My husband graduated from Gettysburg Lutheran Seminary a year before I did. The consensus of faculty members to whom we turned for advice seemed unanimous. We should move so that my husband David could begin his graduate work. I could take some classes at Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Connecticut, and then return to Gettysburg periodically to meet with the faculty and take area exams.
David and I found a first-floor apartment at 39 Lyon Street, which seemed a great location. We were blocks from the beautiful Wooster Square and enjoyed taking walks there. At some point during our years in New Haven, we heard from Karl Peterson and extended an invitation for him to visit us. Try though I might, the date of that visit eludes me — but our time together was splendid.
Karl found a hotel, and then I showed him the sights that we could fit in, given the amount of time we had. We began by seeing sites on Yale’s campus, both the Divinity School and the University proper. We went into the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. He wanted to check out the New Haven Art Museum, and afterward, we saw a street vendor selling hot dogs — so we parked ourselves on a raised curb by the museum and chowed down on delicious chili dogs.
We visited Lighthouse Point Park, checked out the Carousel, and ate a picnic lunch while enjoying the view of the water. We were close enough that we drove out to see the Thimble Islands near Branford, CT, and the delightful houses that stand on them.
But only a visit to New Haven would be complete with a visit to Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. We concluded that this was an absolute gotta-do. David and I thoroughly enjoyed having Karl visit, and I loved all the sightseeing we did. Wonderful memories!
Sounds like an amazing time!
What a scholarly group–touring Yale University,
Now I know where you got your smarts.
I’m enjoying your reminiscences! It stirs up my own memories of all the places your teacher visited you. Staying overnight in a room in your college when I first met you, the apartment in New Haven where a recent food explosion had decorated your kitchen ceiling, and your wedding in Toledo where I got to see all your family’s books, go to the art museum, eat at Tony Paco’s and meet your great parents. Thanks for writing about your life and thoughts!
Richard — You are too kind! Seriously. It was my husband David who was the brilliant one. But it was a wonderful town with lots of fun things to do and see. I think one of my favorites was the Thimble Islands. Never in my life had I see anything remotely like that. Thanks for your kind words!
Debbie, I am delighted that you are enjoying this. Wow! We did have some adventures didn’t we? I had forgotten about the food explosion. I have some great pictures when everyone went back to my parents’ home. As to Tony Packo’s — this is yet another reason why you & your sister need to visit me on your road trip this summer. Seriously! How could you pass by that delicious opportunity????
Those were good days when we were young!
They were indeed!
You’re making me wish I’d been there! what fun places!
Thanks, Kathie! When I write about some of these visits or adventures, I often think of friends with whom I can imagine doing similar things.
Thanks for this posting, Ann. I think it would be great for you to cook up a blog about some of the great parties we threw at Witt. Some of your wonderful invitations might make lovely photos. Just an idea.
Nicely written, Ann. Maybe for some future post you could describe some of the parties we threw at Witt. I think some of your lovely invitations might make good photos to illustrate it.
Thanks, Ellen. I will ponder that.
A wonderful remembrance! I wish I had visited you in New Haven, it does sound like a great place to visit!
Thanks, Jan! I wish you had visited as well!
What a wonderful time you had!!! All of it sounds delightful!!! Would love to do all of that w toy!!!
Thank you, Joy! I’d love that, too!