Rules and Regs With Mrs. Jones 1963

by Vicki Doss

Move in day for the class of “67 was Sept. 12, 1963. It was 85 degrees that day, ensuring that we would have a very warm welcome to Longwood and Third Floor Tabb! Most of the day was spent unloading, toting, unpacking and organizing. After bidding families good bye, and having dinner, all the girls on our hall sat on the floor with our backs against the wall to meet our housemother, Mrs. Jones. She was a lovely lady who had been given a great deal of responsibility. She was very patient and very thorough in explaining all of the “thou shalt nots”! There was barely enough time after that session to meet everyone BEFORE LIGHTS OUT AT ELEVEN!
That night I met many smart, fun, lovely girls with whom I had much in common. Of course we had been placed on that hall and with roommates according to the survey that we had taken based on our habits, likes, and dislikes!! Who knew that the results of that survey would help create a bond with 9 other young women that have remained friends for FIFTY YEARS! Still “fun, smart, and lovely”, I might add “wise” to that description! Marriage (or not!) children, careers, illness, challenges, we’ve weathered all. Wise counsel and advice, and plenty of handholding and tears have been involved. Times have been happy AND poignant.
This year we 9 will meet in Georgetown Sept 11-15 to celebrate our 50 years and to honor the memory of our dear Pat Finn Graves who died in 2000.
Happily, her daughters, Kristi and Julie will join us for lunch during our celelbration. As the song says in part, “–memorie,s knowledge, friendship” Thank you, Longwood!