A Note from Edlyn Marcuse Simmons

We received a recent note from Edlyn Marcuse Simmons that is a nice word-picture on a very important place in our Cincinnati growing-up years: Fountain Square. Here's what Edlyn had to say -- and we'd love to hear from you, too! 

Fountain Square, 2010

I don’t spend much time in downtown Cincinnati, but this afternoon I walked over after a luncheon meeting to see what’s going on there.  If you don’t live near here,  you may not have heard that the Square was updated when the Tyler Davidson Fountain was renovated a couple of years ago.  It’s pretty spiffy now, and I haven’t seen so much activity on the Square since the Big Pig Gig in 2000.  There’s a Market on the Square in rows of stalls, a couple of rows of tables and chairs, mostly occupied today by late lunchers and people enjoying piped in music and conversation.  A company offering guided Segway tours faces 5^th Street.  A sign lists the dates of upcoming concerts on the Square.  

And behind Graeter’s there’s a piano decorated with a painting of the cat and the fiddle, part of the public radio “Play Me, I’m Yours” project sponsored by Cincinnati Public Radio (WGUC and WVXU).  When I passed by there a young man wearing a do-rag was playing Beethoven.

By coincidence, the Enquirer had an article about public art works today (Aug. 10).  It has a great photo of the flying pig sculptures.  

49 Years Ago!

Posted June 14, 2010

Forty-nine years ago today, we graduated. Congratulations to the Woodward Class of 61 on this special day.

Forty-nine years ago, we reported to Cincinnati Music Hall for our commencement ceremony, and then we took a riverboat ride on the Avalon.

Jim Pearce remembers: “Who can forget walking into Music Hall filled with teachers, parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents and friends to the great sounds of ‘Pomp and Circumstance,’ one of the most glorious and uplifting pieces of music available. And walking out to the ‘War March of the Priests.’ 

“It was terrific. It does not get better than this.”

Who knew what was to follow?

We hope you’ll join us at the 50th Reunion next year to celebrate our lives -- and, more importantly, the opportunity to see and be with those who were a valuable part of our lives. In many cases we go back 60 years or more. Elementary school. Junior high. Woodward.

So many years, so many friends. 

For those whose life journey did not reach this milepost, peace; we miss you, and we think of you often.

(You can see the full commencement program by clicking on Commencement Booklet in the left column.)