My wife and I had the pleasure of visiting Virgil a couple of weeks ago, on Sunday, April 7. It was such a nice and sunny day, but the wind was a little stronger than we would have liked. The town was so quiet with no cars on the street except that of John and Orella Hosack’s whom we were meeting. They had arranged for us to get into the Community Center, formerly the EUB Church. I was searching for the trophy cup that contained the names of the valedictorians from Virgil High School. We found they went from 1925 to 1965 With Linda F. (Aeschliman) Snyder, now of Hamilton, being the last one to receive this honor. My sister’s name, Frances E. Phillips, was placed on the trophy cup in 1950. This will be good information for my memoir, titled “Virgil 1951.” I have been told that in memoirs it is always good to include your sisters. They will want to read your book just to learn what you said about them.
We arrived in Virgil passing through the beautiful Flint Hills, coming from the west across what I call the new bridge although it was put there in the mid-1950s which was over seventy years ago. Looking to the south, hoping to see if any remains still existed of the old black bridge, I could see nothing and would not have known it was there without my vivid memories as a child. It shook, moaned, creaked, swayed and you felt good when you got to the other side with your life. That is what I remembered of that old bridge, but could see nothing.
While visiting with John and Orella, a single car drove by, it was Julie (Harris) McKenzie. We had seen her the day prior in El Dorado at a gathering of former Virgil people that had been organized by Gary Boman, a 1957 graduate of Virgil High School. Gary has been having these get-togethers every four months for over sixteen years.
Virgil, even though there is very little left, seemed so peaceful. I felt like the spirits of times past were still hanging around. My memories of the Commons Store, Robison Garage, the Old Movie Theater and the Cliffton Hotel all brought back tons of memories. But one of the friendliest and welcoming things was a loving dog who just wanted to lean up against you and be petted. I think this dog just roamed around town trying to find a friendly person. He really made us feel right at home and very welcome. Since Virgil has very few people, it was good to be greeted by even a big, white, tall and friendly dog whose hair was longer than most dogs I had ever seen. The town social chairman, I assume. The dog had the largest smile you would ever hope to see. I understand the dog’s name is Gus and he is mostly a Great Pyrenees. I now want to go back just to pet that dog and get those warm feelings. I am sure Virgil could not have had a better ambassador to the outside world. His owner should be very proud.
Gus, I hope you get a lot of loving. See you soon.
Still working on my memoirs.
Robert Phillips, [email protected]
