The Pioneer News was pleased to publish a letter from Professor W. B. Gwynn regarding his appreciation for the fine reunion at the former Pitts Point Academy. The letter is printed below.
A letter from Prof. Gwynn, Crestwood, KY. Sept. 12, 1916.
Dear Bro. Barrall: I want to thank you on my own behalf and the behalf of all my old friends, patrons and pupils who were so fortunate as to be at our "Reunion" at the old Pitts Point Academy last Saturday. It was a day that comes perhaps but once in a lifetime. The weather was ideal and all hearts were happy. Some happy with innocent childish mirth, all unconscious of the great demands the future will make upon them. Many happy and joyous in the full strength of manhood and womanhood crowned with success that has baffled adverse circumstances and stands triumphant over every obstacle. Many happy with a sober, subdues happiness that can come only through resignation and gratitude. Many others were happy in the hopefulness of what the future offers. All were happy, though time has changed many of us so much that it would seem paradoxical that we should be happy. But our spirits are as youthful as ever and we know that though we grown old and "cross the river" one by one, we will meet and be forever the same on the other shore.
For this happy day, we want to thank Mrs. S. B. Magruder, who wrote, "Retrospection" and thus started this movement and the Editor of the Pioneer, who published the article, and so generously helped through its columns, also Supt. Roby whose willing heart and masterful hand helped so tirelessly from start to finish, also Prof. Sanders for his leadership in the music and the precious little boy and girl who sang so beautifully for that grand throng of admirers and the members of the "Band" for their many and happy renditions. Individually, I most sincerely thank Hon. J. R. Zimmerman for that splendid address so full of tender memories, touching references, beautiful pictures and wholesome encouragement and inspiration. May this fruit of his observation and this effusion of his heart go far toward lifting the clouds that so often lower in the skies of the young student.
To my dear old pupils, I want to say that the day you gave me last Saturday richly compensates for the strenuous efforts and the great weight of solicitude in your behalf long ago, you have made good and I am grateful to my Heavenly Father that he sent me in the morning of my life to that rugged and neglected community, where a response awaited on patient toil and hopeful effort, the result of which was so manifest last Saturday, so I pulled the cord and rang the old bell once more you came trooping in to know if that was the "first bell," was it books? My tears fill, my heart throbbed with emotion, but I was happy.
The "Roll Call" was a most anxious feature of the day. Many answered "present" and some made beautiful brief remarks, others were heard from in eloquent, fervid letters, but many, yes, many were not on earth to respond, but gone before to await the time when all will be present at the "Roll Call" in eternity. Now let the committee on Roll Call and Necrology put together all letters, telegrams and get a full and correct list of the names and incorporate them into a "Roster", form a permanent "Pitts Point" organization for happy days and future good. And may our Divine Father still guide, and keep us, everyone till he sees fit to say "Enough, come up higher". As ever and always, most sincerely, W. B. Gwynn.
Also read the Newspaper Article and J. R. Zimmerman's Speech.
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