NRHS: Class of 1951

NRHS: Class of 1951

One of the very best things about working in a library is that you have so many opportunities for interesting conversations with really great people. Wonderful stories are not only in books – they are with our patrons, our New Rochelle residents of today and yesterday. Add the fact that I also have the honor and privilege of being City Historian, and I could easily spend hours gathering information and tales from the people I encounter each day. If only there was an extra day in each week….  

Last week I did make the time to accept an invitation to hear stories from a group of terrific guys who grew up together in New Rochelle. This group of 12 - 15 or so get together at a local diner at least once a month. Not unusual? Well, these fellows come from all parts of the U.S. to enjoy some time together. And, at this particular lunch, all but two were members of NRHS Class of 1951! 

Pictured here, left to right standing: Richard (Boo) Wilkens,  Donald Gross, William (Bill) Billups III (’51 Class President),  Frank Adonetti, Donald Pinals, Arthur (Artie) Librett, William (Fuzzy) Farr, Murray Mendelsohn (Isaac E. Young High School Class of ‘41), David Garvin (NRHS Class of ’52). Kneeling in front: George (Bud) Ahrens and Armen Proudian.

Boo drove up from Westbury and Bud from Philadelphia. Fuzzy drove down from Mohegan Lake and Frank from Hopewell Junction. The rest still live locally – several are still in their hometown of New Rochelle. P.S. Last month Jesse Arnelle joined came from California to join the group!

Bud Ahrens brought along some memorabilia, which he kindly donated to the Local History Collection of the New Rochelle Public Library.

Some of the materials Bud donated. 

A special shout out to thank Artie Librett, who coordinates the monthly gathering. You can find Artie each Friday morning at NRPL, where he volunteers his time helping to process local history materials.

Do you have a group of NRHS classmates who still meet on a regular basis? We’d love to hear about it. 

Contributor: Barbara Davis, Community Relations Coordinator @ NRPL.