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Interviewing Gilbert — the Plan
We plan to do several interviews and post portions of them on the
Gazette, but they will be spread out over time. The frequency will depend on
our available energy and time. We originally hoped to do one a month but
have missed the mark. Our focus will be to gather and
preserve some of
the heritage of the area and other human interest stories from around the
extended Gilbert community. |
Bessie Gildersleeve,
Gilbert High School's Oldest Alum
On February 20, 2004, we interviewed
Bessie Gildersleeve, a 100-year-old
woman,
who lives on a farm just north of town with her daughter Millie Rice. Bessie
is the oldest living graduate of Gilbert high school. She and her
parents moved from Illinois to the Gilbert area when she was three years
old. She taught school then was married 72 years to John Gildersleeve. The popular farmer died in 1994. In addition to Bessie,
those who participated in the conversation include Millie, Gazette
editor Helen Gunderson, and Pastor Gary Selof of the Gilbert Evangelical
Free Church.
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Captain Chad Cook Leaves
for Afghanistan
Captain Chad Cook was home on a short leave prior to leaving for active military duty in
Afghanistan, and we interviewed him on February 23, 2004.
Chad has been in the National Guard for 18 years. He also has been the head football coach and
taught history and
psychology in the Gilbert school district for four years. In January
2004, he began a four-year term on the Gilbert city council. Chad's
immediate family includes his wife, an eight-year-old son, and a toddler
daughter. They live in Gilbert. We wish the best for the three of them
on the home front and for Chad on his tour of duty. |
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Getting the Stories
There are many other people to interview and stories to
gather from around Gilbert. Check back occasionally to see what we have
added. We would love to have some volunteers help us identify
people to interview and help us meet those persons. There are
also other ways to get involved in this project.
Drop us a note if you want to help. For
a sample of a hometown audio gallery, go to
the audio
section of the Rolfe Alumni Web Site. It is edited by Helen Gunderson
who also edits the Gazette. You will need the RealAudio
software to listen. If you don't have it, click the icon to go the the
RealAudio web site and download the free version of RealOne. 
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