Feb 27 2008
History
In 1985 about 35 old Paterson buddies, currently living in Florida, got together for an afternoon of laughing and reminiscing. They had such a good time they decided they would get the word around and repeat the event.
In 1987 they had a luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel in Boca Raton. 150 were in attendance. Everyone thought Sheldon Krakower was being a bit grandiose when he said, “let’s do this again in 2 years. I will get 1000 people to attend.” 1300 people attended the 1989 Paterson Day reunion at Crystal Lake Country Club. And so it began.
A committee was formed, headed by Sheldon for many years. The committee decided to call this get together “Paterson Day” and agreed there would be a reunion every other year, on the odd year, in February.
Crystal Lake Country Club, a catering hall that can house up to 5 affairs at a time, opened up the whole club for our reunions. At it’s peak we had 1400 people in attendance one year and some had to be turned away.
Each reunion is filled with excitement, joy, reuniting with old friends and a huge adrenaline rush. Crystal Lake Country Club housed all of our reunions until they closed it’s doors to the public.
Several years ago Sheldon passed away, his wife Annette and his friend Sherwood Metz took over the reunions until the torch was passed to Steve Friedman who chaired the next several reunions. Once again the torch was passed to the present committee of baby boomers and we have had our last 2 reunions at the Signature Grand, Dania, Florida. As long as you continue to show interest in these wonderful adrenaline pumping reunions we will continue to put them together.
Paterson Day is a celebration for those of us who grew up in this diverse New Jersey city. While our hearts and fond memories may all be of NJ, our bi-annual celebration takes place in warm sunny Florida.
On Paterson Day hundreds of former and current Patersonians come together for an afternoon of reminiscing and sharing stories about growing up in Silk City. People you might not have known as a kid, will approach you with a tale about your family that you might not have ever heard. Find out where they are now and what ever happened to your former neighbors.
Its a fun and relaxing afternoon, taking us all back to the days of life around Eastside Park, 10th Circle and downtown. We hope to see more and more new Paterson faces each year!
What a terrific site. Great job. Hope I can make it next year.
http://www.pbase.com/ncbeaches/paterson_day_2007
Will try to come to the 2009 event. Please keep in touch. Bob Brown, Sarasota.
Looking forward to being a part of this event and seeing friends from a great past
Great event to look forward to attending. Definitely be there for 2009 and 50th Eastside reunion.
Have heard about this and am hoping to get there in 2009–I graduated East Side in Jan. of 1964. Rick Braccini
It’s nice seeing old friends …..looking foward to another Paterson Day…..
I am really excited to find out about this event. If I had known of this, I would have attended. I don’t know how many people will be there from the class of “67 but I am looking forward to meeting and making new friends!!!!!!!!!
Haven’t been able to make this event in the past, but hope to make this one. Keep us informed Class of “65″ & “68″
I didn’t know about it until last summer. I’m planning to attend the ‘09 and am telling as many people as I can who also didn’t know about it.
I was going to 2007, even had tickets, but due to illness in the family, wasn’t able to attend. My Dad, who had participated, EHS, Class of ‘44 passed away this January. I am Class of ‘69.
I look forward to seeing everyone this time in February 2009!
First I’ve heard of this, I’m a lot closer to Paterson than Florida living in Maryland now. Let me know when it will be and I’ll see if I can make it. EHS ‘66 did not graduate with class but after returning from Viet Nam EHS awarded me my diploma from my Army GED
Don Bosco Tech ‘74. My father was and my brother is a Paterson Firefighter. I’ve been in Tampa almost 30 years but Paterson is still home. Looking forward to attending.
Central/Paterson Tech Mostly at the Skateing rink.
I’ve been looking on line for reunion info, but this is close enough. Looking forward to the event. Living in Florida the last two years. ESH class of 68
Eastside 65 will be there in 2009
Lived in Pembroke Pines FL for 25 years and never heard of this event. It’s a great idea. Will try to attend in 2009. Still looking for reunion info for class of June 1959.