Event commemorates New London’s Bud Stern
Community members are invited to attend a milestone celebration of one of their own on Sunday, October 27, from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm at the New London Senior Community Center. New London’s Arnold “Bud” Stern turns 100 years old in November. Two local non-profits, the Friends of the New London Public Museum (FNLPM) and the New London Heritage Historical Society, want to celebrate by sharing Bud’s memories of life in New London over the past century.
Both groups worked together with Dick Johnson of New London Access to videotape a recent conversation with Bud. This video will be played for the first time at the 100th Birthday Celebration and touches on Bud’s memories of living in New London, his family, and his service in World War II.
“Bud has a memory better than many people half his age,” said FNLPM president, Brenda Hansen. “He shares his memories with amazing detail. It really is an up close and personal glimpse of New London’s past through Bud’s eyes.”
Judy McDaniel is just one of the Historical Society members who supported the video project from the start. “I am so thrilled that we have been able to record a few of Bud’s stories for future generations to enjoy. They are just fascinating, even for someone like me who has lived in New London all her life.”
The New London Senior Community Center is located at the Washington Center, 600 W. Washington Street, New London. The program and video will start promptly at 1:45 pm followed with birthday cake and refreshments at approximately 2:45 pm. The celebration is free and open to the public.
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Arnold “Bud” Stern Biographical Highlights
Early Life
Arnold “Bud” Stern was born November 3, 1919, in the Town of Little Wolf, just outside New London. He graduated from Washington High School in 1938 and went to the Alexian Brothers Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis, Missouri, in fall of that year, graduating in 1941. Bud then went to work at Boulder Dam as an industrial nurse.
Military Service
After the bombing of Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Bud returned home to enlist in the service. However, he was originally unable to enlist due to his eyesight. He instead worked at 4-Wheel Drive Corporation in Clintonville before eventually being drafted in the fall of 1942.
Bud received his military training in Fort Sheridan, Illinois; Camp McCoy, Wisconsin; Camp Carson, Colorado; and Camp Kilmer, New Jersey; during which time he met and courted his future wife, Cathryn McNichols. They married before Bud went overseas. He served as a surgical nurse in the army in the European Theater of World War II.
Family
After returning to New London following the war in 1945, Bud got a job at the Quality Markets and became owner of the store in 1967. Bud and Cathryn had two children and he is now the grandfather of four and great grandfather of six.
Community Service
- Bud was a fireman for the New London Fire Department from 1947 to 1967 during which time he became a captain.
- Bud served on the City’s Board of Zoning Appeals for over 30 years and is its current chairman.
- He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus 4thDegree and has held state offices with the organization.
- Bud served as treasurer for Most Precious Blood Catholic Church for many decades.
