Our request for UVM artifacts stirred some memories and unearthed a few items from alumni attics. Our favorite letter goes to Jan Mares '82 for having the good sense to hang onto a rare Catamount football helmet. Thanks to all who wrote.
FUTBOL HELMET
I was awarded this authentic UVM football helmet in the fall of ’78 at our women’s soccer award dinner. I was given the helmet to protect my head while running wind sprints. You see, the women’s team happened to have a practice on the men’s field, and while running sprints the width of the field I cut my head on the bleachers. Well, I guess one of the players on the men’s team had done the same thing that season so we both got helmets. I can’t remember who the male player was. All I remember is being a shy little freshman and the male player, of course, being some senior hunk.
Jan (Spencer) Mares ’82
Saratoga Springs, New York
SWEET MEMORIES
Here’s something I’ll bet a lot of alumni don’t even remember Dean Hills’ Sugar Party. We rode out from campus on the back of a big open truck with straw on the bottom. We saw how the sap was being collected by plastic tubing from the maple trees and being boiled down in the sugarhouse. Then we feasted on sugar-on-snow (the hot syrup poured over snow until it was cooled and thick) and drank black coffee and ate sour pickles and plain (unsugared) raised donuts so we could down some more of the hot syrup. I can still taste it! Ken played his harmonica and we sang along. What I have left is this green and gold tag and some wonderful memories.
Jessica Fischer ’57
Israel
RECYCLED BOTTLES
It’s been too long ago to remember exactly when I got these “artifacts”—one of the many, many stops at the UVM Dairy Store, no doubt—but they have graced my bookshelf as bookends since returning home after graduation. They have served very well and are always a reminder of my days at UVM. Thanks for the opportunity to share.
Frank R. A. Resnick ’69
West Hartford, Connecticut
WEARING THE ‘V’
This UVM 1964 letter sweater brings back fond memories of football and track at Centennial Field.
Peter Weiss ’64
Vero Beach, Florida
READERS ALSO WROTE
HOMETOWN DINER
I read the story on the Oasis Diner and was transported back in time to my days at UVM (’78-’82). I enjoyed great breakfasts at the Oasis—soaking up the ambience and frantic pace of the diner along with pancakes and bacon that made you crave a return.
During that time, I waitressed at another “lost” Burlington landmark—BT Maguire’s. Chris Lines (brother of Stratty) was a beloved patron at BT’s and we hit it off from the start. We would see each other at our respective restaurants and always greet each other with heartfelt welcome. One day, I came into work at BT’s to find an amazing flower arrangement as a “Happy Birthday” from Chris. To this day, when I see the occasional, shiny chrome of a real diner, I think of Chris, that sweet birthday gift, Stratty, amazing pancakes, and my absolute good fortune at having experienced real, hometown goodness through the people and place of the Oasis.
My best to David and the Oasis family—thanks for reminding me of all things good.
Robin Davis Rettew ’82
Greensboro, North Carolina
NEXT UP
Do you have a UVM vanity license plate? Maybe you fly a Catamount sticker in the rear window of your car? Let us know how you show your Vermont spirit on the road. Pictures of your plates are welcome. Even better, send along stories of how your car’s tags have led to chance meetings with fellow UVM alums out on the road. E-mail responses to vermontquarterly@uvm.edu or Vermont Quarterly, 86 South Williams, Burlington, VT 05401.
