Hagerstown, MD class of 1953

We're in the groove

Ralph DeVore graduated in our class of 1953 and lived in the West End not far from me.  Here is another example of a '53 graduate doing great things.  What a great class we have!  I thank Fran DeLauder Shore for bringing this to my attention.  She is the wife of John Shore of our class. 

Maryland

Lighting up Christmas


December 22, 2008

For 55 years, Ralph DeVore has been lighting up his home with Christmas decorations. His current home on Caldwell Court in Williamsport is no exception.

A sleigh made in the 1800s on St. Paul Road adds to the wintry decor. DeVore, who for many years created floats for the Alsatia Mummers Parade and other parades in the region, said the sleigh was used to haul Santa in the Philadelphia Christmas parade, as well as other Christmas parades.

DeVore began the tradition of decorating the exterior of his home “in a big way” when he was 16 and living in the West End of Hagerstown.

The last two years that Potomac Edison, now Allegheny Power, sponsored a countywide Christmas decorating contest, DeVore won first place, he said.

He said he also decorates the interior of his home with a multitude of Christmas villages.

Ralph DeVore stands outside his Williamsport home surrounded by Christmas decorations.
Colleen Helf | Staff Photographer

Ralph DeVore stands outside his Williamsport home surrounded by Christmas decorations.

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Known locally as a float builder for the Alsatia Mummers Parade and other parades in the region, Devore has been decorating his homes for the holidays for 55 years.
Colleen Helf | Staff Photographer

Known locally as a float builder for the Alsatia Mummers Parade and other parades in the region, Devore has been decorating his homes for the holidays for 55 years.

Class of '53 Ladies Annual Christmas Luncheon at Hickory Bridge Restaurant on December 4, 2008.

Attached are some pictures taken at the luncheon with names under the picture.  I do hope I have the right names under the right picture.  We do change after all these years!!  A great time was had by all - delicious food and better-yet fellowship.  JoAnn Shank Byers coordinated this luncheon and did a great job.  From what I hear reservations have been made at the same place for next year on December 3, 2009.  Mark your calendars.

This is such a special time of the year and even though we seem very busy, Christmas Day comes whether we are ready or not and everyone has a wonderful time.  It is a time for families to get together and enjoy each other.  It is a time to celebrate also just why we are celebrating.  The gifts are nice but we all know the greatest gift of all is the Christ Child - given to us with no strings attached.  All we have to do is to declare our love for Him.  Ron and I send you our love - the love that we got from Jesus - and to pass it along to our families and friends.  God Bless each and every one of you.

Front Row:  Diane (daughter); Stephen & Shannon (grandchildren)

Back Row:  Scott (son-in-law); Ron, JoAnn, Brian (son); Jenny (daughter-in-law); and Petey (grand-dog)

taken August 2008 on Mom's 73rd birthday

 

The Swope Family Wishes you a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND

HAPPY NEW YEAR.