By KURT NESBITT - Journal Staff Writer
NEW ULM - Hobart Anderson received another surprise for his 80th birthday.
A birthday card came in the mail.
When he opened it up, he saw a name written at the bottom of the greeting that he had not seen in a while.
The card read:
"Eighty candles shine today to honor one important life that's touched so many others and been such an inspiration. And as they shine, may you look back with pride and satisfaction knowing that your life and you are cause for celebration!
Your teacher 70 years ago, Collette Hartung"
"I was very, very surprised," said Hobart, who along with wife Charlotte was honored by the Wanda Gag House Association for his 20 years of involvement with the group and the house. The association hung one of Anton Gag's paintings in the house in their honor.
According to Charlotte, Collette Hartung was Hobart's third- and fourth-grade teacher in District 56 in Lafayette.
The class had only two children in it at that time. Hobart was 10 years old.
Hobart also had Hartung's sister twice while attending the same country school. Charlotte said they stayed in contact periodically throughout the years. The relationship is one that will "surface and talk every so often."
Charlotte, a retired teacher herself, even met Hartung once at an orchestra concert at the Lafayette School about five years ago, before the school became the Lafayette Charter School.
"She said 'He was a smart little fellow but he liked his fun'," said Charlotte.
Hartung is still living on her own in Hutchinson and is in her 90s. She was in her early 20s when she taught at the school. She said she sent the card after seeing an article in The Journal about Hobart and Charlotte Anderson's honors at the Wanda Gag house.
"I thought it was a wonderful opportunity to send a surprise," said Hartung.
Hartung was a good friend of Hobart Anderson's sister Lynea, who passed away several years ago. Her funeral marked the last time they saw eachother.
Until Hartung sent Anderson the birthday card. Hobart called her Tuesday night and the two had a long conversation, Hartung said.
"It was a surprise. I didn't expect a phone call from a card but it was a very nice thing to do," Hartung said.
Hartung only taught school for three years. She said the actual building, which was about six miles northwest of Lafayette, is gone although its bell was saved. A farmer's field is now where the school once was.
"It's an era that has passed," said Hartung.
