In 1976 we celebrated the U.S. bicentennial. The height of these celebrations naturally occurred on July 4. We all gathered at the beach of Lake Cole, and while we waited for the sun to set and thus for the fireworks to be shot off at the other end of the lake, we put on a stage show.
I don't know who the people are whose "O" and "H" are presented via backsides. I don't quite know why "O - H" but I assume it's Ohio. Ohio, why? Because many of our key staff members hailed from Ohio in those days. They came to FV through Halbe and Jane Brown, who'd spent half their Y careers in the Youngstown area. Ohioans also gathered behind on the stage. Bob Hettler, at right right. Next to him is Kay Hettler, Bob's wife. Bob and Kay were our boys' and girls' camp directors. Next to them, one over to our left, is Program Director (for July that summer) Ken Barton. (I was the Program Director that August; CIT Director in July). Next to Ken is Doug Marsh. Then we have Bonnie and Bob Breithaupt. And at far left is Dave (last name I can't recall at the moment - Crum?).
I'm really pleased to have received a note from Kay Hettler not long after this post was originally published. And I'm glad I got a few things right about the photo and the event. Here's Kay: "Bob & our 18 month old son, Robby, are on the right in the picture. Rob was on Bob's shoulders. There were six girls' directors who performed a song/skit that ended with us presenting our rear ends (with letters in them) to the huge audience. We spelled out (on purpose, but we acted totally surprised & innocent) "O hell.". We quickly reassembled our order to spell "Hello." Dave Crum is on the left & Bob thinks Mary Fleischauer is next to Bob. Some of the gals with letters on their butts are Amy Atkinson Pettigrew, Sue Barton, Carolyn Shelburne, Lolly Hettler Ketcham, me & ?? We think Joeli Hettler is the young child on the left. It was an memorable celebration for the USA's 200th. Bob & I and Ken & Sue Barton are still working in YMCA camping at Camp Fitch (where Jane & Halbe started) and enjoying seeing new generations of campers grow & thrive."
For what it's worth, I can confirm that that indeed is Mary Fleischauer. (See a recent entry about the Fleischauer family.)
