This year was the debut of what may become an annual West Point Society of Tallahassee Founders Day event -- so far called "Ring Thing."
Created by Ron Morrell ’74, the concept is to gather all the West Point class rings and miniatures of those who want to participate. Rings are then arranged in a jeweler's display for everyone to look at during the event.
Here are just some of the interesting things the Tallahassee Society learned along the way ...
- Rings represented classes from 1925 through 2009
- Two rings were lost and returned. One guy bought another... so he has two!
- Four replaced the original stone due to damage or owner choice.
- One original stone was switched, bezel copied, and the new item became a gift -- a lapel pin / tie tack
- Two couldn't get their rings off in order to participate.
- One is allergic to his ring and didn't know about Ring Thing so didn't bring it.
- One had never taken it off and didn't intend to ever do so!
- Purchase price of one 1954 ring was $70 -- $60 for the gold ring and $10 for the stone!
- Some younger grads also have battle rings
- Three miniatures were presented as engagement rings
- One miniature's diamond was removed, pieces stored separately, and is maintained that way by the original owner's daughter who is also the wife of a grad
- One ring was removed surgically, cut off in the ER, re-sized later, and is again a part of daily wear
Top row (L to R) Wayne Lambert '59; Tom Moorhead; Alfred Devereaux Sr. '25, Alfred Devereaux Jr. '59, Melissa Devereaux; (owned by) David Rich '78; Doris (PeeWee) Lambert
Second Row (L to R) Greg Jones '69; Brad Boone '09; Bob Werner '55; Jodie Glore '69; Sandy Glore, Joann Boone; Elsie Bennette Mabry (PeeWee Lambert's Mom; Wayne's mother-in-law, Dwight Harvey's wife)
Third Row (L to R) Dwight Harvey '25; Bill Wallis '70; Doug Boone '79; Leigh Fairbank '63; Robert Morris '54; Bisig '81, Marcia Moorhead
Bottom (L to R) Bill Webb '57; Lew Killian '69; David Rich '78; Ron Morrell '74; Steve Hammond '69; Adam Grant '09