Guest blog post by Eleanor Gamarsh, Northampton School for Girls, Class of 1952

I’d like to walk down Memory Lane with my classmates at NSFG. While we were classmates in ’52, I think of us as a family sharing in our home away from home, no matter how any of us came to be there. Like members of any family, each one was closer to some than others. We discussed plans for projects, had our disagreements and worked them out. Some of us sang in the Chorus, fought a good fight on the soccer field (when it was dry), and joined Williston Academy to produce The Mikado. We each had our moments with Miss Whitaker and Miss Bement. Remember the Old English Christmas Dinner at Wiggins Tavern? And how about the Senior Prom; the Mistresses had to approve our gowns (no hint of being strapless). We were giddy about inviting our own male escort (did they have to pass inspection, too?). My remembrances may be a bit askew, but after all, it’s been 64 years. I suspect each of us has a story to tell about any one of these experiences.

The day we received our diplomas was the “rite of passage” moment for each of us to go on our separate ways. Beyond Graduation Day, maybe some relationships lasted. From the letters I have received, I know a few traveled away from New England for their college education, while others stayed close to home. Perhaps you went to a Reunion at our old school before the merger with Williston Academy. I have been to Reunions since them when a few of the girls came. Being the age we are now, going to a reunion is more difficult for all of us. My hope is that all of you have some special joy each day for the rest of your life.

Please see this post for Eleanor Gamarsh’s remembrance of the eight members of the NSFG Class of 1952 who have passed away.