Claude SenterEDITOR’S NOTE: This story was written and submitted by Etta Tobin of Ashton, Md. and formerly of Star Lake. The photos she submitted are from 1944, Company 'D', 2nd Battalion Engineer Training Center, Fort Belvoir, VA. She is the granddaughter of Claude Senter.
STAR LAKE – Nikki Jo Peabody was renovating her home on Benson Mines Golf Course Road in Star Lake recently when she made the discovery.
She instantly recognized the name "Claude Senter" as he had built the home in 1947/48 and raised his family there. Claude built two other neighboring homes on the same road. One house had belonged to Nikki's grandparents, Walt and Dodie Boula and is now owned by her uncle, Joseph Boula.
She contacted her mother, Jeanie Boula Peabody, about the dog tags. Jeanie is still in contact with her childhood friend, Claude's youngest daughter, Claudette Hope Nord. Claudette now lives on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
The family is absolutely thrilled with the discovery and very grateful to have this treasure returned to them. Only one tag was found and it is truly a mystery how it ended up there.
Claude Senter was born in 1916 and enlisted in the army in 1943. He and his wife, Margaret Jesmer Senter, had five children.
Claude loved the north country and was an avid fisherman and hunter. He was a well known member of the local community, a member of the Clifton Town Board, VFW and a foreman at the Newton Falls Paper Mill for 30 years.
