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Published: July 30th 2015
Moss on cabin roof
Cabins were very traditional with some interiors dirt floors and others showing the more advanced state with plank floors, beds, lofts and furniture. They showed the progression based on how long the people had been at the fort. Time to get on the road and head our for John's
50th high school reunion. Yeah, I'm that old. This was a big deal and several people had worked really LONG (like over 2 years) to make it happen. We loaded up and headed out, but planned to take our time and enjoy the trip up from the south.
First day we got as far as Richmond, KY and had a 2 night stop in Boonsborough State Park. Yes, the same Boonsborough as in the Daniel Boone TV series and legends. I had reservations and so when we pulled in, there were hosts at the gate ready to give us our maps, rules and markers and they would even guide us to the campsite, if needed. After getting the map, the girl said, "Oh, the sirens you heard coming in were a warning of severe thunderstorms. So be careful." Great...we got into the site, leveled and I quickly hooked up water and electric and we settled in. No big storms but there had obviously been some in the past days. The grounds were still wet and muddy, puddles were in the road (some more like small lakes) and humidity (and
Soap making at Fort Boonesborough
Docent said it took a full day to boil, stir and cure the soap. She had racks of it drying prior to wrapping and selling in the gift shop. bug count) were high. After checking out the bath house (reasonable) we settled down to dinner and relaxing. The cat enjoyed the walk about, but we didn't dare let him off with all the people camping so close together.
Next day was a rest day and a chance to go to the re-creation of the original fort, built on higher ground than the original, which had been right next to the river. Upon entering the fort, we first sat and viewed two videos: one on the creation of the fort and how it was historically accurate; the other on the life of Daniel Boone and his life in this area. Both well done and fascinating. We then began strolling through the grounds and discovered a number of people in period dress who served as docents and interpreters. One lady was making soap, another made candles. Both items were for sale in the gift shop. A gentleman was explaining how they build fires using flint and steel and another was in the gunsmith shop with a variety of weapons of the time, explaining the history and use of each. There were mini-museums/exhibits in the corner block house buildings depicting life
Carved Totem
This beautiful totem was carved from a dead tree on the campgrounds in Wooster, OH. Excellent job and great for discussion. Campground was really first rate. in the settlement, exploration of the times, famous settlers and Indians, and even one on medicine of the time. All of it was fairly well done and informative. Trish said it compared favorably to Plimouth Plantation in Massachusetts. The biggest difference between the two (other than the size of the property, Plimouth being very large) was that here the docents in period costume did not assume a role/persona and thus could relate to modern day events. In Plimouth, you do step back to 1627 and the costumed docents are fully immersed in that person and time.
Back at the campground, it was the start of a giant flea market on the campground. Many folks had booths and lots of "junque" for review. We hoped it would be camping related but alas, it was true
clean out the closet and see if someone will pay time. Nice walk around the grounds....until the sirens went off again. More severe thunder storms on the way. We did get the cat out for another walk, but WAY too many people around for him to be comfortable, so it was a short stroll. The heavy rain and winds never materialized and the next morning
Wooster pizza
No, NOT Coccia House (where most students went back in the 60's.) This is a Greek spot on main street that had Italian and Greek food. Bill got the pizza and gave me a bite to try. Had Matsuo's been there back when, it would have been the pizza of choice. we headed out, north to Wooster, OH and a visit with a college frat brother, and best man at our wedding.
We had previously stayed south of Wooster at an inexpensive campground (i.e. cheap); poor sites, dirty showers (without curtains), toilets without doors, and in general, low grade. This time we picked a campground north of town and it was a gem. Sites nestled among trees, level, clean restrooms and reasonable cost. Only problem was John decided to let the GPS direct us there. Hmmm, not smart; we wound through cornfields and wheat fields, up and over creeks on narrow bridges and down 1 1/2 lane roads, dodging Amish buggies sometimes and huge fuel trucks other times. Next time, Trish says I have to take the longer way and follow the campground directions. (Did I mention she was driving?)
In Wooster we contacted Bill Bailey and went to visit him and Vicki at their new home in a lovely in-town development. They have done a lot of work and now have a comfortable retirement home with large backyard, beautiful landscaping (great job, Vicki) and yet are still close to activities and friends. We went out for dinner at
Vicki and Bill Bailey visiting
Bill was a frat brother at Wooster and I was best man at his wedding. He returned the favor a year later at ours. Must have done it right, since we have a combined success rate of over 90 years together. a Greek/Italian spot that was new to me and had a wonderful meal. Then it was back to the Baileys house and talk until very late. Next morning we met for breakfast at a Bob Evans and then back to their house for more reminiscing. Bill and Vicki had family plans in the afternoon so Trish and I drove around a bit then back to the RV to rest. But in the evening the Bill and Vicki came back to the RV for wine, cheese, olives and chips. We partied on like we were still young (well, once we were!) and had a great time. It was a marvelous trip down memory lane....well, for Bill and me; our spouses kept looking at each other and rolling their eyes.
Next morning it was up and off to Chesterland, OH for John's 50th high school reunion. The reunion was Friday through Sunday AM and we got in Monday, so we got to spend time with John's parents in Chagrin Falls, a visit to friend, fellow teacher and camper Carla Durnbaugh at her apartment in Chardon, and a visit with fellow teacher Carane Ladd. Unfortunately, John's brother, Todd, was busy as we
Carla and her new sun shade
We visited Carla at her apartment in Chardon and like her new remote controlled sun shade she had installed. It not only allows her to sit out on warm days, she can put it out just a bit to shield the rays from coming inside. Very clever and helpful. would have loved to spend some time with him as well. Trish and I drove around the area, ate at several favorite spots, and even had the folks out to the RV for a chicken dinner one night. Mom had prepared a great pasta salad and dessert our first night in, so food was good all the time.
The Main Event kicked off on Friday night with a gathering at a local hotel where we had a large meeting room reserved with appetizers, soft drinks, iced tea and water. A bar was available for those who wished. Name tags were available with our high school pictures and we all dutifully pinned them to our chests and walked around trying to remember who our friends were. It was fun to watch guys with decreased vision walk up, stare at a woman's chest, and say, "OH, it's YOU, Susan!" If we had stared at their chests like that in high school, we'd have had an in-school suspension. One clever woman pointed to the side of the chest withOUT her name tag and said, "Please talk to this one; the other is hard of hearing." We laughed at each other, renewed friendships,
learned about spouses, children, grandchildren, and grew sad as we realized we have already lost over 20% of our class. Several classmates attended though they had lost a spouse in the past 12 months and were still feeling the grief.
Saturday was the big event with a banquet at a local country club. Julie Moss, my girl friend in early high school years, had flown to Cleveland and I had promised to transport her. She had gotten an invite for a pre-dinner cocktail party at a classmates house and when Marlene learned I was driving Julie, invited both Trish and me to also attend. Trish and I had known Marlene from when I taught with her at the Junior High in the early 70's. Trish, who had declined to attend most events, did look forward to this and we had a wonderful time meeting her husband, seeing their lovely home, and chatting with others. Then I took Trish back to the RV while Marlene brought Julie to the banquet.
The evening was wonderful! Again, I reconnected with classmates, chatted with some I had barely known and learned how different they had become from what they had seemed 50
Jane Lowrey Case
"Queen"for the weekend for all her work at making this happen. Elmer Tyler and his wife Shirley organized the tribute for Jane. years ago. (Suppose some could say the same of me--for better or worse.) When it was time for the meal, the master of ceremonies had some introductory remarks and then we all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a wonderful a Capella rendition of the National Anthem, led by a classmate, which the entire class joined in. There were remarks, a blessing and then a recognition of the one who brought us all back together--Jane Lowery Case. Jane worked tirelessly and tracked down all 252 graduates PLUS anyone who had attended during high school and then moved on, even if they didn't graduate with us. She was presented with a blinking tiara, bouquet of flowers. a bag with four bottles of wine, and a box with a stack of cards from the class, thanking her. Under the cards was a Waterford crystal bowl filled with money as a thank you from the class. There appeared to be enough for Jane to take a trip to Ireland in the fall to continue looking up family and doing genealogy. She was given a 3 minute standing ovation by us all. Well deserved!
Following the meal we took time to
Julie Moss telling a story
Julie is a librarian, author, and story teller. She was asked to tell a story about friendship at the gathering and did a marvelous job of showing that even with differences, we all, in the end, come together as friends to support one another. honor our deceased classmates and then honor all who had served this country in either the military or as a first responder. It was incredible to see how many of us had given back. We had several classmates who made a career of the military and they were recognized. Finally, we honored the one classmate we lost in Viet Nam. Bob Hall's mother was a special guest and she was presented with a beautiful plaque from three of Bob's close friends. It was highly emotional and served to bring the class even closer together.
There will be follow-on DVDs for us of the various events and a beautiful show with pictures of classmates then and now photos, tributes to those gone, candid shots from our high school years some of us had never seen, and memories of wonderful years and friends. Jane also promised addresses, emails and phone numbers for all so we can stay in touch. But the festivities were not over!
Sunday morning there was a brunch at a local park. They had bacon and sausage on the grill, bagels, donuts, fruit, and juice, coffee and tea. Not as many came to this, but I did
get Trish to attend and meet some of the classmates. Folks seemed reluctant to part, but eventually we all did leave. We realize that we may not get another chance to hold such a wonderful gathering, and if we do, many will not be available. So though reluctant to attend initially, I am glad I did and ever so thankful to Jane and all the others who worked so hard to put it together.
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Deborah
non-member comment
Hard to believe high school is that far behind us. I am approaching my 40th class reunion in just 18 months! Never realized just how close in age we are! Looks like a grand time was had by all!