The Stockton Academy was built by the Congregational Education Association in 1887. The Academy was an extension of the preparatory department of the Washburn College at Topeka, Kansas. The first year started on October 5th, 1887 with approximately 50 students. Enrollment during the final year in 1895 was 30 students.

Harry and Willardene Purdum returned home May 22nd after spending a week in Ruidoso, N.M. While it was an off season, ski season long since ended. The horse racing season will start on May 28th, but the impact of a pandemic was apparent. Numerous shops the Purdums remember from past visits were closed, including at least one favorite restaurant. There wasn't much to do on this trip but to relax and enjoy the few restaurants that were open. The older we get the harder it is to cope with the high elevation. On the return trip home, a visit to daughter Ellen's in Lubbock was on the agenda. There, Willardene visited her favorite hair dresser for a trim. Father and daughter teamed up on Willardene and had the hair dresser color her hair, so if you don't recognize Willardene, blame Harry! And on the lighter side, the Purdums saw on a village welcome sign in New Mexico: "Face diaper not required!"

We are so very grateful to all of you who have called, sent cards or prayers, shared food, donated to the memorial fund or sent flowers. Your kind gestures of sympathy and support have meant the world to us and will always be remembered.—The Family of Marilyn L. Ross p

Steve Reed and Stanley Reed both of Denver, Colo., and Jill Blackwill of Quinter are hosting a celebration in honor of their parents’ 50th Wedding Anniversary. Loren and Clarene Goodheart were married on June 1, 1971 at the Wa-Keeney United Methodist Church, and have resided in Stockton throughout their married life.

Avonne Rubottom: “I broke journalism’s number one rule of proofreading carefully and goofed big time when I typed the date for the deceased of the Woodston Alumni Association. It should have been to remember those who have died since the last alumni meeting in May 2019 (not 1919). Service date of May 30, 2021 at the old high school site is correct.”

Strange Sightings My husband, Steve, explained my strange sightings of lights last Friday night, May 7th, by finding an article about Starlink. This is a project by SpaceX to launch satellites into orbit and beam the internet to Earth.

The 5th Annual Red Line Cruisers Cruise Night & Car Show held Friday, April 30th, was the night to be in Plainville with many onlookers starting early and staying late—listening to classic rock and roll music provided by Bob and Sue Schonthaler, and enjoying all of the food vendors lined up along Main Street for the occasion.

COME IN AND CHECK US OUT!!!! New titles in the library for adults are: • “The Children’s Train” by Viola Ardone • “All We Left Behind” by Danielle R. Graham • “The Note Through the Wire” by Doug Gold • “The Girl from the Channel Islands” by Jenny Lecoat • “Checking Out Crime” by Laurie Cass (Large Print Book) • “An Extravagant Death” by Charles Finch (Large Print Book) • “News of the World” by Paulette Jiles • “Cilka’s Journey” by Heather Morris • “Our Last Goodbye” by Shirley Dickson • “The Forever Girl” by Jill Shalvis • “A Bridge Across the Ocean” by Susan Meissner “My Mother’s Secret” by J.