Well, it finally happened, just before the rain started. The Henry Keller Kurtz memorial bench was dedicated. The local Kurtzes all turned up, with all sorts of goodies for lunch. They were setting up the picnic tables under the trees as I arrived. At 11:00 AM we gathered on the Militia Hill hawk watch deck and introduced ourselves. Then we walked down the hill to the bench and stood in a semicircle. We exchanged memories of Henry. Several of us spoke about Henry as an active Wyncote Audubon member, and included stories – many were humorous — about Henry on field trips and in other activities.
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Henry was an active Wyncote board member, and Leigh Altadonna, who was president of the club many years ago, when I joined, spoke about Henry’s work as program chairman for the club. It was mentioned that Henry won the Edward Hicks Parry Award for outstanding service to the club. Marylea Klauder, founder of the hawkwatch at Militia Hill in Fort Washington State Park, spoke about Henry’s involvement in the hawkwatch’s early days. Henry’s sons and their wives, as well as the four grandchildren, all contributed anecdotes.
A pair of Baltimore Orioles landed in the tree right over our heads and sang. It was nice. Then we all walked up the hill and gathered around the picnic tables and had lunch. Just as the family was finished cleaning up and loading the cars, it started to pour.
~Jane Henderson