At Buckley, we get to witness the wonderful friendships formed between students and know that these bonds are part of what makes the school special. These friendships often last beyond the walls of Buckley, continuing long after our students become alumni.
Skip Sykes, a member of the class of 1954, wrote to us about a special Buckley friendship between two of his classmates, Susan Tidd Augenthaler ’54 P ’79 and ’82 and Susan Ann Lombardo ’54. It is great to hear the lasting impact of such a friendship and the way that the memories of Buckley are ingrained in Mr. Sykes’ mind. In continuing to “share the Buckley love” in this month’s e-newsletter, we included this story, which briefly reflects on the lives of two former students and their bond at Buckley.
We hope you’ll enjoy what Mr. Sykes has shared below.
“The two Susans were inseparable. I do not remember a day at Buckley without them.
They lived across the street from each other on Elderfields Lane in Manhasset, NY in an oddity of the road where it was split by an island. Susie Tidd lived at the top of the bend and Susan Ann Lombardo lived in the crux of the bend.
Susie's parents were very dignified, and I cannot remember seeing her dad in anything but a suit. Her brother George was a Buckley graduate from the class of ’52. Susan Ann's uncle was Guy Lombardo – yes, the same of Auld Lang Syne fame then and now every New Year's Eve. Her dad played lead or second trumpet in the Orchestra. Her mother had movie star looks and may have been one. Her brother Peter followed us at Buckley and graduated in the class of '55. She also has a younger brother named Johnny.
Susie was a captain of the blue team and a creative leader. Susan Ann was on the red team, and her brother Peter was the Red Captain. Needless to say, all were loved and respected. All played all sports and excelled. All were leaders, on and off the field.
But the two Susans caught everyone's eye and attention. Pretty, confident, unassuming, humble and strong individuals, whipping around on the Great Neck Ice Skating Rinks or frozen ponds like we had on Steamboat Road. Sitting across from the boys at Dancing School knowing they would be first chosen, but pretending to be worried that they might not. Trying to steer clear of the trouble makers, yet as mischievous as any, only smart enough not to get caught.
And then we drifted off to Prep Schools for which we were so well prepared by our Buckley education. Susan Ann ended up in California living with Jeannie Hale. Her sister Jamie Hale is also known to many of us, as she went to Buckley too. Unfortunately, Susan Ann contracted the Asian Flu on its first disastrous entrance into the US and passed away far too young. Susie, married to a Marine, lives in Sarasota and is the most frequent communicator in our class.
The additional picture I have attached is of some students from our class of 1954, taken in June 1949. Identified class members in the picture include Lynn Taliaferro, Skip Sykes, Susan Ann Lombardo, Susie Tidd, Chris Meyer, Elinor Bernstein, Carol Cole, and John Kilbourne, plus other guests. Please note that Susan Ann and Susie were sitting next to each other, indicating just how ‘inseparable’ they were.”
– Skip Sykes, Class of 1954
Do you have any stories about your experiences at Buckley that you would like to share? Any friendships or moments at the school that have had a lasting impact on you? Let the Development and Alumni Relations Office know by contacting Holly at hmascolo@buckleycountryday.com.