Cliffe, the Class Cat
An alumna of 1963 remembers hours spent watching the river and the winter a hungry tabby appeared at the window and became the class cat.
Lyde M. Newman, class of 1963, on the view of the Hudson from the college and the winter the river froze and an ice breaker came up from New York City. A hungry black striped tabby appeared at the window during that time, visited several rooms, and was eventually named Cliffe. He stayed part of the class for several months and then was gone. Undated.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the college was the view of the Hudson River. I spent to many hours watching the river and the river traffic. One winter, the river froze and the ice breaker came up from New York City creating quite a racket. Appearing at the window, during this time, was a black striped tabby cat with a hungry look. It didn't take long for him to become a visitor to several rooms. A cat, without a name, didn't feel right. Eventually, one of his fans came up with the name Cliffe. He remained a special part of our class for several months, then he was gone.
Lyde M. Newman, 1963
A few questions
How did Cliffe the cat arrive?
One winter the Hudson froze and an icebreaker came up from New York City, making a racket. At the window appeared a black striped tabby with a hungry look, and he soon became a visitor to several rooms.
How did he get his name?
A cat without a name did not feel right, so one of his fans eventually came up with the name Cliffe. He remained a special part of the class for several months, then he was gone.
More from the archive
From a Member of the Class of 1969
A member of the class of 1969 thanks the site's founder, notes how busy lives broke up old friendships, and reports that she has retired to South Carolina.
ReadAlumnae journalFond Memories of Ladycliff
An alumna of the class of 1972 recalls joy, laughter and love among classmates and Sisters, and hopes the page helps old friends find one another again.
ReadAlumnae journalAlumnae Reflections: The 1940s and Highland Falls Today
Verna C. Bryant, class of 1945, describes a senior year with Hudson views from a porch, and Mabel Callahan Galu explains how a gazebo came to Ladycliff Park.
ReadAlumnae journalTo the Class of 1954
A member of the class of 1954 who left in 1952 hopes to hear from former classmates and mentions a search for Anne Pace, whose sister graduated in 1952.
Read