BETHEL — The third East Bethel School Reunion was held on June 17 at Alder River Grange in East Bethel. This “Reunion of the Scholars” was previously held in 2000 and 2003. Approximately 30 former “scholars” were present to recall their days at the East Bethel School, which dated back to 1928 and replaced one built on the site in 1885.

The last building was closed in 1968 and is now a private residence. Remarkably, one of the first teachers in the “new building” in 1928 was present for the afternoon, 102-year-old Edna Bean York, who was presented with a red apple during the festivities. Her father H. I. Bean built the last school building on the site.

During the festivities, the welcome was extended by Alder River Grange Master Ruby Bryant and was followed by a robust singing of “School Days, School Days, Dear Old School Days” with Nester Littlefield at the piano. Then the Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all.

A PowerPoint presentation on the history of the school was present by Grange Overseer James Haines. It contained many views of former students and their teachers, plus the grade reports of his grandfather in 1917 and those of his cousin Stan Howe for grades 1 and 3 in the early 1950s. Numerous memories of some of those in attendance were recalled. Bountiful refreshments were served throughout the afternoon.

Special guest for the event was Dave Bean, who has been involved in the Bethel Food Pantry for more than six years. The Food Pantry was selected as Alder River Grange’s Community Project for 2012 and funds were collected at the registration table to benefit this important community effort. Grange Lecturer for the day Stan Howe later presented Bean with the 2012 Grange Community Service Award for all his work at the food pantry and his involvement in the Bethel community, especially the skate park.

The event closed with the singing of “America” and some closing thoughts.