Pat Hughes

As a WWII soldier in the Tank Corps, Pat worked with his hands and led using his mind; two traits that served him well over his later career in manufacturing. After he retired, Pat, a self-professed historian, and his wife bought a historic 18th century home. But, eventually the 64 windows and 14 gardens overwhelmed even Pat’s capable hands. So, he began looking at retirement communities near his home in Wayne. One visit to Shannondell and he quickly understood why friends had moved there. In his words, “a campus for the mind and the hands.” A campus where Pat now enjoys the role of professor.

Q:
Should we start with Ground Hog Day?

Pat:
My uncle was the mayor of Punxsutawney and, supposedly, came up with the idea for Ground Hog Day.

Q:
On a cold winter’s day while wearing a top hat, I picture.

Pat:
I’ll add that to the story. I remember telling soldiers in the Tank Corps during WWII about this bit of family history, usually on February 2, and we’d laugh because we were training for European Battle by burrowing in the ground just like Phil.

Q:
Was it the Tank Corps where you learned to love working with your hands?

Pat:
Actually, when I was a kid, we used to build these gas powered model airplanes. Not the fancy types you see now. These were balsa wood and paper. We’d go to meets and compete. But, yeah, the Army furthered my knowledge of gadgetry, I guess.

Q:
A knowledge you carried with you into retirement.

Pat:
After I retired, my wife and I bought an 8-bedroom home that was built in 1726. It was a former Tavern and had 64 windows, 14 gardens and a swimming pool. So, I inherited more than my share of projects to keep me busy. And eventually, it overwhelmed me.

Q:
Which led you to Shannondell.

Pat:
It led me to looking at different communities. I was on the board of a church-related community, so I knew the industry, the challenges that churches now face in maintaining properties. But, this experience served me well. I knew what type of community I was looking for. Many places don’t have a lot for men to do. Most stuff is geared for women. I wanted a place that offered a variety of things to do. And, in that category, I can tell you, nobody comes close to Shannondell.

Q:
Was there one particular activity that drew you to Shannondell?

Pat:
Friends we had known in Wayne drew us here. The size and beauty of the place sold us. As soon as I saw the woodworking shop, computer room, resident garden and golf club, I said, this is it.

Q:
So, that was before the Model Train room was built. I hear that’s a hobby of yours.

Pat:
It is. I was involved in getting the train room built and spent hundreds of hours there inventorying engines, cars, landscape and electronics. We had over 1,000 cars at one point. It’s a great social activity. Model trains are a great equalizer. They put everybody on the same track (laughing).

Q:
Model train humor. You guys must have fun.

Pat:
We do. And like most things here, you meet others who get you involved in another activity they participate in. That’s what led me to the non-fiction book club, which I now chair. We’ve got about thirty members.

Q:
I assume you read a lot of history.

Tom:
Yep, lots of history. Some autobiographies. The group chooses the books. Most members are serious readers. I just try to keep the conversation down to a “quiet roar.” When you get a bunch of well-read, highly educated people together, it can get lively.

Q:
What are you reading now?

Tom:
The Last Stand, about Custer’s final campaign. Guess I’ll have to circle the wagons at the next meeting (smiling).

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