The last time I made a visit to Montreal was back in 1957, when Marsha and I made the three- to four-hour journey from Hanover. We were dating at the time and, after taking in the early flick at the Nugget Theater and the late movie in White River Junction, Vermont, we headed for Montreal on a spur-of-the-moment lark. We knocked on the door of Dick Margolese and family at 3 a.m. and were welcomed with Canadian hospitality. So, Montreal has a very special place in our hearts and seemed like a perfect place to celebrate our 59th wedding anniversary on June 22. Harold and Joan Gordon came to visit before and after the four of us made the journey north. Crossing the border into Canada was a breeze inasmuch as we were the only car in sight. Coming back was another story, with more than an hour’s delay, but that was the only negative on a trip well worth taking. The absolute highlight was our anniversary dinner at Bonaparte restaurant, which had been highly recommended by a friend who hails from Montreal. The closing poetic limerick below honors our truly marvelous dining experience.

Now, the sounds of the Barbary Coast jazz band marching up Main Street signal a much sadder section of this report. It is somewhat unclear as to how many classmates are marching behind the band on this occasion. Two are clearly there: Burnett C. Buckborough and Donald Bernard Davidoff, Esq., have passed on and all remaining class members bow their heads in silent tribute as the procession marches around the Green. There are also unconfirmed reports of the passing of Harvey Litt and Charlie Honig. If anyone can shed light on this, please contact me so I can pay proper respects.

Adapted from “Le Restaurant”:

For an evening of food styled from France,

Eat here when you get half a chance;

Montreal for a visit,

Cuisine that’s exquisite,

“Merveilleux” in the local parlance.

—Joel D. Ash, P.O. Box 1733, Grantham, NH 03753; (603) 863-3360; jash_125@comcast.net