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Navy base was home More than 2,000 people attend event celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Dahlgren Navy base
By CATHY DYSON People came from all over the East Coast, and as far away as Minnesota, to share an afternoon and some fond memories with others who grew up on the Dahlgren Navy base. They turned out yesterday to celebrate the 90th anniversary of what's now Naval Support Facility Dahlgren, known worldwide for testing naval firepower and its research and development work. The first gun was test fired on Oct. 16, 1918. Back in the day, before the King George County base was home to military families only, civilians worked and lived in the community that former residents described as ideal because it was isolated from the rest of the world. "It was a wonderful place to live," said Virginia Taylor, a 95-year-old who made the trip from Jacksonville, Fla., to see former neighbors and friends. From her wheelchair, Taylor hugged Emily Wine Granberg, 70, who also lives in Florida and was part of Dahlgren School's Class of 1952. As it does today, the school had eight grades only, and its graduates went on to King George High School. But when Dahlgren alumni mention their class, they mean the year they graduated from the base school--not when they got their diplomas. Even though decades have passed since the students bowled at the base or took lessons from a teacher who endorsed a seemingly swim-or-drown philosophy, the old friends instantly went back in time. "It's just like when you're with your college friends and you fall back into the way things were then," said Susan Payne Moundalexis of King George. That seemed obvious as alumni in their 60s and 70s gathered at the open house, which attracted more than 2,000 people and included a craft fair, car show and children's games. There were plenty of hugs and handshakes among the older folks at first, then people settled into smaller groups--just as they probably did during weekly meetings of the teen club. Mickey Castner, who lives in Smithfield, helped organize the informal reunion. As he stood between two men, Castner looked past the wrinkles and white hair, canes and walkers of those around him. "Who's that girl over there in the gray?" he asked, pointing to a woman who was at least 70. Former residents remembered the blessings--and curses--of being so far removed from civilization.
1. Be respectful. No personal attacks.
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