Another Book Update

What's going on with the book project? The Brass Bell made its way through a peer review process at an academic press. The feedback was very positive and there were also a couple of very good suggestions provided. One of those is to include a where-are-they-now section to follow-up on the stars of the book: those who were there back when Marion Parsons was principal of Cherry Road School, when they held together as a community and made it through The Great Depressions and World War II, those who are generous and shared their memories, their stories.


So while I polish up the book one more time I am also requesting follow-up stories from some of the people who contributed significant stories about their past: What happened to them after they left Cherry Road and Westvale? Where are they now?

Once the book is submitted again to face the next round of the process, this version of The Brass Bell will be voted on by the Acquisitions Committee.

I'll keep you posted!

An Alumni Remembers Miss Parsons

Hello~

Thank you for the effort you are putting forth to bring this history into a full circle --I read with great interest and new found knowledge of this small and great community that I came from ---- while many friendships have come and gone their are a few that after 70 years still prevail --especially thanks to the internet and persistent friends who keep in touch ...

I think that is one of the things that a small community imparts on the soul!!! In today's world I marvel at the simplicity from which we come --and that somehow imparts a responsibility that we rise to --- in memory of friendships -- good friends, caring teachers who inspite of our shortcomings gave us a road map that I think today we follow even if unknown to us!!! When I think of Miss Parsons I am reminded of how much respect I held for her-- I think I was quite in awe-- my friend and I stopped in one day to say hello and she was so gracious -- my friend lived across the street from her on Cherry Rd and we were so young and curious !!!!! It brings a smile to my face as I remember gentle kindness and a bit of humor in here eyes --for some reason I remember those eyes -- while it was a quick visit I remember gracious warmth !!!!

Best wishes,Pat Hanrahan Hembach '49