If you've looked
around this site you know we successfully gathered for
the ceremonial group photograph on a number of occasions.
Starting with kindergarten, we
demonstrated our increasing ability to assemble
into aesthetically pleasing rows
and there to face the camera with pride
and confidence.
So when it was suggested that
we have a group portrait made at the
banquet, it seemed a simple thing. Bart Clapsaddle, with his
professional photographic equipment, would provide us with a suitable
memento of the
fine evening. Perhaps it was the forty years, the skill had
atrophied. Perhaps it was exhaustion from prebanquet group shots at the
Pit and
Star Field.
Perhaps it had other, more proximate cause.
Whatever, the
pictures tell the story.
A promising enough
beginning, a little inattentiveness here and there, a sign
of rebellion or two perhaps. The group has wisely arranged itself
on the stairs. Certainly Butch does not intend to choke Ed,
although Don, it appears, may be egging him on.
Dave and Bob are in deep negotiation and it has caught Tim's eye.
Something is going on back there with Kathy and Susie. Don and Ed
seem to have forgotten that the camera is in front of the group
although maybe Ed has become aware of those hands coming closer and Don
must now feign innocence. The Mistretta twins, though, are
mindful of the purpose at hand - so too is that couple on the
left who chose this night for a romantic evening at the Bistro.
This is better.
Bob, at least, seems confident he has won agreement. Dave,
it appears, still has reservations, but mostly attention has returned
to the front. Yet wait, what is Barbara doing. Cathy has drifted
off for the moment unable to match her sister's steadfast attentiveness.
The money shot.
Bart has leapt off the chair, whirled around, and is being held upright
by Dave. The whole group is included but not necessarily visible.
Smiles nearly everywhere. Kathy and Butch share the
amazement. It's a wrap.
I didn't take these
pictures. They were included in the post reunion package. If you
took them, please let me know so I can give proper credit here.
