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05/31/2016 03:30 PMStep back in time for a moment to 1942 in Deep River. In just a few days away, on June 10, four girls—Josephine Zaremba Koritkoski, Aurelia Negrelli Knox, Edith Heidtmann Machado, and Clara Bobienski Corrigan—will all put on their caps and gowns and cross the stage to retrieve their Deep River High School diploma. Fast forward 74 years later and these four women are four of the five last known remaining members of their 43-student graduation class.
To commemorate the 74th anniversary of their graduation—as well as the pure delight of making it to the ages of 91 and 92—these girls, now women, met last week at the Ivory Restaurant and Pub in Deep River, to lunch together, talk about old times, and share stories about their families.
The foursome of ladies, who’ve lived through the Great Depression, World War II, and an ever-changing world, spoke with ease about what a happy time it was for them back in high school. They talked about how it was a simpler time and an easier time, when everyone knew each other and had fun together.
“I never even heard the word ‘marijuana’ until I was in my mid-20s,” said Corrigan, who said that she feels bad for kids nowadays. “Their parents have to be with them every minute. Back when we were young, we walked everywhere and did what we wanted.”
Corrigan, who spent the majority of her married life living in Holden, Massachusetts, now lives in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. When her daughters Janet and Jeane asked her what she wanted for her birthday this year, she said, “A road trip back home.
“Although I have lived away from Deep River for a long time, this is where I grew up and this is where I will always consider my home,” said Corrigan, who was voted most talkative in her graduating class as well as most athletic.
Corrigan and Knox recalled fond memories of when they played on the high school field hockey team together.
“We were a pair,” said Knox, with a giggle, who married her high school sweetheart and moved to Old Saybrook.
“Do you remember those uniforms we had to wear for field hockey?” Corrigan asked. “No one would be caught dead in those red bloomers now.”
The two, who grew up minutes apart from one another, also laughed about the time they fell through the ice at Cemetery Pond.
“It’s funny now, but it wasn’t funny then,” said Knox.
Koritkoski, who still lives in Deep River, played softball in high school. Machado, who lived in Winthrop and now resides in Essex, explained that she didn’t play sports, because if she did she would have to walk all the way home from the high school, which is the present day Deep River Elementary School.
The foursome, all of whom are widows, passed around a book of pictures Machado brought with her, which contained photos spanning from 1930 to 1942 of the bunch from 1st grade through high school. One striking memory they all recalled was how an assembly was held and the superintendent of schools came to them to announce that war was declared after the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
“Almost every boy from our class went into the service,” said Knox.
Machado explained that she got married in September 1942, just one summer after graduation. Her husband left two months later for the South Pacific to fight in the Army and he was gone for two straight years before she saw him again.
Each of the women’s husbands served in some capacity in the war.
“It was a very different time,” said Knox.
At a proud 92 years old (her birthday was May 22), Corrigan has worked hard to keep up with the changing world and makes good use of Facebook and Internet-based research. She was instrumental in getting the ladies together and said it was a little difficult getting information on classmates, especially the women because they got married and changed their names, but nonetheless she has enjoyed the process.
“I had fun, researching all the people,” said Corrigan with a peppy smile. “It’s good to remember old times and get together with old friends to remember what it was like when we were kids.”
All four women attributed their longevity to loving families, staying active, staying physical, eating healthy, and being positive.
“I still mow my own lawn,” said Machado with a proud smile.
Although it’s not set in stone, the four would like to try and meet up again next year to celebrate their 75th reunion.