(Click on the photo for a larger view)

We arrived about 2pm today at the home of Paul Reeder and Paul Kendall, a comfy apartment in a Lutheran-operated retirement complex on the south side of Allentown. The bearded Reeder greeted us warmly and seemed quite pleased with the historical artifacts Gerry'd brought along (mid-60's photos of Reeder, Barbara B. and others, as well as History III papers with Teacher Paul's inimitable handwritten commentary, such as the evils of not writing on both sides of the paper!) We proceeded into Dana's Olney tour/greetings from last Commencement (which I was seeing for the first time as well--nicely done, all involved).  He seemed quite touched by the testimonials by his former students, particularly Dana's comments at the end.

 We ended up spending nearly four hours with them.  The conversation flowed easily and we found Reeder's memories of Olney quite sharp--people, places, events.  When looking at vintage pictures he often summoned peoples' names without us having to supply them.  We had prefaced our "presentation" by saying we hoped he didn't find our seeking him out too oppressive, that we understood that this was a long time ago, a mere five years out of his long career, but that we hoped he'd understand how for many of us he'd been a most significant influence during our formative years.  His response was to assure us that his five years at Olney was an important time for him as well.  

And not just while there: visiting his place one again appreciates his (their) relationship with Teacher Barbara that continued after Olney when they cared for her through the final years of her life.  They proudly pointed out a number of her creations adorning their walls: a couple of gold-leaf icons, a landscape, a portrait of Kendall (who indicated his appreciation of having known Barbara despite their frequent and heated arguments!)

The Pauls wanted to know: has Olney changed, and how?  Our response: it hasn't, and it has.  To illustrate the latter, I mentioned that at the final Community Meeting of a year ago a bi-racial student "of size" arose with tears in his eyes and reportedly testified that he felt thankful to have found a community where he felt accepted as a gay Mormon!  Both Pauls laughed.  Gerry mentioned last year's Valentine's Day dance at Olney, to which Reeder intoned, "I assume we're talking folk dancing?" and was rather surprised to find we were not.  

Along the way and among many other things we eventually touched on their own relationship--now, remarkably, in its 51st year!  They regretted having to sell their beautiful old home (of 30 years) in the woods where I'd visited them in 1996, but Kendall's rather precarious health had necessitated their being someplace where medical aid was more readily available.  

It just so happened that our visit fell on Reeder's 79th birthday (Kendall is 82) and I suggested that perhaps we could take them out to a late lunch someplace nearby.  They suggested instead having sandwiches in their home, nicely complemented with the German wine Gerry'd thoughtfully brought along.  We thanked them for their kind hospitality and hoped we'd be able to reciprocate (Gerry's suggesting Thanksgiving).  

All in all, a splendid visit.  I suggested to Reeder that if he felt so inspired, his legions of admirers would be happy to have something in his own words, perhaps giving us a bit of personal insight into his remarkable life. I'm not holding my breath, but at least he didn't rule it out. I added that should certain of his most ardent fans--i.e. Starr or Zak--find themselves in the area they might be calling in hopes of arranging a visitation.  Again, he didn't rule it out.  His current address is 800 Hausman Rd. Apt. #264, Allentown PA 18104. Phone: 610-530-0480.  Kendall's e-mail is pkendall@fast.net; Kendall will pass on messages to Reeder who will respond by snail mail, so be sure to send snail mail addresses however you contact him.   ---Juan