02-16-2013 - SW Florida's "Salem Ohio Day"
Salem Ohio Day, of Southwest Florida, was once again, a great success with 116 Quakers and fellow Salemites in attendance. This year our event was held, February 8, 2013, in the Dolphin Ballroom of Captain Fishbone's Restaurant. The restaurant was located within the 'Shell Factory and Nature Park' of North Fort Myers, Florida.
Individual tables were identified with a placard indicating a familiar Salem Ohio Landmark, and afterward each table was asked to share a favorite memory of that landmark. A video of last year’s 2012 Salem Ohio Day was continuously played on the overhead screens during guest registration.
In an attempt to promote Salem Ohio, several Salem Ohio Restaurant Gift Cards were randomly given away as door prizes throughout the program.
Included in the overall attendance were 67 Salem High School graduates ranging from the class of 1946 to class of 1973. Emcee, Ray Esterly, announced and recognized each graduating class by year. The eldest SHS graduate was William J Schmidt (1946) and youngest graduate was past Salem Police Chief, Robert Floor (1973).
Host, Ray Esterly, also recognized past Salem High Coach Earle Bruce, and recommended that he be made an honorary citizen of Salem Ohio. When Coach Bruce was asked to say a few words, he followed up with memories of Salem Ohio from 1956 - 1959. He spoke passionately about what real 'toughness' was all about, with vivid memories of past SHS players, including both humorous and serious moments of noteworthy games. Over four seasons, Coach Bruce led the Quakers to a record of 28-9.
Thanks to the Southwest Florida's Salem Ohio Day planning committee, Richard (1958) and JoAnn Hary, Ray (1959) and Helen (1965) Esterly, Sandy Spence (1958), Charles Cook (1958), Mary Lou (1959) and Gary (1958) Hartzell for a job well done. Future plans for Salem Ohio Day 2014 are pending.