1938 Grad recalls playing on dirt field

Haldane alumnus Joe Etta, who graduated in 1938, celebrated Haldane’s Homecoming with heartfelt enthusiasm. Homecoming’s always a fun weekend – with its parades, pep rallies, big games and dances. But this Homecoming was different. This one celebrated the “Field of Dreams” – the new, artificial turf athletic field completed in early September.

Whether young or old, alumnus or student, staff or member of the community, the look on peoples’ faces when asked what they think of the new facilities was a remarkably similar expression that could best be described as “delighted disbelief.” The words used to describe the new field also followed a common theme, “amazing,” “fantastic,” “awesome,” “incredible.”

1938 Haldane Graduate Joe Etta Photo by M. Turton
1938 Haldane Graduate Joe Etta

Etta came out Saturday morning to take part in the “Wellness Walk” organized by Hudson Valley Hospital Center and later in the day he attended the football game. At the walk, he did a spry test lap around the practice and walking track that surrounds the new field and then regaled a group of local residents with stories of what Haldane athletics were like 75 years ago.

Etta was completely enthralled with the new field. Gazing out over the green and blue turf, he recalled playing sports in the 1930s on a dirt field on Kemble Avenue.

“I have to keep rubbing my eyes,” Etta said. “We never had anything like this. I never thought I’d see this. I have to keep rubbing my eyes!” he repeated. That reaction captured what many others in the community seemed to feel but could not articulate quite as vividly.

“Down time” was in short supply during Homecoming – from the pep rally held at the school during the day on Friday right through the Saturday night dance. Boys’ and girls’ soccer along with girls’ volleyball were part of a very full sports schedule.

Friday evening saw the continuation of two longstanding Haldane traditions – the parade up Main Street, followed by the bonfire – this year held just below the sports field. Sandwiched in between was the introduction of Haldane and community sports teams out on the field. Students and residents alike then milled about on the field, enjoying each other’s company while their feet enjoyed the new turf beneath them. Meanwhile, inside the school, tours of the new lockers and upgraded auditorium including a demonstration of the state-of-the-art projection system were offered.

The Wellness Walk kicked off Saturday's activities. Photo by M. Turton
The Wellness Walk kicked off Saturday’s activities.

The field was again the center of activity on Saturday beginning with the “Wellness Walk” which helped highlight that the track will be available for community use when the field is not in use by students. Girls’ Junior Varsity soccer versus Putnam Valley was followed by the varsity football game in which Haldane hosted Yonkers Montessori Academy. Local trio Motherlode belted out a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner just before kickoff and the Haldane band provided musical interludes throughout the game.

At halftime, Superintendent of Schools Mark Villanti presided over ceremonies to thank the many members of the community who helped make the “field of dreams” possible. Haldane trounced Yonkers 39-8. The J.V. girls’ soccer team defeated Putnam Valley 2-1, the varsity girls’ volleyball team picked up a victory over John Jay Cross River 3-0, while the boys’ varsity soccer team fell to Hendrick Hudson 2-1. Haldane’s cross country team competed at Brewster. Later that evening, the dance brought to a close one of Haldane’s most memorable Homecomings.

Photos by M. Turton

Video by Gregory Gunder

Behind The Story

Type: News

News: Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.

Turton, who has been a reporter for The Current since its founding in 2010, moved to Philipstown from his native Ontario in 1998. Location: Cold Spring. Languages: English. Area of expertise: Cold Spring government, features

4 replies on “Haldane Homecoming Celebrates ‘Field of Dreams’”

  1. I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Etta and had a great conversation with him and his memories of Haldane. He shared his stories of playing on the field at Kemble Avenue when he was a student at Haldane and we spoke of his service in the war. Our community is blessed to have such a wonderful man and Haldane alumni still with us. I urge you that if you see Mr. Etta walking the track at Haldane to thank him for his service and take a minute to take a walk down memory lane.

  2. I could not have said it any better Mr. Hughes. He truly is a wonderful man with a great sense of humor and stories about Cold Spring, Haldane and his experiences in the war.

  3. Joseph C. Etta is the best man besides my dad, and my husband, and my son, Joseph, who is named after him. He is a great man not just because he is my grandfather but he is the best. Our family is blessed to have such a great man in our family. I am so happy that he was alive to see him make the Hall of Fame in New York State for the veterans.

    It was sad not to see my grandma there by his side. But I know she was in spirit next to him. My grandparents had a great marriage. They were married for 50 years before she left this earth.

    I believe that some people are blessed with great grandparents. I know that is so true because my sisters and brother had the best grandparents anyone could ever want. I am so proud to say that he is my grandfather. He is such an amazing person. We are all blessed to have such a wonderful man in all of our lives.

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