The Outstanding Alumni award for the Alumni Association was established for the purpose of recognizing a person of any age who has either attended or graduated from the New Oxford High School. It is not solely formembers who have worked with the Alumni Association but also who has attained excellence throughout his or her life.
The honoree for this year has done both of these things.
Fred Gable, New Oxford, has been a member of the Alumni Association from its inception and served as president in 1975 and also in 1989. He went to New Oxford Schools all his life and graduated from New Oxford High School in 1947.
He played in the Senior Band from 1939 until he graduated in 1947 joining the band in the 5th grade . At that time he was so small he had to stand on a wooden stool to play the bass drum so he could see the band director, Mr. Paul Harner.
After graduating from high school he attended Williamsport Special Technical Institute.
From there he went to work at the Alwine Brick Company in New Oxford where he worked until his retirement in 1995.
Fred has been very active with a variety of organizations in the New Oxford Area. He maintains and gives tours at the New Oxford Train Museum and Model Railroad Club
He is a charter member of the Conewago Valley Railroad Club, which formed in the mid 1960’s. He also helps organize the annual Model Railroad Auction at the local fire company.
He helps the New Oxford Lions Club with the Orange Car during the Christmas holidays selling oranges on the square and he also helps with the decorating of the square for the Chamber of Commerce and Lions Club. Fred also helps the Chamber with the annual Antique Market and Craft Show in June.
He can be seen at the bingo games for the New Oxford Fire Company’s annual carnival and also helps there during the year in the kitchen for the weekly bingo games.
He and his wife, Betty, also work in the refreshment stand for football games and various other events at the high school stadium.
He is active in the National Organization AACA (Antique Automobile Club of America).
In May of 1998 he was named New Oxford Person of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.
Fred is always available to help organizations, his family, neighbors and friends. He is a remarkable individual blessed with innumerable talents that he shares with all he knows.
He does New Oxford and New Oxford High School proud.