Mrs. Westfall's 7-A class 1952

I got so inspired by Pat's contribution of old clippings, I decided to look for mine. Although we lived for 34 years in a house with no basement and no attic and I managed to keep track of my school memorabilia, we now have both and I can't find anything. I crawled into an appropriately named crawl space under the stairs with a flashlight and opened a plastic container. I think my old scrapbook might be in there, but this was nearer the top and I was breathing mold and my knees were aching, so I backed out.



Here's what I'd written on the outside:

Mt. Morris Grade School, May 1952, Grade 7-A, Verna Westfall Teacher. School started September 2; school out May 27 (2:15).

Then on the inside, our classmates signed their names and nicknames--I only remember a few of these--not even the one I gave myself. Debora was Fruity, Kay (not in the picture) was Shike, Betty was Pety, Francine was Frany (not in the picture) Dave was Little Bart (not in the picture), Richard was Dick, Marion was Mickie, Marv gave himself the nick name of "Me," Priscilla was Pris, Nancy S. was Cisco, Melvin K. was Moe, Barb H. was Billy, Larry was Stiher(?), and to Mrs. Westfall's signature it looks like I added "Wesy" and I doubt that we ever called her that to her face.

First row left: Barbara E., Priscilla D., Dorothy (she signed Dorothea) R., Melvin K.
Second row: Barbara H., Dwane B., Eugene (Mike) S., Marion D., Neal J.
Thrid [sic] row: Donna B., Debora P., Betty P., Darrel M., Betty L.
Fourth row: Carolyn M., Glen R., Gary H., Nancy S., Tom W.
Fifth row: Marvin M., Shirley R., Richard S., Norma C., Larry S.

Not in picture: Kay A., Francine K., David B.

Thoughts about the classroom: I see many small plants on the window sill. Did we each have a plant we were taking care of? Mine would have been dead by May, for sure. Anyone remember why notebooks were stacked in the back of the room? Was that to make our desks look neat for the photo? And didn't we all want to be in Mr. Rahn's room next door--I think it was his first year of teaching. Remember when you could put mittens on radiators to dry--and the whole room would smell like wet wool? Remember the plays Neal would write and Mrs. Westfall graciously let the class perform them?

Class of 56 and 57 CBYF trip

Although I'm not positive of the date, I think this is Spring 1954. From left, Joyce K., Gayle D., Barb N., Norma C., Sharon R., Deb P., Sylvia T., Jackie K., Mike S., Pastor Dean Frantz. Can't see him, but I'm guessing Forrest Kinsey, our Sunday School teacher took the photo. We were visiting Chicago.

Red House Mystery, Senior Play

More memories courtesy of Pat B. and scanned by class archivist, Nancy S.




The play was presented April 12, 1957. The 1957 Mounder has a good 2 page spread on the theme, and all the cast and supporters who helped with the play. Lynne wrote a blog on this back in 2007 with some good candid shots.

Time Out for Ginger Memorabilia

More good stuff from Pat B.




"Time Out for Ginger", a comedy in three acts by Ronald Alexander, was presented by the junior class of Mount Morris High School on Friday evening, November 18, in the gymnasium auditorium. [from the 1956 Mounder]

A recent Broadway and television success, "Ginger" was a hilarious expression of a new and dangerous philosophy by Howard G. Carol that everyone should be allowed to do whatever he wants. The Carol family, headed by father Howard, a usually conservative banker, is dominated by the varied activities of 3 active teen-aged girls. The youngest daughter, Ginger, reports for the football team, Life magazine selects her for the cover, and the Carol household is in an uproar. Richard Myers was our Director.

Kay A. played Joan; Jean M. Jeannie; Norma C. was mother Carol; Dave S. was Eddie; Myron B. Tommy; Mike B. was Mr. Wilson; Jon M. the father, Howard Carol; Pat B. was Lizzie; Marv M. was Ed Hoffman.

When the broadway play got to Chicago in 1954, Steve McQueen played the part of Eddie.

1955 Champions

Courtesy of Pat B. who has donated some goodies from her high school scrap book.

The 1956 Mounder reports "Top-notch playing earns Mounders perfect season." This year the Mounders rolled to their first undefeated season. . . the games beginning with the West Rockford JVs 6-0, then Rockton 12-6, on to conference play at Lanark for an easy 32-0 victory, and Homecoming the next week beating Mt. Carroll 18-12 in the rain. Then the Mounders trounced Milledgeville 52-0, even with 3 touchdowns called back for penalties. At Oregon our guys won 19-0, and in the final game with Polo, the score was 28-7.

Class of 57 members of this team were Dave B., Phil E., Marv M., Dwayne Z., Dick Z., and Dave S. Nelson P. was team manager.

Memorial tree's first fall

Our memorial tree had a lovely first fall, according to Lynne--it was lovingly watered and watched over by several '57 class members.

The leaves fall.
Autumn is closing the windows
on the year.
But this is just
a moment in time.
There is always that eternal hope
that looks ahead to the glorious green and
flowering life of a new springtime
just over the horizon.

Update: Another photo at a different shade in the color spectrum and angle as the season changes. Isn't it lovely?

If you have these Mt. Morris books. . .

Hang on. They seem to be worth a lot of money. The Kable Brothers Printing anniversary book I saw for $200, and the Old Sandstone for $150 at a rare book site on the internet (forgot to note which one). I have the Memories of Old Sandstone--bought it a few years ago for $20. You might want to shop around.

A 50's Fashion Story by Lynne

I begged my Mom to buy me two wool scarves--one pink and one yellow--it was the BIG fashion of the moment. I promised to have them dry cleaned at season's end (remember Cratty's on Main Street?). The first year I did, but by year two, I figured dry cleaning was killing my allowance (I had my 8th grade navy slacks pressed every Thursday for wearing on Friday. Our school colors were navy and orange.) So. . . I washed the scarves. Well, I had to give them over to my little sister for her dolls--they were the size of pocket hankies!!! I still don't trust a label that says "wool--washable." Ya, right--if it's wool, it's the dry cleaners.

The lower photo shows the jeans of the 50s. I wore boys jeans early on and there is the Ship & Shore white blouse and the mandatory neck scarf and saddle shoes. In the backgroun is the "new" Mt. Morris VFW--no trees yet or paved drive, so it was early 50s. I was enroute to the apple orchard in back of the VFW, so I think it was a warm fall day.

Breakfast in 1996

I can't tell you much about this photo except that I found it in an album of photos where I keep 40-50 years worth of Christmas card photos, and it was in a section with Lynne and Sylvia's families (what adorable children!) I wasn't often around for these mid-year events, but I think Lynne and/or Sylvia used to gather up some folks for coffee at the little restaurant on Wesley when Nancy L who lives in California was in town. My photo-detective eye spies an artificial pointsettia in the foreground, so I'm guessing this was December 1996 and I was probably in town visiting my parents so I got invited. I probably took the photo because I'm not in it, and I do have a vague memory of seeing Deb at one of these coffees, and I don't think I've seen her since. From the left: Francine, Deb, Nancy, Sylvia, Lynne, Marion.

Happy 50th Anniversary Sara and Bill

Found! Another 8th grade trip photo

Nancy S. has found and scanned another photo from our wonderful 8th grade trip to Chicago. What I remember about the Spring of 1953 is that it was time to shop for "big girl" clothes. We had graduation, the trip to Chicago, and the Lutherans had confirmation. Our mothers must have gone crazy! Here's Nancy and Bonnie W. in their new duds for the trip. Nancy had to remind me that the dog collar around her ankle meant she had a steady boyfriend. I don't remember that fad, but am taking her word for it. Here are some other photos of that trip.

Updating you on life after 70 for the Mt. Morris Class of 1957

Nancy S. wrote a book and Bob C. did the proofreading.

Norma C. has twelve blogs, paints watercolors, volunteered for a recent bird watchers symposium, and toured the Holy Land in March.

Dave B. drives a school bus and enjoys their school sporting events and writes Bible studies.

Lynne F. walked over 600 miles this summer, is working part-time and is "dating" at 70 and still cranking out poetry. Also volunteers at the new Mt. Morris food pantry, Loaves and Fish.

Marion D. enjoys her grandchildren and looks after her mother.

Priscilla D. is a community activist currently trying to get a museum going and getting e-mail friendly.

Darlene H. has gone back to school to polish up skills.

Sharon G. made a remarkable recovery from a two year bout with serious health problems.

Glenn R. and Greely M. are recent cancer survivors with clean bills of health and are now enjoying golf and fishing.

Mike B. and Barb H. both moved into new homes.

Nancy L. is taking all four grandsons to Disneyland for Christmas (a sheer act of courage).

Phil E. helped his son with his lawn business this summer; he was seen in all neighborhoods mowing grass.

Fran K. recovered rapidly from all her summer surgeries and will be spending some of the winter in FL.

Sylvia T. is busy all over with her music skills and Dave S. keeps busy with the Border Collies (the smartest dogs in town).

Salley O. just keeps winning golf tournaments and making us all feel good in the process.

Moe and Nancy have given back to the earth with their planting and gentle care of the land, no small thing considering the size of their country home. And it doesn’t stop there with them, they have helped out others in their quest to restore the land.

It is true we have lost a few along the way. And some of us will face some health issues this coming year and decade but knowing what a tough bunch we are, we will draw on all the inner strength and faith we have and we will prevail.

That’s life . . . but what I’ve learned of life can be summed up in the phrase--“It goes on.”

You will want to watch this site for updates on classmates as they come about . . . both good and not so good. After all, it isn’t just about “they way we were,” but they way we are now. Stay well and always remember you are loved.

Submitted by Lynne

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

The lost birthday party

Here's a really fun photo of Nancy S.'s birthday party in 1952. She sent it to me in April and I'd forgotten it, but it's too cute not to post.




And I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind losing a few birthdays!

Mt. Morris Times story about class tree

"Members of the Mt. Morris High School Class of 1957 gathered on Kable Square Aug. 13 to dedicate a gift to the village."


"Members of the Mt. Morris High School Class of 1957 pose with the autumn blaze maple tree they donated to the village and dedicated Aug. 13. Pictured left to right are: Laurie Hough, daughter of Donald Hundertmark, Linda Hundertmark, Bob Coddington, Nancy Falzone, Dave Saunders, Priscilla Campbell, Lynne Wilburn, Greely Myers, Jeanne Scholl, Marian Thompson, and Sylvia Saunders." (Photo by Vinde Wells )

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

Autumn Blaze Maple selected for Class of 57 tree

What: Class of '57 Memorial Tree Dedication
When: Friday, August 14th
Time: 9:30 AM
Place: Campus(south portion)
Optional: There will be an 8 a.m. breakfast prior to the dedication at Spring Valley Coffee Shop located across the railroad tracks east of Mt. Morris, just past Kable News Fulfillment and across from Finch Funeral Home.

There will be a photo op on the Campus and the local Mt. Morris TIMES has agreed to take a photo for the paper.

Come if you can. . . Hope to see you there. . . casual dress.

Lynne reports that "our" tree is 10 ft. tall. According to a web site I checked, "the Autumn Blaze is an extremely fast-growing maple with brilliant red fall color. Under good conditions it can grow 3 ft. or more per year. It is tolerant of clay soils and drought and has a dense, oval head with strong branching. Developed in North Central Ohio, this tree will grow in a wide range of climates from Michigan to central Florida. It grows 50 ft. high and 40 ft. wide."

A big thank you to all the class members who worked so hard getting this done.

Several class members (Bob, Lynne, Sylvia and Dave) assist the nursery crew in finding just the right spot for the Class of 57 tree, under the careful eye of Tess and Buddy, the Saunders' border collies.

"Nancy S. marks just the right spot of our memorial tree." Photo and comments by Lynne. Bandshell in background.

"Fresh in the ground, tall and straight." Photo and comments by Lynne. In the background is the dormitory from the college years, sold to become apartments after its closing in 1932.

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.

A poem for our birthdays

Sybil, wife of Mort who writes the blog Octogenarian, wrote this on the occasion of her recent 80th birthday, but reading through it, I decided it sounds pretty much like turning 70. At the mini-reunion at Moe and Nancy's, three members of the class were rejoicing at being returned to friends and family after recent serious health problems. So for all of us, whatever our age this year (I think 1939 would probably win out as a birth year for our class), here's her poem. I missed the reunion, but when I was in MM at Easter having coffee with Nancy and Lynne, I know I heard the importance of friendship many, many times, which is really what Sybil decides too.

AN OCTOGENARIAN'S LAMENT

I look in the mirror and see a strange face.
Oh, surely this image is in the wrong place.

There should be a picture, alive and aglow,
A young pretty girl with no signs of woe.

But alas I see a woman, who's old and worn,
With wrinkles and lines from the cares she has borne.

It's hard to accept that never again
Will I get the glances of much younger men.

I really feel like I'm out of the loop.
The computer keyboard to me Looks like alphabet soup.

The mouse is erratic and just won't behave
And I never remember the key for work that you save.

I don't have a Blackberry, or play an Nintendo game
And all the hip-hop music to me sounds the same.

I'm even beginning to feel quite bitter
That I have no idea what it means to TWITTER!

And so like the poet I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high O'er vale and hill
when all at once I saw a crowd
Not of golden daffodils, but of my wonderful friends.

I really should tell ol' Wordsworth
That a friend brings more joy than a daffodil.
Your love and compassion have helped me through the years
As you have patiently listened to my woes and my fears.

So thank you and bless you for helping me celebrate my special day.
Your devotion means more to me than I can say.

I love you all.

---------------

Sybil gave permission to post this.

More mini-reunion photos

Sara, Fran, Mary Jane and Sylvia enjoy the lovely weather and flowers

Sara's husband Bill and Dwayne.

Here's Bob C. chatting with Pat B., Nancy K., Nancy S., and Mary Jane F. Pat's husband Tom D. from class of 1956 at left.

Sylvia S. with the three Nancy's.

The guys sitting under a tree, l. to r. Fran's friend, Jim, Glenn R., Phil E., Diane's husband John T., Don F. husband of Nancy S., and Tom D., Pat's husband. Darlene H. in the foreground.

Enjoying the day are l. to r. Darlene, Donna wife of Glenn R., Diane B., Nancy L., Greely M., with Nancy S. in doorway.

Moe and Nancy's place has prairie grasses and wild flowers east of the house. Their 80 something neighbor still milks his cows and makes hay.

Photos from the mini-reunion

Here are some photos and captions contributed by Nancy S., Sylvia T. and Lynne F. of the reunion and breakfast. What a gorgeous setting for a reunion! I'll add more as they are sent.

Lynne writes that the lake is man-made, in that Moe bought a back hoe and dug the lake himself. He also has a couple of marshs and recounted, when he took the group on the tour, the types of ducks, geese and other wildlife that enjoy the fruits of his hard work, pointing out all the different types of grasses and wild plants that call Moe's Lake their home. On the lake, hanging on a tree, is a rope swing for when the "grands' come and go swimming. Can't you just hear grandkids screaming and squealing as they let go of the rope and plunged into that cold lake water. It was a warm, sunny day but not hot for July 4th weekend and our hosts offered us plenty of shade.


With back to camera is Marion D., Jean M. in pink, Mary Jane F. in blue and white, Fran K. in raspberry, Lynne F. in red and Nancy S. in bright blue. Nancy keeps the lovely photo albums of our events--all 52 years worth of them. Her albums are class treasures.

Phil and Kay rest on Moe and Nancy's porch while visiting with the other guests. Kay you'll recall is class of 1958 and she and Phil dated in high school and have been married happily all these years.

The Nancys catch up on what's happening now.

Dave S. with his catch of the day! Kind hearted Dave hurried away to release the fish back into Moe's lake.


Pat B. and Darrell M. chat on the patio of Moe and Nancy's country home. The view and the flowers were spectacular. Lynne F. in the background talking with her hands, nothing much changes there!


Ebba L. arrives at the picnic all smiles. Note: Moe's corn in the background


Marion D. and Donna B. (Glenn's wife, class of 1959) enjoy the moment.


Our hostess Nancy G. chats with Sara Y.


Darlene H. and Ebba L. look for a spot to sit and talk.

Glenn R. and Nancy S's husband Don.

Greely looking fit after his recent surgery.




Here are Nancy L. and Lynne F. and Moe K. at the annual fire department breakfast. The class sat together and were greeted by many others returning for the festivities. The fire station had four tables decked in black and red (our school colors) with assorted Mounder memorabila such as cups, pencils and even key chains at each table. "They took good care of us... we did not want for a thing and it was appreciated," writes Lynne.

Another great reunion reports Nancy S.

The class of 1957 met July 3, 2009, for its 52nd year reunion at the beautiful home of Moe and Nancy near Seward, IL. We started arriving at about 1:00 p.m. The committee helped Nancy with the finishing touches of tablecloths, lawn chairs and food preparation. The ledge around the inside of the garage worked out just perfect for a place for our food. Our hosts furnished the tea, coffee, lemonade and pop, and John and Marian furnished the roast pork.

The women classmates visited on the patio surrounded by beautiful flowers, and in a big circle under large tents out of the sun. The men were under a huge oak tree. Dave S. went fishing and came back with a 5 lb large mouth bass he caught on his third cast. He released it back into the lake. Moe said grace and we all ate together in a group. The food was wonderful and we were blessed with absolutely perfect weather.

Moe and Nancy have a beautiful view across the country to their lake with birds and I’m sure a lot of wild life. A baby rabbit or two were spotted. Moe took us on a tour of their beautiful home and showed us his collection of artwork and limited edition prints. He then took us on a caravan and we drove around his 4-acre lake where he has a duck refuge with duck blinds, deer blinds, boats, canoes, and a rope swing. Everyone enjoyed this trip through God’s country. For the next several hours all of us joined together for a fun time just talking and reminiscing. There were a lot of laughs and good conversation.

The 29 attending were Nancy L., Nancy S. and husband Don, Nancy and Moe, Darrell M., Glenn R. and wife Donna, Fran and friend, Diane B., Lynne F., Marian D. and husband John, Mary Jane & Dwayne, Pat B. and husband Tom, Sara Y. and husband Bill, Bob C., Jean M., Ebba L., Darlene H., Phil E. and wife Kay, Greeley M., Dave S. & Sylvia T. Everyone mingled and conversation was great. It was especially nice to see classmates, Diane, Fran, Greeley and Glenn, all of whom have had health issues recently and had surgery this year, but still came to visit with their classmates.

This get together could be described as possibly one of our best reunions. It was casual and relaxed. It may have been small in number but sometimes small groups are better. It was a very successful and fun day.

The next morning we all met again at the Mt. Morris Firemen’s breakfast. It was pouring rain, but I think that just added to the atmosphere and we all sat there several hours just talking and laughing together. It was just a great time. Every once in awhile someone from other classes would stop by to visit also. I am sure all will remember it well.

A perfect ending to a very successful get together for the Class of 57.