05/26/2026
. . . while dusting
As graduation approaches, another acquisition has come in from Brenda Whitley and Linda Etzel representing the Loyalsock Joint High School. This school in present day is the location of Dar-Way Nursing Home in Estella*. This collection includes the minutes books from 1953 to 1974, and 1974 to 1996, also alumni listings from 1907 to 1964 and 1995 to 2008. Such records are kept to stay in contact with classmates throughout the years and give attention to either loosing that contact altogether or recording as people have passed away. Just to give you an idea, that first book that begins in 1907 has the following: Class of 1907 – Nattie H. Rogers, 1908 – Lucy Jennings, Guy Burgess, Fannie M. Little and Winifred L. Bown, 1909 – L. Versos Bird, Geo. C. Webster, Mildred Everett, S. Leroy Jennings, Marion McCarty, Curtis Baumunk, Leona Rogers, Joshua M. Battin, Arley A. Day and Eric E. Kuszman. And here’s the heartbreak; in either typed or hand written notation aside each name is states ‘deceased’ and that continues on until 1923 when various names show that individuals are still alive at the time of an alumni gathering. And the names listed throughout the years are like a ‘who’s who’ of the northwestern corner of Sullivan County. Then to really step back in time while reading the 1953 minutes book, the elected to hold the alumni banquet on June 6th, 1953 by motion of Rose Mary Hugo and seconded by Harry Kilmer. To add to that Ken Lee motioned “that we charge $1.50 a plate, seconded by Kenneth Frey. On to entertainment and again Rose Mary motioned that they have a dance, to which Sylvia Bedford seconded. That motion was followed by on from Phyllis Morgan “that we charge 50 cents extra per person for the dance. The banquet in follow-up minutes said that the meal was served by Miss Grace Ide. The meeting had been called to order by Richard Gleockler, prayer by Rev. Claud Shaffer, singing led by Grace Laverty and Barbara Howell was at the piano. The business meeting was conducted by Richard Randall. Attendance in that 1953 gathering for those back to 1907was found to be the largest representation from the class of 1913 with 7 out of 8 graduates in attendance. Officers were elected: President – Richard Gleockner, Vice Pres. – Carl Driscoll, Secy. & Treas. – Anna Plotts. A collection was taken toward future alumni banquets of $36.09. Going thru the subsequent decades, the names resound with memories of those gone by. And to today’s graduating classes, this is a time to be remembered from classmates, teachers, administration and supporting staff so that before you go off in the world – this time is a start of you own memories. . . make them as good as they can be!
We’ll be officially opening YOUR Museum on Fri., June 5th and Sat., June 6th for those days throughout the summer until the end of August from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. All are welcome. If another time is needed, please contact the Museum by email [email protected] or phone 570-946-5020.
*The original school for Estella area was on the Edkin farm above town but in 1869 the school was built where the township ground is today. Then in 1898 the need was being recognized for another building, hence two separate locations for elementary and high school. Then in 1931 the present building of Dar-Way Nursing Home came into reality. The consolidation of 79 schools throughout Sullivan County began with the location of Laporte School completed in 1964 for high school and 1969 for the elementary.
To read the rest of this week's touring article, or to peruse our website leisurely, please visit:
https://www.scpahistory.com/touring-articles1
