Getting ready for Christmas

Our classmate and reunion organizer for many years, Nancy S., sent this photograph and note:

This is a picture showing all the beautiful Christmas trees displayed at the bandshell this year. These were decorated by the various clubs from Mt Morris. The American Legion is in the back with the big yellow bow. I helped with that one and it has poppies, American flags, yellow bows and POW remembrances on it. These trees are just beautiful I think, and I make special trips by there to view them and see if anymore are added. I hope you enjoy them and if you can use them, feel free to do so.

Nancy

Scenes of Mt. Morris

Today I was scanning an old photo of my grandmother's from the 1890s of the Ladies Dormitory of Mt. Morris College (I think it is now the apartments), and decided to check the internet to see if there were others. I came across Digital Past of the North Suburban Library System, found it there, and then clicked on Mt. Morris. Although some of the entries don't apply, I think there are about 15 photos from the college and town, including Kable's (misspelled in one entry), the Lutheran church, band shell, some street scenes, etc. Seem to be postcards. The scanned 1904 encyclopedia (all the parts are actually there if you click on the photo, then on the catalog record) doesn't seem to mention Mt. Morris, either the town or the college, so I'm not sure why it is there.

A few more photos

These are on Sylvia's disc. This group is of the ladies' breakfast and the class reunion, both held at the Pines, and some parade and 4th festivities.

Barb and Nancy
Coach Sally with Nancy and Sara prepping for the parade
When did MMHS morph into Pinecrest?
Lynne, Jean, Sara, Salley, Judy ordering breakfast on June 30

The busy reunion committee

Here's a photo of the hard working reunion committee meeting at the Saunders' home, and I've added Dwayne, Mary Jane and Nancy. Also a shot of the dining room at the White Pines State Park, the site of a life time of school and family activities and picnics for most of us.

from left: Diane, Marion, Lynne, Nancy, Greely, Salley, Jean (I assume Sylvia is taking the photo)

Dwayne and Mary Jane Z.
Nancy
Getting everything ready

A few more photos

Sylvia has passed along a few more photos of the reunion on July 2. I think this one is a reunion within a reunion. At first I couldn't figure out why these four were together for a photo--then I remembered they all started school together at Center School north of Mt. Morris.


Judy, Sylvia, Barb and Glenn at the reunion, July 2, 2007

Front row, lst grade: Richard [not at reunion] Barb, Judy, Sylvia and Glenn at Center School

Forreston's class of 1957

You may recognize some of these folks--15 miles down the road from us. The guys were probably on the sports teams, and I know some of the girls were cheerleaders. I don't know if Forreston had a football team, or golf and tennis teams then, but they did play some mean basketball, defeating the Mounders 60 to 44 in the '56-57 season with Mt. Morris defeating Forreston 75 to 72 in the '55-56 season, according to our yearbooks.

Sylvia and I could recognize the same three people. Carolyn now lives in Mt. Morris and has for many years; JoElla is Sylvia's cousin and my college roommate; and Geneva used to be a member of our class (I think she moved in 6th grade). Sylvia reports the photo appeared in the Ogle Co. Life, but I haven't located it online. The rest of the class went to Maxon's for dinner, that's why the group is a bit small. They obviously didn't have our excellent committee to corral them!!

Tom Scholl dies in accident

We were all saddened to hear of the death of Jean M.'s husband, Tom. This brief item was in the saukvalley.com record on the 21st--I haven't seen an obituary or information about services.

"POLO - A member of the Ogle County Board died Thursday evening in Rockford after a farming accident in rural Polo. Thomas E. Scholl, 70, was declared dead at 10:10 p.m. Thursday at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, after being transported there by Lifeline Helicopter from 10948 W. Sterling Road. Ogle County Sheriff's deputies, along with Polo Fire and Ambulance personnel, responded to the scene at 8:49 p.m. Scholl was helping to load large bales of hay from a shed onto a truck when a stack of bales in the shed fell, partially trapping him. An autopsy will be performed today, Winnebago County Coroner Sue Fiduccia said. Scholl served on the Ogle County Board for approximately 5 years."

Sylvia reports that flowers will be sent from the Class of 57. Tom was always a regular at our reunions, and worked with the committee in the set-up on our 50th. I remember him even from our high school days. This is very sad, and I know there will be lots of love and warm thoughts sent Jean's way.

Tom and Jean at our 50th

Update:

POLO - Thomas "Tom" Scholl, 70, of Polo, died Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford. He was a longtime farmer in the Polo area. Mr. Scholl was born Nov. 7, 1936, in Dixon, the son of Loren "Sparky" and Dorotha (Hurdle) Scholl. He married Jeanne Minervino on Aug. 26, 1962, in Polo. He was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Polo, Ogle County Board and was a precinct committeeman and road commissioner for Woosung Township. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Survivors include his wife; three daughters, Jeanna (Gary) Fulrath and Paula (Kevin) Humphrey, both of Polo, and Susan (Mike) Connell of DeWitt, Iowa; two sons, Jeffrey (Robin) Scholl of Polo, and Terry Newcomer of Oregon; a sister, Linda Scholl of Oregon; 12 grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. The funeral is at 7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Polo. Private burial is at a later date. Visitation is from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to St. Mark's Lutheran Church. Arrangements were completed by Polo Family Funeral Home.

The Golf team in 1957 and 2007

Yes, the class was able to put together a golf team for the Sunset Hills Golf Tournament. Of course, the only athlete in our class who has made news over the years was a girl, and we didn't even have competitive sports for women in Illinois in the 50s. So here's the golf team in 2007 with Greely, Dave, Salley, Dick and Glenn.

And here's Dick, Ken and Glenn in 1957. In addition to Greely, Glenn, Dick, and Ken, Norman Garrison (deceased) was also on the team, and Warren Burstrom was the coach that year, and Dave Henry before him.

Thanks to Nancy S. for the photo.

Zickuhr Reunion

Our classmate Dick and his sister Sylvia had a family reunion with their families.

Here's a photo of their dad and mom, Ralph and Ruth, at the dinner after our senior prom. As the article says, Ralph Zickuhr was the mayor of Mt. Morris from 1949 to 1961, and that he "felt it was important to develop a local celebration, not only for civic pride, but for the safety of staying in town and out of holiday traffic."

The class of 57 drill team

After only a few hurried practice sessions, the ladies of the class of 1957 appeared in the Fourth of July parade marching with their. . . walkers! I didn't see it, but my nieces tell me it was great. Lynne F. submitted this photo.

I'm going to make a stab at the names--back row, Marion D., Lynne F., Jean M., next row Francine K., Daisy W., and Ebba L., then catching just a glimpse of their back sides, I'm guessing Nancy L., Sylvia T., and maybe Salley O. How am I doing?

Where in the world is Ken Zinke?

For a guy who disappeared from view about 50 years ago, he gets a lot of attention--had his own page in the class booklet. Maybe through the miracle of the internet. . . Here's Ken as he looked in Carol Samsel's photo album. . . looks like maybe 8th grade.

A salute to our veterans

I'm back at Lakeside and won't be in the Mt. Morris parade today with my classmates, but I hope someone will e-mail me some photos to post (don't use this e-mail--but you can use it to ask me where). Last night at the program of the Brass Band of Columbus they did a salute to the veterans, playing all their hymns and had the veterans AND their families stand up. So here's my salute to our class veterans. Because of the pre-Vietnam era of our youth, the exemption of fathers and married men, and college students from the draft, many in our class were exempt from the military.

David S. did enough time in several branches of the service to count for all of us who didn't serve. According to the class bio, he was in the Air Force 1957-1961, the Navy Reserves 1966-1977, Active duty 1972-1977, and the National Guard 1981-1994. Besides all the states he served in he also saw Korea, Okinawa, Greece, Italy, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Japan, Guam, Palau, Ulithi, Hawaii, and Panama, then because he must have been the oldest guy serving in Desert Storm, he also saw Saudi, Kuwait, and Iraq. It's a good thing Sylvia and Dave's romance back in the 50's was sparked by letter writing! I think Dave is just happy to stay home and garden and give commands to little dogs.

Sharon "Squeaky" G. joined the Navy a month after graduation and I'm thinking that's where she met and married in 1961 Lonnie (died 1993). Her bio doesn't say how long she served.

I know Lynne F.'s husband Ed (died 1998) served, but that was before their marriage, so she didn't do the term with him, but we salute his memory, too.

Bob C. also joined the Navy in 1957 and served until 1962 with an opportunity to see some interesting places. He also served three 6 mo. terms as a contract worker repairing helicopter radios in Vietnam after he left the service which led him to some new career opportunities.

Marv M. served in the Army.

Donna B.'s husband Dick who also was from Mt. Morris was career military, so she has seen a lot of places and military bases.

After college, Glen Orr served as Captain in the U.S. Army Dental Corps.

Myron B. served in the Air Force from 1962-1968 after graduating from the University of Illinois

Daisy W.'s husband Charles who died very recently was also career Army, so Daisy also saw a lot of places and moved frequently with her family.

Barb E.'s husband Jim (deceased) was in the service (don't know which branch) and she is active in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.

I'm sure there are others, but Sylvia couldn't get bios on everyone for the booklet. So I'll ask for comments, or e-mail me and I'll add them.

Thank you everyone, for your service.

A successful reunion

The Mt. Morris High School class of 1957 had a wonderful reunion on Monday evening, July 2, 2007, at the White Pines. And a good time was had by all. I'll post some photos here. If you want to e-mail some of yours, send them to Sylvia or me. She can sort through and decide on dups.



The hard working committee made up of the locally available classmates provided a booklet, displays, round tables so we didn't have to eat cafeteria style, table decorations, special faculty guests, a program, a class photo, and lots of time for socializing. Our class was well stocked with funny people, so there were lots of laughs.

This was a display of "old" photos, and the scrapbook in front is a meticulously kept "archive" of our class activities and reunions during the last 50 years kept by Nancy S. An amazing feat!

Diane B., John T. (spouse), Marian D., Sharon G., Lynne F.

Francine K., Bob C., Priscilla D., Nancy L.

Tina K. and Norma C. and husbands

Doree D. and Carol S. from class of 58 "crashing our party!" How exciting to see them, too.


Sarah Y. and Dave B. probably talking basketball.

Former teachers who attended the reunion were Warren and Carol Reckmeyer, Ray and Esther Appler and Katie Dirksen. Photo sent by Nancy S.

This isn't the "official" portrait, but I think you can see we were a happy bunch. Click to enlarge. I don't have my editing software on this computer.

The Ladies' Breakfast

The Ladies of the class of 1957 meet for breakfast annually during the July 4th festivities, usually at a local restaurant. This year we met at the White Pines on Saturday, June 30 (where we would be meeting for the reunion on Monday). There was a good turn out because so many were coming back for the reunion.

From left, counter clockwise: Sylvia T., Sharon G., Marion D., Mary Jane F., Nancy G., Barb H., Nancy S., Diane B. Judy T., Salley O., Sara Y., Jean M., Lynne F., Norma C., Tina K., Valerie K. (class of 56).

Judy T., Nancy L., Lynne F., Salley O. and Sara Y. share some stories.

Sisters Tina and Valerie had a reunion of another kind. They brought their mother home for burial and a memorial service at Oakwood. She was 90.


Fran K., Barb H. Nancy S. say good-bye in the parking lot.


After breakfast, Coach Salley had the group practicing in the parking lot for the parade routine with walkers.

Mark this date for the reunion

A member of the reunion committee told me they are planning on Monday evening, July 2, 2007 for the reunion with the social hour beginning at 5:30 pm, and dinner at 7 pm. Most of us are retired, so we don't have to hurry home to jobs. Many people return to Mt. Morris for the Fourth of July celebration, and the Saturday evening locations are hard to book if you don't have a big crowd.

This post (written Oct. 20, 2006) will stay on top and be updated as needed.

Today's quiz: What were the names of our Superintendent and Principal? What was the name of our class adviser? Were you ever called to their offices? Don't peek at the other comments--someone might tell the teacher!


class of 1957

Class Reunion

This is the final entry for the Class of 57 blog--a gift to all the classmates from Lynne. See you all on July 2!

The Lamb Theater

This looks a bit murky and dim, but it's a spot we all recognize. I've been looking for my little sophomore diary in which I listed all the movies I'd seen--about one a week. But can't find it. Mrs. Bearman sold tickets. I think we paid $.50 after age 13, maybe $.10 before. There were a few double seats. Very popular. Popcorn was good. There were cowboy series, cartoon series, and maybe horror shows? I think this is Barb H.'s photo. Any memorable movies you remember? Didn't they give away junker cars one year? What was that called?

May 17, 1957--The Prom

The following article is taken from the final issue of the Hilltopper, our school newspaper, May 31, 1957. It was written by Joyce Knowles and submitted here by Carol Samsel. Photos from Mounder 1957.

"The annual Junior-Senior Prom, Mexican Promenade, was enjoyed by approximately 50 couples this year. The dance took place in a Mexican market square containing a cafe, with an outdoor hacienda, a cantina, a band shell and numerous shops.

Many people believe this has been the most original theme in many years. Every thing used was authentic from the big Mexican sombreros to the little hand tooled shoes and hand painted vases. Even the band shell was copied from one in Mexico.


After the "senoritas and senors" enjoyed their Mexican Promenade, they journeyed to "El Lamb" where they watched a horror show entitled THEM. Following the show, a fiesta was held by the senior mothers at the Moose Club.

A prom wouldn't be perfect without a picnic however, so the "night owls and early birds" were up early Saturday morning picnicking at the Pines.

Neither would a dance be perfect without a nice long siesta. So, if there are still some senior stragglers here Wednesday, wake them up; school is out.

Entertainment at the prom banquet on Friday night, May 17, included the Mello-Tones who were directed and accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Helen Lou Kelsey. For the Mexican theme the group selected "Serenade of the Bells" and "Sorta on the Border." The latter number was highlighted by a cornet solo by Salley Olsen and the accompaniment of a rhythm section consisting of Steve Covin, maracas, Jim Graf, castanet, and Connie Frey, claves.

Senior Class Will and Prophecy

In the final issue of the Hilltopper, the senior class will and prophecy were posted. Also departing plans. I won't list them all, especially if, well, you know. . .some were mean. Kids!

Myron B. leaves his safe driving to Mr. Harvey.

Diane B. leaves her ability to talk to Joan K.

Duane B. leaves his Model A to next year's driver training class.

Steve B. leaves the Canteen--at last!

Barbara E. leaves her mother with Martha.

Lynne F. leaves her neatness to Neal J.

Priscilla D. leaves Mr. Worley to the juniors.

Glen O. leaves the lab windows--clean.

Glenn R. leaves his golf ability to Mr. Burstrom.

Ken Z. leaves his money-making ideas to Steve C.

Marv M. left.

Junior class supplied the prophecy.

Diane B. is going to be a gossip columnist for the New York Times.

Norman G. is famous for his imitations of Hollywood stars.

Glen O. is a circus barker, and Melvin K. has trained his beagle to be in Glen's circus.

Francine K. is in the 1960 Olympic games for hammer throwing.

Sharon R. is queen of the Rose Bowl of 1960.

Judy T. makes letters for alphabet soup and Sylvia T. is her proof reader.

Dick Z. is no. 1 caddy for Mr. Burstrom.

Greely M. is Mrs. Price's bodyguard.

Norma C. is writing an advice column.

Some plans for the future for the seniors.

Mary Jane F. planned to drive a chevy.

Carol K. planned to go to college.

Pat B. planned to work and get married.

Lynne F. planned to work, work, work, work.

Nancy L. planned to go to Florida.

Judy T. wouldn't tell.

Jerry T. planned to work and enter the service.

Dick Z. planned to have a ball.

Daisy W. planned to go to school in Nebraska.

Donna B. planned to get married.

Dwayne Z. planned to farm with Mary Jane.

Trips to Chicago

On May 11, 1957, the senior members of the National Honor Society--Sara Y., Sharon R., Norma C., Sylvia T., Sharon G., and Nelson P. went to Chicago with their advisor, Mr. Harvey, to see a play, "The apple cart," by George Bernard Shaw, and the Cinerama production, "The Seven Wonders of the World." Two guests, Mr. Yoder, and Mike B. accompanied the group as guests. I've been wondering about this event which was reported in the final issue of the Hilltopper. Why don't I have any memory of going? Although I do remember going to the play J.B. in Chicago with some group from school. Nor do I know why Mike B. was the only classmate invited as a guest, unless it was to protect Nelson from all those girls. Mr. Yoder probably drove a car, because even with the huge sedans we had in those days, all of us wouldn't fit in one car. But if you had asked me before today if I'd ever seen a Bernard Shaw play, I'd have said no. Nelson P. was the Editor of the Hilltopper, so I'm going to assume he wrote the article because it is mentioned that the comedy was a social protest, which would have gone right over my head.

Then on June 3, 1957, the FHA (Future Homemakers of America) went to Chicago to visit the Merchandise Mart, with lunch at Sears Roebuck. Thus inspired, they went shopping, then relaxed at a nice restaurant for dinner (there was a typo in the Hilltopper that referred to them as "sinners"). In the evening they split into two groups, one to see "The Ten Commandments" and the other to see, "Around the World in 80 Days." They would drive back to Mt. Morris around midnight. The article doesn't provide names, and we can't be sure who went (seniors had already graduated by then), but seniors in that organization were Pat B., Nancy G., Barb E., Mary Lou S., Debora P., Daisy W., Donna B., Lynne F., Judy T., Diane B., Dorothy R., Bonnie W., Nancy S., Carol K., Sharon R., Francine K., Priscilla D., and Nancy L.

The way we were in 1972

Click to enlarge

Upper left are Mike B., class president confering with Warren Burstrom, who with his wife, our 8th grade teacher, were our guests that night, July 1, 1972 at Emerald Hills.

Upper right counter clockwise are Duane B. (barely visible), Norma C., empty chair for my husband taking the photo, Lynne F., Ron D. and wife, Jean M., Bob C. and guest, and Norman G.

Lower left: Dave S. and Sylvia T., Sally O. and her husband Phil W. (not a class member), Ebba L., and Dwayne Z.

Lower right: Sally O. and Sharon R., Mike B. in background.

Breakfast cookout--senior girls

It is my hope that we've all improved our cooking skills since May 1957 when some of the senior girls gathered for a breakfast cookout. We were not like today's students who would probably stop by a Starbucks or McDonald's. No, we had bacon, eggs, o.j., milk, and someone probably figured out how to make toast on an open fire. I'm trying to remember what the occasion was, but the only thing I can remember is that we were allowed (or flaunted the rules) to wear casual clothes to school, so we combined that with a breakfast. It must have been a chilly day--we're all bundled up.

Upper left is Lynne F. pouring orange juice; upper right (that is not smoke, just a bad exposure) are Sylvia T. warming her hands, Darlene H. watching, and Nancy L. wondering if she should blow on the fire; then lower left is Francine K. stirring the eggs and Darlene trying to take the spoon (or is that a rake?); Then lower right is Nancy blowing on the fire (her mother was our Girl Scout leader), with Frannie laughing (surprise!) and Nancy's back to the camera. I don't know who that is in the white Illinois sweat shirt with loafers and white socks, but she's in 3 of the photos (possibly Pat B?). The picnic tables look like we were at the White Pines State Park, but the shelter house in the back ground doesn't seem right, unless it was the one right at the entrance.

Center School

At least five of our classmates of 1957 attended Center School as first graders, located one mile east of Mt. Morris Road on West Grove, according to Sylvia T. who submitted this photo and an article to Farm Focus, March 24, 2005. The photo was taken in 1946 and in the front row are Richard S., Barbara H., Judy T., Sylvia T. and Glenn R.

Sylvia was the third generation of her family to attend Center School and she remembers the playground games like Peggy-move-up and the swing sets and teeter-totter. They also had out-houses and hand pumped water for drinking. The day started, according to her article, with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing. The school had special productions for the holidays with drama, singing and recitation. Parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends would pack the house making the children feel special about their accomplishments.

As all children who attended rural schools, the younger ones listened as the older kids had their lessons--not such a bad idea--and they looked forward to the time they too would be doing those things. On Friday afternoons the studies were put away and they had craft time which produced "pumpkins, snowflakes, Easter bunnies etc., which would carefully be mounted around the room and on the windows." Sylvia remembers her teacher, Pauline Hagemann, as "a classy lady, impeccably dressed" with perfect penmanship who never had to raise her voice to discipline.

According to the county history, Center School was located in Trot Town on the S. Nally property. The early Brethren Colony met in Pine Creek, Salem, West Branch and northwest of Mt. Morris at Center School until the congregation built a church known as Silver Creek, quarried from native limestone just east of the school in 1868. Trot Town grew up around the church and school.

Sources: "Saunders was 3rd generation to attend Center," Farm Focus, March 24 2005, p. 7.
History of Ogle County, Ogle County Board, 1976.

The hang-outs

You'll probably remember a few of these spots--places a youngster could hang out with friends. First, there was the Townview Dairy. Great place to stop for an ice cream cone. I remember stopping there during band concerts in the summer.


The next photo has a few classics in it. The Ogle Cafe, next door to Redding's Furniture store which sold all the latest records teenagers wanted, across from the Lamb Theater where we went for movies (for 50 cents), with a 1956 pink and white Ford owned by Delbert Spickler, Barb H.'s brother-in-law. Wonder what that car would be worth today?



We had two drug stores (pharmacies), Zickuhr's and Felker's, both with lunch counters and booths. Both were teen hangouts. I worked at Zickuhr's both in high school and one summer when I was home from college. It was owned by the parents of our class member, Dick Z. Alice's homemade sandwich filling and Mrs. Felker's coffee cake kept the customers coming back. We kids liked the cherry cokes and green rivers (what was in those?).

Zickuhr's was originally (1937) at the corner of Main and Wesley, and after they built a new building a few doors to the east, Fran's Dress Shop moved into that space, and that really became a hangout--at least for the girls. See Lynne's story.


Downtown looked like this when we were teens.



Thanks to Nancy S. for the photos.

The old elementary school

served the town well--just a little over 100 years. You can't see it from this angle, but remember the fire escape on the other side. Woo woo! What fun! Originally this building with four rooms educated both elementary and high school. There was an addition added on the west side in 1886, and then another one in the 1950s (is it still there?) But does anyone know when the addition on the southeast side was built? Obviously, it was before 1951, because the next photo shows part of our 6th grade class with Mrs. Withers in that upper classroom. Look! Nancy and Moe are sitting together! Is this where it started?


I've forgotten some names. Who is sitting behind Dorothy R. in the back? Who's behind Betty L. in the back? Who is the girl behind Darlene H. in the back? Can you pick out your cartoon drawing on the wall? Mine is Trigger right next to Woody Woodpecker. I only knew how to draw horses. For having no art curriculum in the school, I'd say we did quite well, wouldn't you?

Here's one of the eighth grade classes--Mrs. Burstrom who also directed the senior play when we were in high school. The only names I don't know are the two girls on either side of Barb H. Everyone else was in. . .the other 8th grade. . .was that Mr. Rahn? Or was he 7th grade? Where did Mr. Appler come in?

Thanks to Nancy S. who sent the clipping about the demolition of the school in 1970.

I would like to post some photos of the country schools. These are the names in the county history, but I don't know who may have attended or when they were closed. I know Glen O. and Bonnie W. went to Victory School. There was a Center School of Trot Town, and I'm guessing the Thomas girls went there; Coon Creek which closed in 1956; Union School east of town; Cedar Bluff auctioned in 1950; Fairview School; Maple Grove; New Junction.