Mr. Robert Littlefield, Vice Principal

Our high school vice-principal in 1960 was Mr. Robert L. Littlefield, who also taught Geometry. Mr. Littlefield was first elected as a teacher of mathematics and science at Gardner High School in 1926. In 1939 he was named vice principal, a position he held until his retirement. Prior to coming to Gardner, Mr. Littlefield served one year as a teacher in Worcester and two years as a teacher at Colebrook High School in New Hampshire. Mr. Littlefield was a graduate of Wells High School and the University of Maine. He received his Masters in Education at the University of New Hampshire and completed post-graduate work at Boston University, Harvard University, and Fitchburg State College. Mr. Littlefield retired in 1966, concluding 43 years as an educator, with forty of those years spent in Gardner. Mr. Littlefield died in Gardner on May 27, 1983. He was 82 years old.

If you have a comment you would like to add about Mr. Littlefield, please click on the comment icon below to add your thoughts.

Do you have a special request or an idea for a post on our GHS Web Log? Please send us an email you address to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

In Memoriam

The GHS 50th Class Reunion Committee honors the lives of classmates and friends of the class who are now deceased. We cherish their memory and the valuable contributions they made to their families and community. We have lost these three classmates in 2008:

* Kathryn Schreiner (2008). Kathryn (Schreiner) McCarthy died on May 8, 2008 in Ayer, MA.

* LeClair, Gerald L. (2008) Gerald L. “Jerry” LeClair died on August 23 2008 in Fitchburg, MA.

* Keresey, Janice (2008) Janice (Keresey) Caron died on September 23, 2008 in Nantucket, MA
You can read an obituary for Janice Keresey Caron at http://www.ack.net/092308Caron.html

For a complete listing of all GHS Class of 1960 classmates and friends who have deceased, click on the following link:

http://mysite.verizon.net/vzep7fvn/memoriam.htm

We will keep this link updated and welcome your notifying us of omissions, errors, and specific details. Please send your messages to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com

Glory to Gardner

Here's another gift to the Class of 1960 from Judy (Heino) Collette. Judy took this picture not far from where the old Carvel Ice Cream stand used to be on Route 2A. We both thought that everyone would enjoy this reminder about the grand procession of colors as the fall season matures in New England. First, the reds and pale orange colors of the Swamp Maples in the low spots, followed by a yellowing of Hickory and Birch, and then a marooning-up of the Ash trees, with additional splashes of hurt-your-eyes orange served up by the Sugar Maples, and yellow harmony vocals provided by the Norway Maples along city streets. Those leathery brown Red Oak leaves are among the last to change and fall each year. Peak foliage season in the Gardner area is usually around Columbus day. This year, it just getting good right now.

But hey - this isn't a biology lesson. It is a invitation to you to join in our celebration of all things Gardner. We'd like to hear from you and welcome some stories or pictures that you send us. You can leave a comment (anonymously, if you prefer) or send us a story or digital image in a message you address to ghsclassof1960@gmail.com

Pleading the Fifth

This photo appeared in the Gardner News during August of 1965. The Class of 1960 held its 5th Class Reunion in Eagles Hall with a social hour, dinner, and dancing. About 110 members and guests were in attendance. In the photo, some classmates are shown holding up a banner. Does anyone remember who prepared this banner?

Are you having trouble putting names on any faces? For help, just send an e-mail to

ghsclassof1960@gmail.com .

Report on Class of 1958 50th Reunion

Rachel (Hebert) Reilly and her husband, Mike Reilly, attended the Gardner High School Class of 1958 50th Reunion held recently on September 26, 27, and 28. Below is her report on the event.

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"The Class of 1958 reunion was very enjoyable. We had a wonderful time and would redo it again in a heartbeat. Mike (and I) got to see people who we had not seen in 50 years! I believe that "most" people went to all three events. It was worth the time and effort for the three events as it gave everyone enough time to be able to speak to fellow classmates over the time. I believe there were about 65??? classmates plus spouses. It was amazing how many people looked so much like they did and there was no problem knowing who they were. The classmates looked VERY GOOD!!!

The Friday night "Social Hour" was held at the Gardner Museum) was very good. We arrived about 6:10 and the place was packed already.

The Saturday night Reunion Dinner was held at the Old Mill in Westminster. The photographer took a wonderful picture - WE GOT IT THAT SAME NIGHT ($10.00). I have his name and telephone number.

The Sunday morning "Brunch" (held at the new Gardner Public library) was probably the best location out of the three. I think we should keep that one for ours. Catered breakfast (very good), tour of the library, elevator available for second floor. There is a historical room which we all concurred would be a good place to spend a whole day in. Very, very interesting. Especially for those out-of-towners who had never been there - which seemed to be quite a few of the class/spouses. Mike and I plan on spending some time there next year (when there for the 59 reunion) because now we know about it.

Considerations for the GHS Class of 1960 50th reunion:

Friday Night Social Hour - The social hour provided more face-to-face time for visiting.
Saturday Night Reunion Dinner - I would suggest the Wachusett Village Inn, if the space is large enough, and is available. For out-of-towners, it is also nice to stay right in the hotel where function is being held. Our class and class of '59 have had previous reunions there and it has always worked well.
Sunday Brunch - A tour of the new library provides a new resource for classmates.

Summing Up: The 50th Class Reunion is a significant milestone. People might be at their LAST class reunion, some may not have come in years, if at all, and fly-in out-of towners spent anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 (couples) for the total weekend, if coming from far away. I know that some people were not staying for the Sunday morning brunch and others did not arrive until Saturday morning and missed the Friday evening event. Still, I do believe that most people attended all three and we should consider this format for our own planning."

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Now it is your turn. As a member of the Gardner High School Class of 1960, what do you think of the three-event format? Would this add value to your participation in a reunion? What questions would you like to ask Rachel? What additional ideas would you like the planning committee to consider? Click on the comments icon to submit your reunion ideas as a follow-up to this post.