Class Notes 1940s
| 1941 | 1942 | 1943 |
| 1944 | 1945 | 1946 |
| 1947 | 1948 | 1949 |
1941
Lois Loehr Brown
7523 Little River Turnpike #101
Annandale, VA 22003
Loislbrown@aol.com
I attended an alumni event last fall at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington. Accompanying me was Dr. Beth Harper, former dean at UMW who is now associate vice president of Northern Virginia Community College.
Ann Jones wrote about her high school reunion and her busy life with friends. Francis Crump said she still plays violin and is active in many musical groups. Eva Catafygiotu Topping received news that University of Michigan has established a Chair of Modern Greek Studies and has requested all of her papers, books, speeches, as well as a four-hour taped interview. All are related to Greek culture and language as well as her own Greek-American life as the daughter of immigrants.
The Class of 1941 can be proud of being in the Top Ten of the 2005-2006 Reunion Class donation rankings. Our class is especially proud of the generosity of Arabelle Laws Arrington, who extended a challenge commitment in 1998-1999 and more recently made a $5 million pledge to the University. Do hope that you all read the article about Arabelle, “Unparalled Devotion,” in the Summer 2006 UMW TODAY.
1942
Virginia Bennett Skillman
5744 Washington Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46220
classnotes@umw.edu
1943
Lee Hall Archer
112 Barberry Road 41-J
Johnson City, TN 37604
huntenlee@charter.net
Carolyn Hobgood, daughter of Frances Wills Stevens, writes that Frances has Alzheimer’s and is receiving care in a nursing home. Carolyn visits her mother often and says that if any of her former classmates wish to send her a card or note, they may get her address from the UMW Office of Alumni Relations. Frances was our class agent for many years, and we regret that she is ill.
Janet West Edwards moved to Westminster-Canterbury in Richmond. She enjoys making new friends and being near children and grandchildren. She says, “Wearing my Mary Washington College T-shirt starts many new conversations.”
Ruth Bailey Conroy sent a brochure of the Naples Concert Band. This folder includes a color picture of the band – and there’s Ruth with her saxophone right in the middle of it! She is rehearsing for summer-in-the-park concerts, and is also rehearsing with the Gulf Coast Big Band, which plays ’30s and ’40s dance music. Her daughter, son-in-law, and two teenage grandchildren have moved in with her; she is adding on to her house. Ruth still finds time to do crafts at her church.
Frances Rector Steagall writes that she, Flora Copenhaver Scott, and Lee Hall Archer had a great reunion last August. Frances traveled from Alabama with daughter Susan and her husband, Buster. Lee and husband Hunt came from Johnson City, Tenn., to Chilhowie Va., for the bicentennial of the Methodist church there. On Saturday, they enjoyed a lovely lunch hosted by Flora and some of her family. Frances concludes: “Such a wonderful time of reunion with dear college friends!”
Rita Unruh Chinn lives on her late husband’s farm in Hague, Va. Her daughter has a shop, Mary Young’s Herbs, on the farm. Rita’s son may also be moving back to Virginia. Rita’s great-grandchild, Aryana Raven Chinn, appears in the Land’s End Catalog for Kids. According to Rita, “Now my job will be to see that this very special child attends Mary Washington!”
Memory moment – Mrs. Bushnell teaching us how to eat soup. The general rules were:
1. Never rest the emptied spoon back inside the bowl; always set it to the side of the serving plate.
2. Never pick up or tilt the bowl.
3. Never slurp.
4. Always sip from the side of the spoon, never from the point.
I’ll bet none of us has ever slurped or aimed our spoon in the wrong direction since!
1944
Phyllis Quimby Anderson
P.O. Box 164
Westminster, VT 05158
pqhndson@verizon.net
Nettie Evans Lawrey’s most exciting news is that their grandson, Matthew T. Lawrey, is a freshman at UMW having received a scholarship for academics and athletics. He chose Mary Washington without any pressure from grandma and is already working hard with the soccer team. His dad has attended all home and away games, and his mom has been to the UMW campus to see Matt play. Nettie is so proud to tell her classmates that her grandson plays soccer for Mary Washington! Most of us can’t even remember having a soccer team! Nettie is still active in the library and her church choir. Their children – Jim, Betty, and Tom – all keep in touch and visit when they can. Granddaughter Megan is a counselor in an elementary school; Gretchen, the tall one, graduated from Campbell University a year ago and works for a research firm; Connor is still in middle school and is doing well. Nettie’s son, Tom, is a Broadway show manager. His wife is the producer of Spamalot. Nettie has had more than her share of health problems, but she is coping.
Anna Austin Roberts Ware wrote last fall to say that she was preparing for cold weather on the farm. She keeps in touch with Libby Roe.
Ruth McDaniel Potts says that she enjoys our class news and always looks forward to receiving the magazine. Unfortunately, Ruth has had health problems, ranging from a broken bone in her foot to cataract surgery in both eyes. She managed to do some fun things including spending a week at Duck, N.C., with most of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She also spent a week at a resort in Capon Springs, W. Va., with some of her hiking friends. Although she was unable to hike, she enjoyed the beautiful scenery, time to read, and the stimulating company of old friends.
As your Class Agent, I certainly apologize for my computer problems affecting receipt of your messages to me. Keep your news coming!
In October, we took a trip to Alaska on the Alaskan Harbor Ferry. While we haven’t had a wedding in the family for quite a while, our oldest grandson is making plans for a September wedding. I am still playing in the Grafton Band, reading with children at school, driving for Meals on Wheels, providing transportation to medical appointments for Westminster Cares, and singing in the church choir. I had a cataract removed and can’t believe how well I can see now – even the tiny print – without my glasses.
1945
Frances Watts Barker
P.O. Box 749
Parksley, VA 23421
jbarker@intercom.net
Although our news is sparse, I am thankful for the updates I received. Please remember how much it means to keep in touch with our college friends and classmates. Each contact is like a visit.
Some of us have been blessed enough recently to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversaries. In addition to Jack and me, the couples I am aware of are Hilda Chrisman Pendleton and Willard, Grace Bailey Lindner and Carl, Skip Potts Taylor and Wally, and Jean Hudson Inskeep. I am sure there are others who have reached this momentous milestone. Let me know.
Hilda and Willard so enjoyed a Caribbean cruise in honor of Willard’s birthday that they planned another one to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary. Hilda had two great reunions with her Mary Washington roommates. Senior roommate Ginny Lambert and her husband stopped for a short visit on their way to Florida. Last summer, freshman roommates Catherine Husted Perkins ’44, Betty Cornett Wasson, and Hilda met for lunch. Hilda and Willard are proud of their two grandchildren and enjoy watching them grow and mature as they enter young adulthood.
Grace and Carl are amazed at all the old acquaintances from Thomas Jefferson School who now live at their new home, Westminster-Canterbury. Grace and Carl begin each day with swimming and walking, and their interests and activities are varied. They spent the holidays with their sons and families in Smithfield.
Skip and Wally remain involved in church and community activities. Bible study provides inspiration, good fellowship, and interest for Skip.
Christine Brauer Krausse and Spott returned to Richmond after Labor Day, having spent the summer months on the river at Bowler’s Wharf. In October, they traveled to Alabama to attend the wedding of their oldest granddaughter. They were also happy to help Chris’ sister, Anna Brauer Oxenham ’47, celebrate her 80th birthday at the Country Club of Virginia, a gala affair from all reports.
Weddings of two grandchildren will be in the near future for Mary Lou Conover and Bob. In January, they traveled to San Francisco to attend their granddaughter’s wedding. In June, they are off to Dallas for a grandson’s wedding. Last summer, to escape the intense heat in California, they spent three weeks in Boise, Idaho, visiting their daughter and celebrating her 50th birthday. Among their exciting trips was a three-week cruise around the Hawaiian islands.
Betsy Shamberger Eggleston had a wonderful vacation last summer at Emerald Island, N.C., with her daughter’s family. Four generations were represented. Her 8-month-old great-grandson was the focus of attention the entire week, especially on the beach.
Betsy remembers her freshman year at Mary Washington, living in a large suite with seven other girls in Cornell Hall, off campus. Mary Boynton Goodloe has remarried and lives in Colorado Springs, her second home is in Tucson, near her children. Trude Kramer Larson lives in Dallas near her son and grandchildren. Another son, very talented and creative in woodwork, lives near Betsy and has helped her with projects in her Doswell farm house. Thanks, Betsy, for sharing news of our friends.
A phone call and later a follow-up letter from Betty Sharp Seelinger was a pleasant surprise. Betty and John, married since 1950, live in New Bern, N.C. They have two daughters, two sons, 13 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Betty talked about her family reunion at the beach last summer – the week-long gathering included 28 family members, hailing from Japan, Kenya, California, Illinois, New York, Virginia, England, and North Carolina. Some of the in-laws and grandchildren met for the first time. One night, other relatives – including cousins, nieces, and nephews – joined them for dinner, bringing the total family members to 71. Betty and Ann White Leonard, my sophomore roommate who lives in Ashland, keep in close touch.
Gloria Post Goodsell and Roger spent the Thanksgiving holidays in New York City. It was especially meaningful for Gloria and Rog to return to their native state and stay in the city they visited often before moving south to Texas. Their granddaughter, Lindsey, graduated from Baylor and is now employed in Lubbock, Texas.
Gloria still keeps in touch with one of her freshman roommates, Fran Barnhart Ryder. Both were distraught over the death of their third roommate, Mary Doswell Simpson. The three, who remained friends, lived in Willard in 1941-42.
As for Jack and me, our days are filled with things to do and appointments to keep. A health problem sent Jack to the hospital for three days in October, but good doctors got him back “on track.” He is also receiving a new and promising treatment for macular degeneration. We feel very fortunate and blessed and, as always, look forward to spending time with family and friends.
1946
Patricia Mathewson Spring
160 Butternut Lane
Kensington, CT 06037-1200
classnotes@umw.edu
1947
Betty Moore Drewry Bamman
335 Briarwood Drive
Christiansburg, VA 24073
bdbamman@verizon.net
I remember when many of us lived in Virginia Hall, the sophomore dorm. Mrs. Bushnell would invite us to come to the living room in our pajamas for cider and cream puffs. We would sing My Buddy and When Irish Eyes are Smiling, two of her favorites.
No one submitted news this time. Please try to send those cards and letters! I look forward to seeing you at our 60th reunion in June.
1948
Bette Worsham Hawkins Dunford
1500 Westbrook Court, # 5143
Richmond, VA 23227
awhawk2@aol.com
As I type in my own email address I am reminded to ask you to send me yours. I would like to be able to contact some of you directly.
At a meeting this week, I saw three of our classmates, Ann Gregg Woods, Lois Saunier Hornsby, and Justin Edwards Borland. The latter two had driven up from Williamsburg to hear the speaker, Lady Astor, discuss English gardening. Ann is now very happy in her retirement-community cottage in Richmond, Lois has just returned from Atlanta, and Justin, retired from email, is very much on the go. Lois’ son, Bruce, had just played a sold-out engagement in Richmond, and the publicity concerning his music, new DVD, and performance were stellar.
Carol Byrd Williamson had a dreadful fall this summer while walking her dog. She suffered a severe ankle break which kept her on crutches and other inventive devices for much of July and August, but was beginning to enjoy moving around more freely. She planned to spend Thanksgiving with her son Kevin in Asheville, N.C. Glenna “Sandy” Graves bought property in Florida, and, as always, is living life to the fullest and enjoys every opportunity to travel.
Sarah Armstrong Worman’s grandson and his bride are in flight school in Pensacola. Sarah hopes to be with the entire family for Christmas in Dayton, Ohio.
We spent Thanksgiving in Philadelphia with my two sons and their families. After the Christmas holiday, we planned to take a trip through the Panama Canal on the Crystal Symphony. Living in a retirement community makes it all pretty easy – just shut the door and go. Best wishes to you all.
1949
Anna Dulany Lyons
9037 Grant Ave.
Manassas, VA 20110
June Davis McCormick
18 Lynnbrook Road
St. Louis, MO 63131
jaymccee@yahoo.com
Many of our classmates continue their peripatetic pursuits. Jackie McConnell Scarborough and husband Les left Stone Mountain, Ga., last June for a cruise around New England and down river to Montreal. At the end of September, they drove to Fredericksburg to attend the inauguration of Dr. William Frawley, the seventh president of Mary Washington. Seated at the same table were Erma Whitaker Bockoven and husband Fred, and although Jackie saw alumni from other classes, no other Fabulous Forty-Niners were spotted.
Although they often return to their alma mater for special events, neither Mary Elwang Sharpley nor Elizabeth “Betty” Fischer Gore was able to attend the inaugural programs. Mary had just had a knee replacement and was undergoing rehab. Meanwhile, Betty had a successful knee replacement and is slated for a second in the near future. For several years, Mary has been happily ensconced at Colonnades, a lovely retirement facility in Charlottesville. One of the many fringe benefits the residents enjoy is being invited to attend social functions at Carr’s Hill, home of the U.Va. president. Betty also lives in Charlottesville and plans to join Mary at Colonnades “someday.” Mary spends two winter months in the warmth of Delray Beach, Fla., while Betty is known to take off for far-away places to pursue her art, or visit her children and grands. With 2009 just over the horizon, Betty and Mary are giving some thought to our 60th Reunion. They volunteered at our 55th to serve as co-coordinators, and Barbara Westerman Newlon, also of Charlottesville, agreed to pitch in as needed.
A few years ago, Josephine “Jo” Drury Ramsburg moved from her home outside Berryville, Va., into the town itself, where she finds the “livin’ is easy” and she is in close proximity to her bridge-playing friends. She also has a cottage at Shelton Beach, on the Chesapeake Bay. Nearby is the historic little town of Reedville, Va., the original hometown of two classmates, Mary Jane Armsworthy Barr and June Davis McCormick, as well as four generations of our alumni dating back to the teens and ’20s. Most of the founding families no longer occupy the original homes, but the entire area is burgeoning with “come heres,” the colloquial terminology for recent and current residents. Betty Gore has joined Jo at her beach house several times, and she finds the area charming.
Also in the Northern Neck, in nearby Kilmarnock, Va., Dolores “Dee” Ross had a conflict with the inauguration scheduling and had to regret her invitation. Dee was anticipating her next tour abroad, one organized and arranged by her local bank. Leaving in December, the group planned to fly to Nuremberg, board a ship, and sail up the Danube, stopping for the picturesque Christmas markets at every small town port of call. The 160 passengers planned to observe the traditional St. Nicholas Day on December 6, conclude the eight-day tour at Budapest, and fly home on December 10.
Kate Mayo Schmidt and husband Bill, of Texas, had a busy September, with a trip to visit Bill, Jr. and his wife in Albuquerque, N.M., and on to Helena, Mont., to see Bill’s sister. They found snow in Montana and had to borrow sweaters and jackets for both visits. Returning home, they found problems at their farm related to the hot, dry summer. Both wells, reliable for some 40 years, had become undependable and necessitated their connecting to the municipal water system, which was a very costly venture. Kate said they are grateful to now live only 25 miles away from their farm instead of 155, as they were in Houston. Kate said they are well and happy in their new home and truly enjoying their small-town lifestyle. They have joined the local country club, found a church, registered to vote, and still are notifying far-flung friends of their new address. Kate’s sister was expected for Thanksgiving and their son and his wife for Christmas, or, as she concluded, “a good way to christen a new home.”
In October, Marion “Wendy” Selfe Kelly and husband George left their retirement condo in Lynchburg to attend an Elderhostel at Davis & Elkins College in West Virginia. For the program, “Traditional Mountain Music and Folklore,” the Kellys stayed in the Conference Center at the college and ate in the dining room with the students. Wendy’s granddaughter, Katie, began her freshman year at Radford University last fall.
A welcome update from Gwen Brubaker Connell in Fort Myers, Fla., reported that her husband, Jack, seemed completely recovered from his traumatic brain surgery earlier in the year, for which they are so thankful. In addition, they were able to have a large family reunion during the summer and to celebrate their 60th anniversary at the same time. Gwen said, all in all, they feel truly blessed. We’ll add our thankfulness that no hurricanes threatened our several classmates in the Florida and Gulf Coast areas during 2006.
In the academic year of 1945-46, four fledgling freshmen at Mary Washington came together in the cozy confines of Cornell to form a coalition. They then campaigned for and swept the class offices! Do you remember? The intrepid four were Sara Bowser, president; Barbara Watson, vice president; Anna Dulany, secretary; and Jo Wilson, treasurer. Miss Lillie Turman served as the freshman class sponsor. Friendships forged in that first year continue to this day! Now, some 61 years later, another freshman gets her bearings, takes the measure of her classmates, and decides to run for office. Overcoming her male opponent by a healthy margin, Chelsea Devening ’10 was elected as freshman class president, much to her proud grandmother’s delight and joy. Of course, Chelsea is Anna “Andi” Dulany Devening Lyons’ dear granddaughter. And in addition to her charismatic social skills, Chelsea aced her Arabic mid-term exam with a perfect 100!
Andi reports there were so many “For Sale” signs all over Manassas, Va., it looked as though the town had chicken pox! Because of the sagging market, Andi took her house off the market. It was just as well, she reasoned, since her intended retirement complex, The Summit, in Lynchburg, would not have a unit ready for her until spring. Andi feels 2007 may be her year for change, not only of residence but in connecting with fellow alumnae. Another alumna, Elizabeth Krebs ’47, is already a resident there, enjoys it immensely, plays bridge, and plays the cello in various musical groups. Andi had planned to be settled in her new locale before January, when she would observe a special milestone birthday. Some of us have reached that milestone already; some of us will attain it in coming months. Dee Ross is the exception, as she was a mere 15 when she climbed to Marye’s Hilltop!
We all remember “the twins,” Polly and Betty Bridges. When we saw Betty Bridges Sherrill listed under In Memoriam in the last issue of TODAY, we sent a note of sympathy to Polly Bridges Allen on behalf of the class. Polly called to express her appreciation, and we since have talked with her again to compile an update on these dear classmates. After graduation, Polly got her teaching certificate in Virginia and began teaching eighth grade English. She later took on first grade students. She married Earle Allen and they had one son, Earle, Jr. After only eight years, Polly suddenly became a young widow. She continued teaching in Virginia and eventually moved back to Gastonia, in her home state of North Carolina. She was recertified and taught at the kindergarten to fourth-grade levels. Some 30 years later, she retired from teaching. Meanwhile, six months after Polly married, Betty wed Thomas Sherrill, and they first lived in North Carolina; they later moved to Columbus, Ga. They had a son, Thomas, Jr., and a daughter, Linda. When Linda was only six-months old, Betty and baby were en route to visit Polly in Virginia and had an auto accident. Betty was badly injured and hospitalized in Danville for six weeks. Polly stayed there with Betty and the baby for the entire time, and then took Linda for two years, until Betty could resume her care. Polly has a special affinity for her niece, who later adopted four children after she was married.
Betty and Polly took turns calling each other each night, continued their special bond, and spent vacations together. At the beach in July of 2005, Betty had a fall, but they thought little of it at the time. A subsequent series of events led to the dreaded diagnosis of a brain tumor. The prognosis was terminal, and Betty died in early January 2006. Mourning her passing were her husband, children, and seven grandchildren, as well as Polly and her family.
Polly’s son, Earle, is a pharmacist and his daughter, Jessica, is the joy of Polly’s life. In her senior year of high school, Jessica, a 5-foot-10-inch star athlete, was presented with the prestigious Heisman High School Award for her academic, athletic, and spiritual accomplishments. Now a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Jessica is an honor student, excels in several sports, and performs missionary and community service. Polly calls her “an angel.”
Now, for the record, while they appeared to be identical, always dressed alike, and went everywhere together until each married, they were not twins! They were one year apart in age, Betty being the younger. Polly waited until Betty could attend Mary Washington with her. How about that for a long-delayed revelation, although Polly said some classmates knew. Despite severe arthritis in her hands and extremities, Polly continues to be very active in her church, is in a garden club, and volunteers one day each week in the hospital auxiliary gift shop.
After being “volunteered” by her daughter, Ann, to accompany a youthful cast in rehearsals for and performances of Oliver! in July, Betty Bond Heller Nichols was drafted again for something a little more in keeping with her calling. In November, the Fine Arts Program at Washington and Lee University planned to present three plays by noted playwright Paula Vogel. Two of her works being performed were The Long Christmas Ride Home and How I Learned to Drive. Pulitzer Prize-winning director Tom Ziegler, a great admirer of Ms. Vogel’s writing, was to direct the productions. In addition to the aforementioned plays, the director is especially fond of the author’s The Oldest Profession, a comedy written for older actresses, featuring five women, each of whom was to perform one of five songs. And that’s where Betty’s services were to be utilized. With her piano augmented by three instrumentalists, who just happen to be young men, the happy quartet was to be listed in the play’s program as “Betty Bond Nichols and her Bordello Boys.” At long last, recognition for her true talents! We’re so proud, B.B.! Would Lady B. add those fellows to her list of “Gentlemen Callers?” And wouldn’t Conni Conley Stuart knock that director’s socks off with her rendition of one of the songs! We’ll leave you on that happy note. As ever, love to you all from both of us.