One-hundred and nineteen people attended the reunion in the Kalonial Townhouse Saturday evenin…

By Mark Swartzendruber

One-hundred and nineteen people attended the reunion in the Kalonial Townhouse Saturday evening, August 14. Visitation time was at 4:30 with dinner served at 6 p.m.

J.R. Fisher led in prayer and the family-style dinner was served. After the meal, a program followed. Joe Swartzendruber of Phoenix, Arizona, gave a school report of his days at Pacific School.

History reports were given by Mark Swartzendruber. People from 12 states and one from Canada came to the reunion. Ruth Grasse from Canada traveled the farthest distance and Joe Swartzendruber from Phoenix was the second farthest distance traveled. A gift was given to these two.

Katie Gascho Landis was unable to attend from Hesston, Kansas. She is the oldest graduate at 94 years old. Fanny Smucker was the oldest person present to graduate. She is 90. Ollie Miller Parrott from Ohio was the teacher who taught in 1927-28. She taught the longest time ago— 72 years. She turns 90 August 22. L. Glen Guengerich, a former teacher, is also 90 years old. These three people were each given a gift.

Other teachers recognized were Shirley Erb Gingerich, Ruth Swartzendruber Grasse, Eunice Kyle, Lou Johnston Swartzendruber, Mark Swartzendruber, Mary Lois Swartzendruber Widmer, Velma Brenneman Yoder. Each teacher was recognized and said a few words. Shirley Gingerich brought a quilt the students’ mothers made over 50 years ago.

A display of old books was shown and reflections were given from students in the audience. The closing song, “School Days,” was sung.

Much credit goes to Gladys Gascho Ott for planning this reunion. She was assisted by Mary Lois Widmer, Mrs. Cecil Miller, Fred Wagner, Mrs. Lynn Miller and Mark Swartzendruber.

The last reunion was August, 1963 when Pacific was closed and became a part of Washington Township School.