Susan Seal writes: “Since retiring in 2010, I have been working to rescue an important historic site in my town of Hartsdale, New York. The Odell House Rochambeau Headquarters is on the National Register for its importance as the building where General Rochambeau stayed for six weeks in 1781 while he and George Washington planned the final battles of the Revolution. It was in this house, still in original condition but sadly deteriorated, that the decision was made to march to Yorktown, Virginia, instead of confronting the British in Manhattan. The 5,000 French forces and 4,000 Continental troops were camped in the surrounding fields. This meeting was a milestone marking the French American alliance and is part of the Washington Rochambeau Revolutionary Route of the National Parks Service. I formed a nonprofit, Friends of OHRH and received 501c3 status. It needs lots of work but we have community support and great interest. We expect to be open in time for the 250th anniversary in 2026. Check out our website, www.odellrochambeau.org. Have a tour the next time you’re in New York. Aside from OHRH, my husband of 50 years, David Lafayette ’65, and I are blessed to spend time with our two daughters, Heather Seal Breslin ’94 and Kate Seal Stempel (UNH ’97) and four grandchildren, and to lead active lives.”
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Class of 1966