1941

Just returned from the third annual mini-reunion in Florida, staged in picturesque Mt. Dora. Its quaint streets, myriad shops and historic homes were enjoyed by the 15 '41 couples who gathered for a two-nighter. Traveling the longest distance to attend were Mort and Jacque McGinley, flying in from Santa Fe, N.M., via their second home in Venice, Fla. Mort's next stop was going to be Mexico for a week's visit there with his daughter and granddaughter.

Another couple flying in for the event were Ez and Elie Crowley, coming down from Ipswich Mass., smiling all the way. A couple calling Boston their home were UncRichardson and his long-time friend and bride of two weeks, Laura Richardson. She maintains a studio in Beantown for her abstract art painting and Unc handles the class treasury, plus other people's money, in his active financial consultant work. They came over from Tequesta, Fla., their East Coast winter home, courtesy of SnuffySmith's eight-passenger station wagon. Snuffy and Fran, long-time residents of Singer Island, radiated good cheer despite Fran's back problems.

Bill and Jean Hotaling were on hand, having driven down from Hanover and ready for a one-month stay in Siesta Key (Sarasota), Fla. Bill has rebounded nicely from his health problems with Jean's help and all our prayers.

Escorted by Hans Froehlich and StuMay, a number of our classmates struggled around a scenic, but difficult, golf course. A1 and Louise Ferguson were in that group. So were Grant and Joanie Hesser, who are now permanent residents of Stuart, Fla. The Fergusons winter in Florida (Longboat Key) but call Pittsburgh their permanent home. Half of the attendees at the mini enjoyed a narrated trolley tour of the old homes, parks and waterfront estates, while another group had a boat ride on Lake Dora, where they saw bald eagles, alligators and numerous waterfowl. Included in those activities were Don and Jo Taber, Bill and Millie Steel,Dick and Ginny Jachens, Don and Jane Hanks and John and Marge Kelley, the latter having to leave after the first day because of a golf commitment.

And last, but not least, were the Stillmans, president Don and his courageous Pat, who limped around with a broken kneecap, the result of slipping on the kitchen floor just a week earlier. And this hardship was on top of several months' struggle with painful shingles. Fortunately, Pat andall the others brought their '41 spirit to the mini.

-Dick Jachens, 5975 Camelot Drive North, Sarasota, FL 34233; dickjach@gateway.net