Reunion Report: 1958

By Marion “Sandy” McFarland Taylor / July / August 2003
June 22nd, 2007
More than 115 enthusiastic members of the class of ’58 gathered to celebrate our 45th reunion. The spirit was evident at the onset, judging by the noise level at the opening cocktail party at our class headquarters. The enthusiasm spilled over to our private dining room at the Ratty and the bountiful Brown Bear buffet. Throughout the course of the evening we were serenaded by the Brown Derbies, Jabberwocks, and other talented student singing groups. After dinner some intrepid members of the class braved the elements to take a spin around the Campus Dance floor, while others wandered back to “headquarters” for more catching up.

Though Saturday dawned gray and gloomy, most of our class ventured out to lectures before the class lunch. The women, about forty-four strong, met at the faculty club for a tasty salad, a serious chocolate dessert, and good conversation. The men enjoyed a deli lunch and viewed an old news clip featuring the class of ’58 and world events of that year.

There was barely time to get ready for dinner at the historic Aldrich House and the after-dinner pops concert featuring Harry Connick Jr. Because of the nasty weather the concert was held at the Providence Performing Arts Center. The performance was not only superb, but we had the chance to visit this magnificently restored theater, where many of us attended movies as students.

After the very moving memorial service on Sunday, we headed to the New York Yacht Club in Newport, where we enjoyed a sumptuous buffet overlooking the harbor. Later that evening in Providence most of the class strolled down to the river to witness the exciting and dramatic WaterFire.

Early on Monday morning, despite the deluge, our class gathered to walk down College Hill for the start of Commencement. As we stepped off behind the Brown Band, there were lumps in our throats from the realization that—for those of us who are “ever true to Brown”—this is what it’s all about. On to the 50th!

Marion “Sandy” McFarland Taylor

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July / August 2003