To the Editor:

Recently, over 130 people attended the reunion of the Altamont High School at the picturesque Shaker Ridge Country Club in Loudonville. Some arrived from outside the state, including Jeanette Sturgess Lamb, Jack Selig as chairman and mater of ceremonies for the event welcomed each arrival. As the afternoon began he introduced the honored classes:

— 1939: Thelma Gade Friebel; Joseph Spadaro; and Eleanor Ziehm Martin;

— 1944: Edwin Bradt; Evelyn Brust Taylor; and Betty Friebel; and

— 1954: Marjorie Deschenes Oles; Virginia Hall Ucci; Patricia Johnston; and Richard Ogsbury;

— 1954: John Smithies; Barbara Weeks Howell; and Alfred Witter.

Everett Rau in his usual flamboyant style spoke and gave the invocation.

Beverly Crounse Harrington was selected to give the toast. It was a sentimental résumé of the school’s history in memory of her parents, Arnold and Hazel Hawes Crounse, former graduates who had been very active in the past.

She mentioned that Al Marion had organized the group and his wife, Helen, had spent many hours securing addresses of the former graduates. Glasses were raised to the many wonderful memories of the Altamont High School. After the delicious luncheon was served, the chairman of the reunion committee introduced officers and the committee: Vice Chairwoman, Annie (Ferraioli) Wilson, 1953; Secretary, Joanne (Mesick) Wagner 1951; Treasurer, Doris (Seim) Neese, 1949; Assistant Treasurer, and Membership Chairwoman, Virginia (Hall) Ucci 1954.

Also: Bertha (Beaton) Adamczak, 1953; Robert Devenpeck, 1953; Richard Ogsbury, 1954; Donna Lee (Schaadt) Heald, 1957; Gloria (Tymchyn) Rice, 1950; and Doris Selig, 1942.

Doris Neese gave her usual well-organized report of the finances and read letters of appreciation received from recipients of scholarships.

Gladys Kniskern O’Brien and I, former members of the faculty, were awarded pretty wristlets of white roses with a silver ribbon and tinges of pink.

The Altamont High School had been built off Grand Street in Altamont in 1901 with the first class graduating in 1905. Students came from all directions to attend the high school. Some walked as far as 10 miles. Everett Rau can tell what he must have experienced in facing the winter weather.

No buses were used for many years. Just the main basics were taught.

In 1944-45, Walter Campbell became principal and coached the football team. They were scheduled to play a game against a team down the Hudson. They arrived facing a well-equipped team in their shabby clothes, but they had great spirit, vim, vigor, and sportsmanship.

Jean Rissacher, captain, and his team had put Altamont High School on the map. What glee! Those cheerleaders — Carol DuBrin, Marge Hilton, Marsha Perlee, or Mary Hughes — can agree.

Ed and Dick Bradt each spoke at the reunion. Door prizes were awarded and Everett Rau closed the gala event by giving the benediction.

Many years ago a former graduate and speaker closed the meeting with these words: “A day will come when our last member shuts off the light, closes the door, and we will be no more. In perpetuity we will be however. For many generations Altamont High School will remain as the great educational beginning of our fore-fathers.”

Could those words have been from John Cole who always helped to promote the reunion?

Betty Ann Spadaro

Altamont