Letters
Round Robin
In looking over Class Notes in the most recent OWU Magazine, it occurred to me that a “Round Robin” letter that began in 1951 might be of interest. The Pi Beta Phi grads of the great Mid-Century Class started this personal epistle, and it has continued to this day. Typically it has made “the rounds” in nine or 10 months, telling of marriages, births, occupations, travels, deaths, and reunions, etc. The letter was lost two times in this span of 66 years, but it was always re-started and sent on its way. Occasionally the news was earthshaking, but more often it told of everyday family happenings. It always mentioned handsome/beautiful exceptional children who might attend OWU!
Current contributors are Joyce Bohyer Hildebrand of London, Ohio; Mary Jo Jones Kennedy of London, Ohio; Mary Nouse Russell of Rocky River, Ohio; Dorie Baker Blackmore of Troy, Ohio; Janet Graham Jenkins of Mansfield, Pennsylvania; Peggy Bender Brick of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania; Kay Parker Jex of New Canaan, Connecticut; Eleanor Rideout Melville of Owego, New York; Dottie Turnbull of Roseburg, Oregon; and Jane Williams Murphy of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Originally the “Robin” consisted of 14 Pi Phis. At present there are 10 lively “old ladies,” ages 87-88. When we entered college in fall 1946, campus was growing and maturing. The G.I. Bill was attracting ex-military, married students who were enrolled and housed in neighborhood Vet Ville (Quonset huts), and baby buggies were actually encountered on campus walks!
– Joyce Hildebrand ’50
Telling Our Stories
The current issue of the magazine was riveting to read, right to the last page. The magazine does a most effective job of telling our stories through excellent writing and colorful photography. Kudos to Larry Hamill for ‘Elliot Hall at Sunrise’ (how many of us would ever get to see that?), Rock’s ‘Leader’s Letter’, the piece on The Hamburger Inn, great coverage of Laurie Anderson, and the timely article on the Mock Convention.
I am forwarding the article on Coach Plantholt to my 12-year-old grandson who is on a Massachusetts Select Lacrosse Team to whet his appetite for attending OWU!
The picture of Jed Burtt made for an emotional moment. Thank you.
Warm greetings,
– Kathleen Law Rhinesmith ’64, Board Member, Life Trustee
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Letters may be edited for length and clarity.