It was about three years ago when longtime Whitefish residents Charlie Abell and Dewey Hartman were chatting over coffee at the Buffalo Cafe that the idea for a book compiling letters about growing up in Whitefish came about.  

They and other members of the class of 1958, about 20 to 30 in total of the original 63 members, connected from around the country to remember times past, and to successfully publish their book, “Love Letter to Whitefish, Montana,” in honor of the class's 65th reunion.  

Fast forward to this year, and Hartman found himself introduced to Coral Nasset, Whitefish High School freshman English teacher, at their church.  

The two didn’t know each other prior to this year but quickly connected on the idea of having Nasset’s two Pre-AP classes – primarily students of the class of 2028 – write letters to the class of 1958, in a miniature re-make of the initial book.  

“What amazed me was how excited the students were about this assignment,” Nasset said. “They wrote these letters like it was nothing, because they were so excited to share what they’re doing in high school.”  

Nasset said it was rewarding as a teacher to learn more about her students. She said some students who were born in other places wrote about how Whitefish compares, remarking primarily positive things about their home. 

When Nasset’s students finished the assignment, the class of 1958 shared the new letters amongst themselves and took the time to respond.  

Both classes were eager to see the similarities and differences. 

A lot has changed, Hartman said.  

“Construction, traffic, it’s a faster pace,” he said. “But we have a lot of good stuff, good people here. I sit on the sidewalk during the summer and talk with people moving in here – they're good people too. It’s not the people, it’s the numbers.”  

Hartman said that he and every member of the class of 1958 was impressed by the class of 2028.  

Back in his high school days, the only thing he was up to was sports, he said.  

“I want to tell you, those kids are sharp,” Hartman said. “We were impressed with their writing skills, their awareness, and their intensity – some kids have vision.” 

In his responding letter, Hartman advised students to maintain mind, body and soul.  

“The soul is our connection with God, our humanity, our very being and character,” he wrote.  

“Pick appropriate life models and become one,” he added.  

In ninth-grader Madeline Spear’s letter, she wrote about her “deep pride” and “work hard, play hard” attitude in taking a diverse range of AP classes and activities, including theatre, choir, orchestra and track. She wrote about the fulfillment brought by her family, friends and “absolute riot” of a dachshund.  

Jolene (Bilant) Smith’s responding letter marveled at the diversity of opportunities. 

“As a freshman in 1954, the girls’ sports were tumbling, baton twirling and cheerleading,” she wrote. 

She also admired what has stayed the same. 

“You wrote about the special qualities that existed inherently then and now, in your lives and ours, due to our location with its beauty and opportunities to enjoy nature,” Smith wrote. “The mountains are dependable and protecting.” 

In response to Spear, who wrote “it would be awesome to be looking back on these days at your age in the future,” Smith replied, “At my age of 85, it is awesome! Thank you for letting us get to know you.”