Letter to the Editor 6-11-21

Dear editor,
This past weekend a 50-year reunion was held for the Phillipsburg marching band that marched in the Orange Bowl parade in Miami, Florida, January 2, 1971. As we returned from the trip of a lifetime, our band and sponsors found ourselves in the middle of a strong, unforgiving Kansas blizzard.
Upon nearing and passing Concordia it was determined by our bus driver and sponsors that it was too dangerous for us to continue. It was Concordia that came to our rescue. If not for the generosity of your community and school, 127 young musicians, tired, hungry and scared (the last one being me) could have had a terrible fate. Your citizens took in as many as they could. I was sent with at least three others to a family. Being young, I did not know or find out who my host family was, but I did leave behind my felt sunflower for an offer of thanks for keeping me safe and fed.
If anyone remembers the blizzard of 50 years ago and possibly information regarding our stay with any of your families, please email me at the following address, jsconkey@yahoo.com or write to Jnell Conkey, 25838 Second St., Edmond, Oklahoma 67645.
Thank you, 50 years late but never forgotten.
Jnell Conkey