Birthday parties were big for the ladies of '57

Click to enlarge

Can't be sure of the years, but I'm guessing the Lake Ripley event was May of 1952 or 1953,  and the party at the Olsens was 1954.  Does anyone have photos? Nowadays, everyone would have a cell phone camera and there would be 25-50 photos of each party!

Girl Scout Troop 7 receives badges and stars

This item, now almost 60 years old, appeared in the Mt. Morris Index probably in 1951 and Lynne uncovered the clipping recently.

"Fourteen members of Girl Scout Troop No. 7 and their leaders, Mrs. Lawrence Lamm, with her assistants, Mrs. Dan Fishman and Mrs. William Folgate, enjoyed an overnight hike to the Ross farm last week. A potluck supper for all the parents and families was a feature of the evening after which the girls were presented their badges and stars showing they have been girl scouts for the year. During the badge presentation ceremony, the investiture was held for Norma Corbett who has recently joined this troop. The Scout girls who participated in this overnight recreation were Sharon Rothermel, Sara Yoder, Barbara Emmert, Diane Bechtold, Darlene Holverson, Dorothy Raney, Marion Duncan, Kay Alter, Salley Olsen, Francine Kitzmiller, Lynne Fleming, Deborah Plum, Nancy Lamm and Priscilla Drummond.

Thanks for sending this Lynne--I remember Ross Farm, but don't remember this particular event. Also, I don't remember Mrs. Fishman being our assistant leader--I used to babysit for them. It's a good thing the class of 1957 was such a busy group--what would the paper have been without us?

Just girls hanging out--May 1953

From the left standing: Nancy L., Salley O., Norma C., Francine K., Sara Y.

Kneeling: Doree D. (class of 58) Marion D., Kay A.

This was probably lunch time based on the sun angle.

Photo from Carol S. (class of 58)

Girl Scout troop 227 at Camp

This photo from a June 12, 1954, issue of the Index brings back a flood of memories. On one hike we took the back way to the White Pines State Park. Roads were gravel then and it was a hot and dusty hike. Our leader, Mrs. Lamm, had us take breaks in the shade where we'd all flop down to rest. Suddenly, Fran was jumping and gyrating like nothing we'd ever seen before. She had landed on a huge ant hill and they didn't like it at all! Mrs. Lamm had us form a semi-circle while first-aid was applied to Fran's back side. Years later while watching the 60's TV program, Laugh-In, we realized they were doing Fran's dance--a cross between the Funky Chicken and the Watusi. Fran survived and so did the story--Fran, ever the good sport and joy to this day. Lynne

1954 summer baton class

Click to enlarge
Nancy and Lynne are hard at work at the town library this Spring finding interesting things about the class of 1957. I actually remember this one because I had the newspaper article in my scrap book years ago. The note under the photo says six of the girls would be picked for the fall of 1954. So I checked the 1955 yearbook and found a photo of the marching band majorettes lead by main majorette, Gayle O. Others were: Barbara N., Jane K., Mary Ann M. (not in the above photo), Wilma W., and Salley O. Baton twirling is pretty athletic, and MMHS most famous athlete, Salley, is the only one in our class that made the cut that year. The following year (fall of 1955), again, Salley was the only one from our class along with 3 freshmen and two seniors. In our senior year (fall of 1956), again, only Salley.

I'm happy to report that Lynne is up and around after some serious health set backs, and is again walking and checking on our class tree on the campus which appears to have survived a pretty tough winter.

Cheerleaders, 1952-1953

Nancy S. has sent this adorable photograph of the Mt. Morris Grade School cheerleaders. Click to read the print.

New Band Uniforms, February 1954

And didn't we feel special! Lynne scanned this from the Mt. Morris Index which reported, "Attired in their new uniforms for first appearance at half time during the Mt. Morris/Polo basketball game." A special fund was used to buy these uniforms with help from the PTA. Our director was Wayne Johnson, a graduate of Murray State College with a M.M. from Indiana University who also directed the choral groups, did arranging, and played trumpet in a local orchestra.

That year there were 50 band members--wouldn't that be about a fourth of the school body? We played at half time during the home football games and the half during the home basket ball games, the homecoming parade, the various special musical programs, school assemblies and the opening of the summer concert season at the bandshell on the campus. We also participated as a band and as individuals in band contests with other schools, and the Blackhawk Music Festival. Did we ever give a passing thought to the wonderful opportunities provided to us by our community and parents?

The trombones are completely out of view over on the left, but our class of '57 was well represented in that section--Steve B., Dwayne Z., Myron B., Sara Y., and Norma C. are there with a little help from senior Noel Mc. and sophomores Bob B. and Jim I.

Help me out if I misidentify the musician or instrument: Sylvia T., flute; clarinet--Neal J., Sharon R., Lynne F., Diane B., Francine K.; Priscilla D, French horn (shiny blonde hair in the photo); Nancy L., saxophone; Jon M., drums; trumpet--Salley O., and Darlene H. also Tom W. and Deb P. (I'm guessing here). I think it was either our junior or senior year that Nelson P. took up the bass, joined the band and entered musical contests. In our final year there were 8 seniors who played in a pep band--if you remember who--add it in the comments.

Party time 56 years ago

From the Mt. Morris Index--important social news!

Friday night January 22, ". . . a few of Priscilla D's friends gave a little surprise party in honor of her birthday in the home of Lynne F. Guests included Marion D, Tina K, Kay A, Salley O, Sara Y, Norma C, Nancy G, Nancy L and Fran K. After enjoying ice cream and cake, the honoree opened her lovely gifts."

Class of 1957 is a winner

in more ways than one. . . Salley wins golf classic. . . dateline Mattoon,IL from the Rockford Register Friday, September 25"

“It is the 8th title for Wessels, who is also a 13 time Greater Rockford Women's Golf Classic champion. Wessels led the field by 3 strokes at the beginning of Thursdays final round and held on to the lead to claim the title on a rain-soaked course. The 40th annual women’s tournament featured a full field of 120 players."

Those of us that started golfing at around the same time (sometime in 7th or 8th grade) fell so far behind most of us just gave up the game! That does not alter the fact that we are enormously proud of Salley and judging from the buzz around town Friday so are a lot of town folk. I visited the Post Office, the grocery store and Senior Center for a flu shot and everyone was talking about it. It had a amazing ripple effect among those at the Senior Center. A real shot in the arm (pardon the pun). On a rainy day in late September it was a real spirit lifter. Thanks Salley for showing us the way to go.

Submitted by Lynne

Memorial tree dedication

Good Morning and welcome...

We gather this lovely summer morning to dedicate our Class of ‘57 Memorial Tree-an idea that sprang for the passing of our beloved German exchange student, Klaus Dreyer shortly after our 50th class reunion. Klaus was with us one short year but his impact on our world was profound...that year was 1955-56 one of those quality years of the golden 50's.

While consoling each other -the idea surfaced for planting a memorial tree-Today it stands before you-An Autumn Blaze Maple-10 feet tall.


...OUR TREE

FIRM IN THIS GOOD BROWN EARTH
SET WE OUR LITTLE TREE
COOL DEWS WILL FRESHEN IT
SUMMER SHOWERS WILL FEED IT
SUN WILL BE WARMING IT
AS WARMTH IS NEEDED.
WIND WILL BLOW ROUND IT FREELY
TAKE ROOT GOOD TREE!

SLOWLY, AS DAYS GO ON,
THESE BOUGHS WILL STOUTER BE,
LEAVES WILL UNFURL ON THEE,
AND WHEN SPRING COMES TO YOU
BIRDS MAY BUILD THERE,
SHADE OUTSRETCH,WIDE AND FREE-
GROW WELL, GOOD TREE!.
IN THIS GOOD BROWN EARTH.
So we dedicate our tree to:

Sharon Rothermel - Lovely, smart and troubled-she was our first devastating loss. We vowed to take better care of each other thereafter...

Larry Stiger, Duane Blake and Jerry Wagner - the quiet ones - not saying much but not missing much either. "Still waters run deep" is the old saying...and true.

Mary Lou Seay Saldecki-Pert - pretty, petite and blonde...having it all-she was a good and loyal friend.

Tomas Walker - or "Walk' as he liked to be called with his dark, slicked back hair in the Elvis duck tail. He'd be pleased to be remembered that way, I think

Libby Mayo Woody - Striking red head with a sprinkle of freckles and a hint of a southern accent-she was something!

Donald Hundertmark - Known affectionately as "the Don" by his co-workers, instilled with the strongest of work ethics but under that seemingly gruff exterior lay a kind and considerate soul.

Norman Garrison - Dear Norman .. world’s worst ukulele player but with a self deprecating sense of humor ..he was such a joy..his loss was the hardest to bear I think..

Klaus Dreyer - Charismatic, ever smiling, well mannered- he was Germany's bridge builder to a better, more peaceful world...we will never see the like of him again.

We ask God's blessing on our little tree...that it may grow...wide and tall-to reach the floor of heaven that they may look down and know that they are not forgotten.

Sylvia on bagpipes with "Amazing Grace"

Thank you Sylvia and Thank you all for sharing this wonderful day ... May God bless us all.. Lynne

Additional note from Lynne: "We had 14 at Breakfast and that was a lively time...The Mt. Morris TIMES was there for a photo and story."

Lynne, Priscilla and Marion at the breakfast meeting last Friday.

Priscilla, Jean and Salley with Nancy and Sylvia. "In spite of the solemn occasion to follow, much merry hearted laughter prevailed at this early hour breakfast." Photo and comments from Lynne

We're proud of Salley!

Salley loses out to a college kid 50 years her junior, but we’re still proud!

From the Rockford paper:

"Using borrowed clubs and a new putter [her clubs were stolen out of her car], Hui Chong Dofflemyer held off 13-time Greater Rockford Women’s Golf Classic champion Salley Wessels 1-up Tuesday at Forest Hills Country Club to get her shot at Brittany Atterbury in Thursday’s semifinals.

“Salley took me all the way to 18, and it wasn’t easy. I had to sink a 30-foot putt for birdie to win it,” said Dofflemyer, who has never won the Women’s City tourney. “I was just happy to get through against Salley. And now it won’t get any easier.”

Atterbury, the Northern Iowa University junior who shot a course-record 68 on Monday, had a hole-in-one on No. 4 and lipped out an eagle putt at six while knocking off Erin Gorman 2-and-1 to move on. After reaching the quarterfinals of the State Women’s Amateur this spring, Atterbury is now looking to improve on her First Flight victory in this last year’s tourney.

“I have been close in this tournament before, but it’s just never clicked all the way,” the 20-year-old said. “I’m playing solid, and I just have to keep playing my game. Hui Chong is a tough player, though. She grinded it out over Salley today, and that’s saying a lot.” "

HT Murray, Lynne and my brother-in-law who all forwarded Salley's story.

Class reunion, July 2, 1977

Nancy and Lynne, top; Sylvia, Donna, Barb and Sally, bottom.

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.

Proud to be Girl Scouts

Every store I've been in this week has a table set aside for the Scouts selling cookies. My neighbor came by with her granddaughter to pick up the donation I'd promised instead of purchasing cookies. So here's a wonderful memory written by Lynne F. with photos submitted by Nancy L., whose mom was our leader.

Our class had a large, very active Girl Scout troop in the 50s. We hiked, biked, had camping trips, rolled back the sod, cooked our hobo stew and made S'mores. We also had one memorable trip to Chicago on the train and two nights at the Palmer House--the hotel was never the same! We girls thrived on this and we were blessed with two leaders who were very good sports, Mildred Lamm and Velda Plum. Some girls stayed on and were Senior Girl Scouts through high school. My personal motivation may have come from that Hollywood movie magazine of the 50s which said Debbie Reynolds had been a Senior Girl Scout. I like to think it was the fresh air, exercise and friendship. To this day I buy Girl Scout cookies.

Left to right: Barb E., Norma C., Sara Y. and Nancy L. ca. 1951. Photo submitted by Nancy L. Verso says: "Ready to leave on our 2 day camping trip." Norma says: All I remember of G.S. camping is the cows coming to our tents and scaring us. I think this street is Emily.

Left to right at a Girl Scout play day, Robin Hood theme, April 1952: Carolyn M., Darlene H., Sharon R., Norma C., Donna B., Sara Y., Deb P. Salley O., Fran K., unidentified, Diane B., Marion D., Kay A. Back row, left to right: Nancy L., Lynne F., Mrs. Lamm, leader, unidentified.

Lynne remembers: This photo brings back a flood of memories. One hike we all took was the back way to the White Pines State Park. The roads were gravel then and it was a hot and dusty hike. Our leader, Mrs. L. had us take interval breaks in the shade. On one such break we all flopped down but soon. Fran K. was up jumping and gyrating like nothing we'd ever seen before. She had landed on a hugh ant hill and they took exception to it! Mrs. L. had us form a semi-circle while first-aid was applied to Fran's back side. Years later while watching the 60's program Laugh In and realiized that was Fran's dance they were doing--a cross between the Funky Chicken and the Watusi. Fran survived and so did the story. Fran K ever the good sport and joy to this day.

Halloween Party 1953

This photo was taken in the community gym, but I don't recall who sponsored the Halloween party--perhaps the youth canteen. I found seven members of the class of 1957 in this photo--but I don't know who is behind some of the masks. The non-class members I recognize are Danny, Joyce, Larry, Mary Ann, Wilma, Murray, Don, Gerry, Joyce, and Bob from Polo.

Can you find the seven members of the class of 1957 in this photo? Are you behind a mask?