This year's event was
enjoyed by many. It was special in many ways, but the most rewarding was
our recognition of fellow Japanese classmates who were with their families
subjected to internment camps just after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
We had a display on "Camp Harmony", the Puyallup Fair grounds temporary
internment center and presented a 13 minute slide show about Camp Harmony and
the local Japanese population.
A special thank you to the Tacoma
News Tribune (TNT) for sending a reporter Christopher Hill to cover the story that was
published Sunday June 19, 2011. Out thanks goes out to Mr. Hill for his
thorough information gathering and prompt publication of the special
recognition. We also would like to thank Bob Sudderth, our committee
public relations person, for arranging the coverage.
This year we went back to the good ol' picnic
style luncheon with barbequed hamburgers and hotdogs with salad accompaniments
and a large variety of desserts, many of which were provided by our classmates.
If you attended this year, you can relive your experience in pictures. If
you were unable to make it this year, you can see what you missed at the link
below or on the School Reunion Page link one the sidebar.
You may be wondering how we managed
financially this year and even though we have not yet met for our post reunion
meeting to hear our treasurer's financial report, we can tell you that a number
of people made donations to keep the reunions afloat. A special thanks to
those who could not attend and still donated. Then of course our thanks to
all who attended this years event, especially those who contributed to lowering
our costs by bringing salads and desserts.
Learn updates on the future of the Alderton
School. As you may know, the Spooner Farms purchased the
property to protect it from development. We offered to initiate some
assistance in locating funding to restore the school and gymnasium. Next
reunion we will have a report on our progress and celebrate the school's
centennial. Remember, in January when you get your 2012 calendar, be sure
to flip to June and reserve the third Saturday for the Alderton / McMillin
Reunion. It is the same Saturday, same place (McMillin School/Grange), and
same time (noon -3pm).
If you attended, thank you. If you
could not make it this year, please come next year. We try to offer you
more than reminiscing time with each other. We offer displays to browse
over, a slide show or periodically a live stage show. In the past the
Alderton-McMillin Reunion Committee Actors have presented a trip back to the
classroom for a variety of one-liner humor. In 2010, when the theme was
"Reruns: Reliving your School Days" we focused on the television media.
Our skit was a re-enactment of a 30 minute "What's My Line" television show.
Then there is the food, which has always been a reunion attraction. So,
you see what you have been missing if you have not attended the last few years.
Ask anyone who has attended our reunions how they liked it. It is worth
the time to come every year. There is always something new. Our
committee works very hard to bring a full reunion experience to all who attend.
We hope to see you at next year's event.
PICTURES OF THE
2011 REUNION
See all of the Alderton and McMillin school
links and reunion links on sidebar.
Puyallup
Valley Preservation Group
