which brought us back to Camp Hill near Harrisburg where we built a ranch type home suited to our needs and here we are today.

In the meantime we had been seeking some form of activity to keep mind and body alert. We took a try at hook-rugging; painting - oil and water color; tole wear; restoral of old furniture repainted with Pennsylvania Dutch design. None of these clicked. One day at a fair we saw some folk handweaving at a loom. Caught our fancy. Soon a loom and now two. The smaller beside my desk and a large 45 inch loom in the workshop in the cellar.

Jessie does most of the planning and color design and then the "sec" takes over. We make all sorts of things from place mats to woolen dress material. Our work has taken ribbons at county fairs. Have made woolen yardage out of which Jessie had made a tailored suit with hat to match. Am now finishing some linen pieces to be shown in Baltimore at a display of work by the elderly.

And nearby there are children and grandchildren and rumors of another generation on the way. All making for happy days in the life of an octogenarian.

But we cannot forget the enjoyment brought into our life by being your secretary. When I heard of the appointment I was loath to accept and only did at the insistence of my good wife. But it turned into a grand assignment at least for me. It has renewed ties which had almost been forgotten. I have tried to make my services interesting to you and if they have been I acclaim the cooperation which you have given. May it long continue. Many thanks for helping to make these days the happy ones that they are.

Secretary, 1822 Willow Rd., Cedar Village Camp Hill, Penn.

Class Agent, Rivermere Apt. 4-A, Bronxville 8, N. Y.