September 20, 2007
SENTIMENTAL U-MAINE JOURNEY
“I'm gonna take a Sentimental Journey,
Gonna set my heart at ease.
Gonna make a Sentimental Journey,
to renew old memories.”
If anyone from the Baby Boomer generation or younger had walked by the Maine Lodge Dining Room recently, they would have thought it was just a nice gathering that afternoon of parents and grandparents. That’s how it appeared to someone outside the room, but inside, it was really 18, 19 and 20-somethings chattering, laughing, and bantering about the way kids and young adults do with each other.
Meet the members of the
University of
Maine , Classes of the 1940’s and 50’s. There were even a few from the 1930’s! They grew up during the Great Depression, came of age in war, and put it all behind them to move on with their lives. Now their children (and grandchildren!) are grown, some have lost spouses and siblings, but all it takes is the right words and the decades vanish.
“Flossie! I haven’t seen you in ages!”
“Where’s Dan? Is he here yet?”
“How are you???”
I got my bags, I got my reservations,
Spent each dime I could afford.
Like a child in wild anticipation,
Long to hear that, "All aboard!"
“The next best thing to a reunion on campus is a
University of
Maine reunion at The Highlands,” says one of the organizers, Barbara Savage Thompson (Class of 1942). “Each year it just gets better and better!”
This is the 5th year Barbara, a
Highlands resident, and two other U-Maine alums and residents Dan Hatch and Charlene Strang have pulled this together. They meet in the months prior to the luncheon, pulling together notes, names and addresses of those they’ve seen or heard from. About 100 invitations go out, and about 60 usually attend. While some are
Highlands residents, many are living in the Mid Coast & Southern Maine area, and wouldn’t miss this for the world!
“I had a marvelous time!” said a Class of ’43 graduate. “I saw some people that I haven’t seen in years and years! It was great!”
Dan Hatch, who is also proud to be a
Morse
High School graduate from
Bath , tried something different this time, something done at Morse reunions. He called out the different years, asking for a show of hands, and it was clearly the early 40’s that had the most representation. He also admitted that for the men, many of them should have graduated before 1945, but something called World War II put those plans on hold for a few years.
After the lively social time came a tasty lunch, and then Dr. Ivan Fernandez, the Maine Distinguished Professor of 2007, spoke to the group about the students he works with now. Each year, the speaker is someone from the
University of
Maine who brings the alumni up-to-date on campus life. U-Maine “goodies” emblazoned with the school’s logo are raffled off (and proudly immediately worn!) Then, as in years’ past, it was time for the traditional “Stein Song.” It’s amazing how 60+ years cannot fade the memories of certain lyrics!
“I want to thank you,” an alum from the Class of ’43 wrote to Barbara a week later, “for the lovely time, the luncheon, and seeing friends. It is so nicely done, which helps to make it a fun time!”
A Highlands staff member told the crowd she’s noticed how graduates from the
University of
Maine have a certain openness, warmth and friendliness about them, and how each year, this reunion reinforces that thought.
I never knew my heart could be so yearny.
Why did I decide to roam?
I'm gonna take that Sentimental Journey,
Sentimental Journey home.
Nothing like old college friends catching each other up on their lives!
Dan Hatch (Highlands resident and reunion organizer) Dr. Ivan Fernandez (2007 Distinguished Maine Professor) and Barbara Savage Thompson, another of our wonderful residents, organizer, and a proud
University of
Maine Alum !
Dan Hatch with his other co-host and organizer,
Highlands resident and member of the Class of ’41, Charlene Perkins Strang.
