Class explores D.C. for 57th reunion
Presque Isle High School’s Class of 1958 had such a good time at their 55th reunion in 2013 that they decided to congregate again this year for their 57th. Reverse the digits and you have 75, the age of most of the classmates, so many thought it was a plan to good to miss and set the date for Oct. 15-19, 2015.
Six of this year’s attendees – Sharon Perkins Mahoney, Geraldine Trombley Dorsey, Pete Roderick, Mike Theriault, Russ Allen and Marilyn Barbour Allen live in Maine. Shirley Madore lives in Virginia. The others traveled from Vermont (Donn Blodgett), New Mexico (Winston Crandall), Maryland (Nate Day), North Dakota (Daryell Ferguson), Georgia (Eugene Fitzgerald), Florida (Leandra Fitzherbert Chappell), Pennsylvania (Delma Fowler Degler), New Hampshire (Gloria Hagerman Dodge), California (Nancy Madore Wright) and New Jersey (Nathan White).
One classmate, Shirley Madore Folsom, who lives in Alexandria, Va., offered to host some of the gatherings at her home. She arranged for a hotel in the center of Alexandra to provide special discounted accommodations for private rooms and a hospitality suite large enough for all to gather for socialization and food. Each classmate had a key to the hospitality room and spent many pleasant hours there reminiscing with friends they hadn’t seen since the last reunion. Camaraderie reigned 24/7.
Sightseeing was also a priority. Some toured the Holocaust Museum, some visited Ford’s Theater in Washington, D.C., and others toured Arlington National Cemetery, Mount Vernon and the Lincoln, Jefferson and World War II memorials.
Many classmates enjoyed a walking tour of Carlyle House and Gadsby’s Tavern, where the Founding Fathers met secretly to plan the Revolution. Shirley chauffeured nighttime rides to National Harbor and everyone enjoyed a Potomac River dinner cruise, dancing to ‘50s music and viewing the illuminated monuments and the Capitol.
The reunion included Sunday brunch and Monday evening dinner at Shirley’s home. The food was delicious and the memories shared were extraordinary. Everyone joined in singing favorite ‘50s songs. Nathan Day agreed to a solo, as did Mike Theriault, then others followed. The evening ended with “To Thee, Presque Isle,” the school song, with hugs and goodbyes.
The Class of 1958 will remember their time in Alexandria. New Orleans may be the next gathering place in October 2016; the high school team is still on the run with Coach Shirley.
