The Van de Vyver Gathering ~ by Mary T. Walker

On August 24, 2008, there was a gathering of folks who had previously attended Van de Vyver Catholic School. The school was started in 1910 and closed in 1969. Some of the people in attendance had graduated from the high school; many had attended the school through the 8th grade, and others had attended the business school. To our amazement, one person had attended the school in 1917! It was a day of remembering the old times and of greeting many old friends.

St. Elizabeth's own Phyllis Booth was the Speaker of the Day. She had been a former 3rd Grade teacher at the school. She gave an outstanding speech reminding us of our rich heritage and challenging us about our continued responsibilities today.

The purpose of the gathering was to explore if there was any interest in planning a week-end reunion for the year 2010 to celebrate the 100th year of Van de Vyver School. Approximately 150 people were in attendance. It was a day well spent.

The gathering had started with the 11:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church and a reception was held immediately after. Our thanks go out to Ethelyn Parker who chaired this initial effort and her committee for a job well done.

There are many of us from St. Elizabeth who are former Van de Vyver students. I think it's the consensus of those gathered that we will begin to work towards an even greater celebration in 2010.


The Roving Reporter,
Mary T. Walker