Two years ago, I was fortunate and honored to participate in the Albany High School Class of 1962 50th anniversary reunion. I was the keynote speaker for the reunion, and everybody at the event had a great time.
So much so, in fact, that a few weeks after that event, word got around to other reunion organizing committees that they might want to consider contacting me for their reunion banquets.
Which is why, in two weeks, I’ll be speaking at the Albany High School Class of 1964‘s 50th anniversary reunion.
Now for me, this accomplishes several things. I get to do one of my favorite pastimes – history research – or as I like to call it, “microfilm diving.” I visit the Albany Public Library, where one can view decades of Albany Times Union and Knickerbocker News microfilm reels. And for only ten cents a printout (a lot cheaper than the TU’s current online search feature), I can find out the popular films and television shows of the time, where families went to dine and to celebrate, and who won the local sports contests.
I have to tell you, when I do this “microfilm diving” for research projects, whether it’s to familiarize myself with the goings-on 50 years ago, or to research a historic event from Albany’s past, it’s kinda fun. And the Albany Public Library has plenty of convenient hours for research time – and the staff are very helpful and considerate.
I’ve used the microfilm dive for blog posts, as well. For example, check out this old blog post, in which I found a famous actress in the 1860’s performing on a horse, buck naked, in a small Albany theater. And if you think I can find stuff like this from the 1860’s, just imagine what I can come up with from the 1960’s.
Microfilm-diving is one thing. But there are other stories out there, other memories. And I plan on finding them, so that I can share them with the Garnet and Grey from the Class of ’64, for Reunion Weekend.
I have two weeks left to find some great anecdotes and memories.
That’s more than enough time. Crank up the microfilm readers. And I need to pack another roll of dimes.
Chuck The Writer 
I agree about Microfilm diving. There is soooooo much that is not on the net. I would love to see clips from the old Knickbocker News or very old TU. I don’t know why the TU just doesn’t make an regular feature out of it. I mean, how much time could it take to have one of Rex Smith’s overpaid and overeducated AP puppets to dig up something and post it once a week.
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