National Honor Society election 1956

No date on this Index photo, but it says we were juniors (1955-56), and in the Yearbook photo the girls are wearing white shoes, so induction must have been in the Spring, because you know we all followed those fashion dictates in those days. The Yearbook reported that only 15% of a class can be elected, and the Index said the upper 25%, and both that the standards were rising. The class of 1956 had 8 members, ours only 5.

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?

Report on the Class Breakfast, July 3, 2010

In the middle of June we got to thinking there would be no breakfast this year because the Fourth fell on a Sunday. Lynne and Nancy didn't want to see a tradition die, so they decided the class could have the breakfast on Saturday with no problem at all. Nancy talked with the folks at the Dogwood Inn, which is at the site of the old truck stop at "8 mile" at the corner of routes 64 and 26. They have a huge room there and they promised we could have it for our breakfast get together. It did in fact work out very well and we could visit without bothering other people.

It was a day of perfect weather and the restaurant set up things very nicely for us. The breakfast was at 8:30 am and many arrived early to visit. This year instead of "Ladies Only" as we've done for years, we invited the guys and also spouses. We had 19 in attendance and it seemed to work out perfectly. Sylvia read a funny little poem about reunions through the years and how each one changed through the years. Letters and e-mail from absent members were shared. Camera flashes went off and a group picture was taken at the end.

Those attending were Sylvia and Dave, Mary Jane and Dwayne, Moe and Nancy, Ron and Faye, Nancy and Don, Sara and Bill, Glenn and Donna, Jean, Lynne, Marion, Diane, and Jerry B.
Report by Nancy and Lynne with candid photos to come.
Update with additional photos.

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

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.

The 1956-57 Student Council

Click to enlarge and read.
If you still have your senior year book, the activities of the Student Council (pp.12-13) are interesting for its wide range of interests. On the two page spread, the following activities are listed.

Met with the student councils from Oregon and Polo to discuss school problems organized all Homecoming activities managed game concessions appointed sponsors for dances presented Courtesy Week (juniors Barb G. and Gary G. were Miss and Mr. Courtesy) sponsored candy sales during the noon hour in charge of assemblies in charge of the campaign for candidates for council (speeches and assembly) in charge of Conference Track activities sponsored Student-Faculty Dinner responsible for decorating the showcase planned Freshman Orientation Day handled lost and found coat check recreation room tournaments supervised the TV set which was a gift from the class of 1956 held a work day in April (we beat Earthday by 13 years!) to clean up the school grounds attended state and district conventions had a picnic supper with past members at Camp Emmaus Spring dinner with various other committees to prepare for new year worked on a community code with the PTA began planning for a student handbook.

Whew! I had no idea. Council met the first and third Wednesdays and the Council projects all had committees drawn from the student body. Looking at the photo, all representatives appear to be Sophomores through Seniors, which would make sense because elections were in the Spring before the Freshmen were part of the student body.

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."

Happy 50th Anniversary Sara and Bill

Dorothy Yoder

DOROTHY M. YODER, 98 MOUNT MORRIS - Dorothy M. Yoder, 98, of Mount Morris died Monday, Oct. 20, 2008, in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home. Born March 26, 1910, in Rockvale Township, Ogle County, daughter of Daniel R. and Helen M. (Stouffer) Samsel. Graduate of Mount Morris High School, Class of 1928, and also attended Mount Morris College and DeKalb Normal Teacher's College. Married the late A. Allen Yoder on Sept. 2, 1932. She was a homemaker and a lifelong resident of Mount Morris. Member of Disciples United Methodist Church, Mount Morris, and Ogle County Historical Society. Survivors include, son, Frederic A. (Louise) Yoder of Babbitt, Minn.; daughter, Sara A. (William) Davidson of Greenville; five grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Predeceased also by parents; sisters, Bernice Hohnadel and Lois Noonkesser; and brothers, Ralph, Maurice, Emmert, Paul and Carl Samsel. Service at 1 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27, in Disciples United Methodist Church, Mount Morris, with visitation from noon to time of service; the Rev. Lora Zink, pastor, Disciples United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial in Plainview Cemetery in Mount Morris. Memorials to Ogle County Hospice, Disciples United Methodist Church or Mount Morris Public Library. Arrangements by Finch Funeral Home.

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.

Memories, a poem

Lynne F. submitted a prose poem for the blog about memories, and I looked through Nancy's photos and thought this one of some of us looking in the distance might fit. We are actually watching a spring baseball game (March 1953), and it must have been muddy so we're standing on a board. Look at those white shoes! I sort of like the far away look, like we're trying to figure out what will happen. Tina, who is now a great grandmother, looks right at the camera and smiles; Lynne, who grew into a real sports fan, is looking somewhere else.


Left to right: Lynne (back turned), Sylvia H., Carol S. (class of 58), Priscilla D., Norma C., Marion D. (partially hidden), Francine K., Sara Y. and Tina K.

". . . but memories remain forever. Real memories of happier, more innocent days before we came to know the world. But they are always with us, running parallel to the present, shining like stars in a cup of water, as some poet said, lighting up our path, and never going out." by Lynne Fleming Wilburn, 2002

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.

Girl Scout Dances

Girl Scout Dance, ca. 1952
Girl Scout dances were usually held twice a year, one always for Valentine's Day. We would fuss and fret over whom to ask and hoped they would/could dance. Boys were more shy, as a rule at that age, but caught up in a hurry. We girls decorated and baked cookies and lined up parents willing to chaperone. Girls would whisper and giggle and the boys acted goofy. The experience of playing hostess, acting like ladies and using our manners would be skills we would use all our lives.

Left to right: Diane B., Barb E., Sara Y., and Kay A. Second row left to right: Glen R., Marv M., Dick Z. and Gary H.

Photo by Nancy L. Story by Lynne F.

Slumber Parties in the 1950s

We girls had some great slumber parties in the 1950s. The one that most vividly sticks in my mind was a "French-fry Slumber Party" at Fran's house. We each brought a few potatoes, someone had a deep fryer, and we ate all night. Lots of screaming and yelling of course, and we played music. I don't think anyone knew how to dance, but if they did, we did that too. This photo seems to be a morning after shot, but was taken at my house in 1956--before Mom redecorated to more neutral tones. Left to right is Francine K., Marian D., Sara Y., Kay A., Mary Lou S. (deceased), and Diane B.; Lynne F. in the front.

There are items in this photo that just scream 1950s: pin curls tied up with a scarf (no one had hair dryers); bermuda shorts with knee socks; hard sided over night cases; scarves tied under the collar of a neatly pressed white blouse; big print wall paper in the living room; book club novels in the bookcase; hair cuts by Mom; and home permanents we gave each other.

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?