Big Birthdays

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Most of the time, when KSC alums have a birthday, it’s not big news. Except to the alum having the birthday, of course. But once in a while, a birthday truly is newsworthy. In fact, three KSC alumnae just celebrated remarkable achievements.

Fast friends from the Class of 1940 (l to r): Dot Carruthers, Effie Torrey, and the birthday girl, Marion Thorell, who turned 92 on Sept. 23. Marion is holding her copy of a certificate that each of the surviving Round Robin friends received at a recent Golden Circle luncheon in appreciation of their loyalty to KSC and to each other.
Fast friends from the Class of 1940 (l to r): Dot Carruthers, Effie Torrey, and the birthday girl, Marion Thorell, who turned 92 on Sept. 23. Marion is holding her copy of a certificate that each of the surviving Round Robin friends received at a recent Golden Circle luncheon in appreciation of their loyalty to KSC and to each other.

Round Robin Reunion

Seven women from the class of 1940 had become so close when they were at KSC (then, Keene Teacher’s College), that they vowed to keep in touch as they each went off to seek their fortunes. And keep in touch they did, via a round robin letter that passed from friend to friend, each adding to it and passing it on – to this very day. Three of the original circle – Effie Wynn Torrey, Dorothy (Dot) Carruthers, and Marion Thorell – are still going strong and met at a Bedford, NH, restaurant on September 20 to celebrate Marion’s birthday. She turned 92 on September 23.

The Union Leader columnist, John Clayton, did an article on the round robin circle that appeared in the Fall 2001 issue of Keene State Today.

100

Dorothy Bailey '32, holding the certificate alums are awarded when they reach 100.
Dorothy Bailey '32, holding the certificate alums are awarded when they reach 100.

Dorothy Britton Kendall Bailey ’32 also celebrated a birthday on September 23 – her 100th! How many people, KSC alums or not, have achieved such a milestone? Pretty impressive. Mrs. Bailey taught reading at the Jaffrey Elementary School and now lives in Royalston, Mass. She received a certificate signed by KSC President Helen Giles-Gee for reaching that amazing century mark.

Claris Lacey '31, 102 years young and married 70 years. Now, that's staying power!
Claris Lacey '31, 102 years young and married 70 years. Now, that's staying power!

102

Claris Head Lacey ’31 turned 102 on October 3. She and her husband, William, took her friends out to dinner to celebrate. Claris lives in Portsmouth in the house William, now a mere lad of 97, built for them when they were first married. They lived in the basement for seven years while he finished the house. They must have built a strong foundation, because the couple have been married for more than 70 years. How many people, KSC alums or not, have achieved such a milestone?

Claris taught in one-room schools in Winchester, West Lebanon, and Warren, N.H. – the “Three Ws,” as she says. Just think of the amazing history she’s lived!

If you know any of these remarkable alumnae, or just want to cheer them on, drop them a comment.

One thought on “Big Birthdays”

  1. As a KSC alum and a teacher for over 30 years, I am inspired by all that you have achieved! In this age of technology, there is still a thrill when receiving a handwritten letter. And imagine – 70 years worth of correspondence! Not to mention 70 years of marriage – congratulations, Mrs. Lacey! And I always say that teaching children keeps you young at heart; Mrs. Bailey, you certainly have achieved this.
    Thank you to all you remarkable women.

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