Former telephone employees gather

There were a lot of stories shared at the Ponderosa Steakhouse at noon on Monday, May 2, when former telephone operators, linemen and guests who worked for Illinois Bell attended their fourth annual luncheon.
After the meal, everyone introduced themselves and told when and where they worked.
Gloria Ledbetter read some humorous quotes.
Donna Chrisman read a poem that was written by Mary Dewald.
In the poem, Dewald recalls her days as an operator and later as a commercial employee. She had been with Illinois Bell for 25 years.
The committee who had worked to make the day possible included Delila Beckman, Gloria Ledbetter, Elloise Black, Joanne Pontious and Loretta Nickels. Pontious and Nickels were unable to attend.
The group decided to meet again next year at the same location.
Those attending other than the above-mentioned were: Connie Eakin, Bessie Jones, Bonnie Donnals, Bettye Kelly, Pat Jackson, George and Amy Meseke, Ben and Billyanna Forbis, Annettia VanValey, Dale and Jean Freeman, and Carolyn Daniels all of Vandalia; Ruby Funk, and Bill and Sara Davidson of Greenville; Connie Lawson of Leavenworth, Kan.; Cass Tucker of Ashley; and Wally Bertram of Shobonier.