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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1994-08-24, Page 3THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 1994. PAGE 3. Former students reminisce at school reunion Last Saturday former students of the Blyth Public and Continuation School came to a reunion of former students, teachers and even custodians at the Blyth & District Community Centre. From a desire of one former student to again see and exchange thoughts with his former class­ mates, grew this reunion at Blyth. Donald Morritt of Cranbrook Road in London, Ontario was that former student, and with the help of only a very small local Blyth contingent his desire and dream became a reality. At the outset Mr. Morritt had only thoughts of a reunion of his own classmates from the late 1930s and early 1940s. However, as the process of locating his former classmates grew, it became overwhelmingly evident that many other students would also like to attend. Invitations were sent out to some former students who were in turn asked to inform other former students or provide addresses for them. Former students attended from such distant places as Yuma, Arizona; Missouri City, Texas; Cheboygan, Michigan; Squamish, B.C.; Vancouver, B.C.; Riverview, N.B., and many places across Ontario. An overview of the student progress since leaving Blyth Public and Continuation School reveals surgeons, nurses, teachers, lay ministers and former teachers who taught in the Blyth Continuation School, bankers, land developers, entrepreneurs, factory workers, farmers, plumbers, music teachers, communication techni­ cians, actors, morticians, bakers and butchers. And all are boosters of the Village of Blyth. Also noteworthy was the presence of many World War II veterans, who had left Blyth Continuation School and offered their lives in the fight for freedom. Each military service and both genders were represented in the former students. When Reeve Dave Lee addressed the former students welcoming them to Blyth he pointed out various areas of improvement that arc in place now or arc going to be in place. Some of the former students were quick to inform Reeve Lee that each generation has tn their own way, contributed to the progress of Blyth. Some, returning for the first time in 40 years, thought that the highway through Blyth used to be much wider. Some added up 22 businesses which do not exist today that did 50 years ago. A segment of the students agreed Blyth looks good and for a few fleeting hours on Saturday, it was home again to every one of them. One hundred and twenty-nine students registered with over 200 people attending. There were some tears, hundreds of smiles, and handshakes by the dozen, with a few hugs and kisses thrown in. An expression overheard to cap the reunion, "Let's all get together again soon!" One observer stressed that every person attending owed Don Morritt a huge vote of thanks. He was the sparkplug and the engine who made this reunion such a huge success. Back through time Doris and Ken Cowan spent some time going through the names at the Blyth Public and Continuation School Reunion held this past Saturday at the arena. Over 100 people registered. Long lost friends Three friends were reunited this past weekend, at the home of Marg Caldwell of Blyth, after 55 years apart. Doris Stockill, centre, returned to the village for the Blyth Continuation School reunion and spent many hours reminiscing with friends Marg Caldwell, left and Myrtle Vodden. Letter reunites friends By Janice Becker A simple IctLer io a distant class­ mate, regarding a school reunion, brought about a reunion of a differ­ ent sort. The best of friends as young adults, Marg Caldwell of Blyth and Doris Stockill, now of Burlington were reunited after 55 years, thanks to a letter sent by the committee organizing the Blyth Continuation School class reunion. The letter was sent to Mrs. Stockill's son, who lives in Las Vegas. Unable to attend, the son asked first his sister, then his moth­ er to attend in his absence. Mrs. Stockill sent a letter to her friend, Marg Caldwell, about com­ ing for a visit. Not knowing her present address, Mrs. Stockill sim­ ply wrote 'Marg Caldwell, Blyth'. The letter arrived al the proper home. However, Mrs. Caldwell was on vacation at the lime, so it was some days later when Mrs. Stockill received a phone call from her friend, inviting her for a visit and the reunion. Once together, the women say they have spent a great deal of time reminiscing and looking at old black and white photos of their youth. While discussing the past one afternoon, the doorbell rang and Mrs. Stockill was surprised by another longtime friend whom they had just been remembering. Myrtle Vodden, one-time owner of Voddcn's Bakery with her hus­ band Harold, arrived to recount even more memories. Mrs. Stockill had once worked for the Voddcns and the telling of stories began. The mention of 'remember the blueberry pie' brought laughter to the three women as though they were still school girls. Maybe, though the faces have aged and the walk is a little slower, a reuniting of long lost friends does bring the heart of those school girls to life, once again. Junior Achievement is looking for 24 business people to work with the youth of Huron County., and you might be one of them!!! the JuniorAs a volunteer consultant to Achievement Program, you can give local students a better understanding of basic business skills and the free enterprise system. Time commitment is one hour per week for either a 4 or 12 week period. Teaching experience is not required - just your enthusiasm, general business sense and an interest in working with young people. If bringing business, education and youth together appeals to you, please contact Junior Achievement of Huron County, c/o Huron Business Centre, 527-0305 or 1-800-268-2590. Limited Time 3 DAYS ONLY PAY NO G.S.T. THURSDAY AUGUST 25 FRIDAY AUGUST 26 RICE'S STORE Con. 12 Hullett Township 523-4426 Open - 12 hours a day 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.