Monday, February 22, 2010

Deficio -ere -feci -fectus--be lacking, missing


It's really difficult to schlep these huge Index ledgers to the copy machine and get the part that's nearest the binding, but Lynne managed to get most of the photo of the Latin contest winners of 1954. Valerie K, Latin II, came home with a 2nd, and Nelson P. and Neal J. got a lst and 2nd for Latin I at the Sectional Latin Contest at Lyons Township High School in LaGrange, Illinois in 1954. Evan Kinsley, the principal, taught Latin. He had a B.A. from Manchester College and a Master's from the University of Wisconsin. Lynne recalls that a few in the class transferred to Home Economics, but that even a few weeks or a year were useful. I know that I always used my Latin and typing in any job, clerical or professional--the two most useful courses I took at MMHS.

Friday, February 19, 2010

The Ladies perform for the PTA March 1954


Lynne writes that physical education aka "gym class" or PE probably wasn't our favorite class. "I admit that our gym teachers always tried hard to mix it up--archery, swimming, baseball, tennis, volleyball (every time it rained), girls basketball, running laps on the track, prison ball and the dreaded Square Dancing. Looking back--it was probably fun, but it was cool to make fun of it and pretend to not like it. Katie Rasmussen Dirksen had us do some tumbling and pyramid building. This photo from the Mt. Morris Index shows some girls we can't identify performing for a Parent Teachers Association on March 9, 1954. Norma, Nancy and I all thought the girl on the left top was Barb H, but she says not. And Judy T. who was also very tiny says it isn't her. So, it will remain a mystery.

GAA (Girls Athletic Association) was something we all seemed to belong to (1954 yearbook shows 102 girls from all four grades). It was held on Monday nights after supper. One night I remember some of the gals in the mixed chorus breaking into song, "Tenderly" while we showered and dressed. No one had a Rosemary Clooney voice, but it sounded pretty good and more gentle in the 50s. Singers then didn't feel they needed to shout at you.

In the same Index, there was an ad for the new location of the Tot and Teen at 129 S. Wesley Avenue--"Watch for the grand opening," and an ad for Ship and Shore blouses in Scotch plaid for $2.98. I remember plaid blouses were the rage in the early 50s. The old location of the Tot & Teen was next to the Lamb Theater.

Speaking of The Lamb, in that same Index issue the coming attractions were Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in "Money from Home," and Will Rogers Jr. in "The Boy from Oklahoma." We seemed to go to a lot of movies and each time it changed, we wanted to see that very one. But for the life of me, these two are forgettable." Lynne

Note: After Katie left, Miss Jacobsen became our PE teacher for our junior and senior year, but I can't find her first name. Anyone know?

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The 1953-54 Fresh-Soph Squad



Lynne and Nancy have been busy looking through the Index archives. This scan from the Sports Section reminded Lynne of the movie Hoosiers--except for the white shoes. Lynne identifies line up as: Back row: Phil E, Moe K, Ray G, Dave S, Jon M, Chuck W, Larry B; Middle row: Glenn R, Dick Z, Dave B, Ron D, Mike S, Mike B; Front row; Gene H, Dick H, Stan M, Dave B, Bob H, Murray T.

The coach was Ray Walder, a graduate of Iowa State Teachers College and our General Science and Biology teacher. He led the "Moundets" to 15 wins and 5 loses that season, with only 2 returning lettermen. In the Conference, they finished with 7 wins and 1 loss. The main 8 lettering players were 6 sophomores--Stan, Dick, Bobby, Murray, Dave and Gene, with our own Dave B and Dick Z adding a lot of glam and action.

Monday, February 15, 2010

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.

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Be my Valentine

I'm a card saver. I was going through my very disorganized under-the-guest-bed box looking for old Valentines to use for decoration on the 14th for our brunch, and I came across a poem Lynne sent me in 2000. With her permission, I’m putting it on the class blog.


It's the little things that count
The things of everyday,
Just the simple things that we can do,
The kind words we can say.

The little things like a friendly smile
For those who may be sad,
The clasp of a hand or kindly deed
To help make someone glad.

Just the little greetings here and there
On which so much depends,
The little pleasures all can share,
The joy of making friends.

Lynne L. Wilburn
2/2000
Valentine's Day

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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.

Saturday, February 06, 2010

Memories of the Canteen, by Lynne

During our four years at MMHS, the Wagon Wheel Canteen in the Community Gym was a big part of our week-end social scene. I vaguely recall painting something, as I was handy with a paint brush (still am) during a summer renovation. If anyone can explain where the "Wagon Wheel" name came from, I'd surely like to know. If I knew, I have forgotten (imagine that!). I have also forgotten the membership cost. I do remember going to the re-opening though, and that is (photo and Index article below) Francine K in the patterned skirt with her arm on Priscilla D and deep in a conversation with Nancy L right in back of Priscilla. Although the photo is fuzzy I think in the background is Bob O, Joyce S and Pat F on the right, and possibly Jean M and Greeley M over on the left.

I do remember the music. Not long after the re-opening, the Lamb Theater had a coming attraction for the movie, "The Glenn Miller Story," and not long after his music made its way to the canteen record player. I have Glenn Miller music on my I-Pod to this day. How that music has endured is nothing short of amazing!

In one issue of the Mt. Morris Index I read about a canteen sponsored dance, "the music, in part, by Noel McInnis and his Modern Music Manglers." I had to laugh out loud. It reminded me of a dance at NIU right after high school and my young date excitedly explaining that at this St. Patrick's day green pig dance, the music would be provided by "Oink" Henderson and the Squealers. I am not making this up! As much as I wanted to laugh, I remembered the Modern Music Manglers from high school and thought, why not? Both of these dances were fun.

The canteen was an after game stop--win or lose--and if you had a Friday or Saturday night date, sometimes the couples would pop in before heading home. Pop corn was sold and I can't recall what else, and there was a pool table and a shuffleboard game. Most parents enforced the 11:30 PM, "be home by" time. Often parents chaperoned and I always winced when by parents took a turn.

In this same 1954 issue of the Index, the Clara Warden Apparel Shop, 5 S. Wesley Ave., later to become the Smart Wear, ran an ad for a dress, "Snow Glitter" by Vicky Vaughn, $7.99, with eyelet snowflakes from yoke to hip, banded with daisy trim and a full swinging skirt in ice blue, parfait pink or white. Wing Song perfume was selling at $2.00 for 2 oz. down the street at the Mt. Morris Dress Shop. Nine out of 10 high school girls smelled of Wing Song at the canteen re-opening I am sure.

Anyone have canteen stories they'd like to share?


Click to enlarge

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Mt. Morris on Facebook

If you're on Facebook (social networking site) there are three Facebook pages for Mt. Morris (maybe more, but that's what I've found). "Do You Remember This in Mt. Morris" is the name of the page where people of all ages are posting memories of the town, schools, businesses, sights, events, etc. In the upper right hand corner of the screen is a search field. Type in what you're looking for and the page should come up. There is a window at the top of the screen where you can post a comment, or you can just begin reading. There is also a Facebook page called simply "Mt. Morris High School" and another "I bleed Mounder Red and Black" which are more specifically about the schools before the merger with Oregon in the mid-90s. "Do You Remember This in Mt. Morris" is linked from the town website.

Monday, February 01, 2010

Remember these guys?


They were our version of the NBA. I remember sitting in the community gym watching them. I think this is the 1952 Regional. The cheerleaders were covered up and the players wore the skimpy uniforms! Found it at the Face book page of Ginny's daughter.

Friday, January 22, 2010

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."

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Ebba's winter wedding, by Lynne

As a young woman just out of high school (1957), I attended a number of weddings . . . they seemed to go on forever. Some friends were married twice (to different fellas during those years). My own wedding didn't happen until 1974, so by then I had lots of experience.

All of the early weddings were lovely and most of those I attended endured, some now over 50 years and many others very close to 50 years. None of the early weddings, however, stand out in my mind like the wedding of our classmate and my friend, Ebba and her Jerry, on January 6, 1964. A winter wedding--and I thought, “How lovely!” It started to snow about 10 p.m. the night before. I thought, "I hope this lets up." It did not.

In those days, I usually worked on Saturdays, but had taken the afternoon off to be in the wedding--to cut their wedding cake at the reception. I carefully selected an outfit, shoes, coat, etc. and had my hair done late Friday night. Dad had filled the gas tank of the family station wagon and all was ready. It snowed all night and was still snowing by take off time. Dad counseled me to start early and even offered to take me if I was timid about snow driving (he KNEW I was not the best driver and this was dear of him). I assured him I'd be fine. Mom suggested I wear boots. I frowned . . . that didn't really go with what I wanted to wear, but I put them on and used a shoe bag for my new dress shoes (purchased just for this wedding). Dad and my sister shoveled the drive way and I set off. It continued to snow. . . the closer to Rockford I got, the heavier the snow. I crept. I arrived in Rockford and could not remember were Trinity Lutheran Church was located. I stopped to ask a gentleman walking; he gave me directions and I thanked him. He added, "Hell of a day for a funeral." I said it was a wedding and he said, "Hell of day for that, too!" I promptly got stuck, so he and several other nice folks pushed me out and I was again en route to Ebba's wedding.

When I arrived the car clock said I had ten minutes, then I remembered it ran slow. I plowed my way through the snow to the church and the church janitor was trying in vain to clear the church sidewalks. He said, "Better hurry." Oh sure! I got into the church just as her minister said, "I now pronounce you. . . " and heard the organist boom out, in that nearly empty church, the recessional. Ebba and Jerry were frankly surprised to see me, as so many of their relatives didn't make it.

I cut that wedding cake with my boots on! I don't remember even taking off my coat. I was so worried about getting home, I remember very little else. Except Ebba's wedding dress. Her mother had hand made this lovely wedding dress for her youngest daughter and it was just the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. A soft ivory in a style that showed off Ebba's slim waist. She insisted I take a piece of cake home to sleep on (that is an old custom so if you dream of a young man, you will marry). I took the cake, said my good byes, and good lucks, and started back for home. I wasn't there much over an hour and when I returned to the car I needed to be pushed out again. Snow removal in the 60's wasn't what it is now and the streets were a mess. I had to reverse my directions to get home and I could barely see.


The blizzard raged on. I was a wreck. I turned on the car radio but the only station I could get was playing Claude Thornhill's "Snowfall," a lovely piece and a favorite of mine, but not that day. I crept to Rt. 2, which anyone local knows is a winding route into Oregon known for its accidents even in good weather. I began to sweat and to take deep breaths. I stopped in Byron and waited for a snow plow. I got behind one and made it safely to Oregon. The storm raged around me and it was nightfall. I stopped at a gas station and called home. Mom wanted me to stay in Oregon with her friend and not try coming home up Liberty Hill just west of Oregon. Just as I put down the phone to call Mom's artist friend, the state snow plow rumbled past. I got back in the trusty station wagon and I and several other cars followed it safely to Mt. Morris. When I came into the house I said, "piece of cake," and handed over my wedding cake to my sister. Only while telling my family about my harrowing trip did I remember I left my new shoes in the back pew of Trinity Lutheran Church, never to be seen again and never worn!

The snow was reported to be nearly 24 inches and it was days before everyone was shoveled out. Ebba and Jerry had to take a bus into Chicago for their delayed honeymoon as their car was buried. Many of Jerry's relatives from central Illinois did not make it and his parents were nearly snowed in at the Rockford Motel!

Ebba and I laugh about this from time to time and she told the story at my bridal shower in 1974. For my own wedding I had at first thought a Christmas wedding then I remember all that snow and decided October would work better.

Ebba and Jerry were married 42 years. Jerry died in 2004 after a short illness. They have four children, three daughters and a son and five grandchildren. Ebba still lives in the home she and Jerry shared and she keeps busy with family and friends and her church involvements. She still has that lovely wedding dress carefully packed away along with those wonderful memories of that unforgettable winter wedding.

Saturday, December 19, 2009

H.A. Hoff


Yes, this is our Superintendent of Schools, Harold A. Hoff, astride Nancy's horse, Flicka. The photo was taken in Diane's front yard on Center St.; he lived across the street. Mr. Hoff was first engaged as superintendent of the high school the year most of us were born, according to Mount Morris Past and Present. He succeeded I.R. Hendrickson. Before becoming Superintendent of MMHS, he served 14 years as superintendent of Milledgeville High School. His wife's name was Mable and they had a daughter Janice. Mr. Hoff died at 94 in 1993.

Thanks to Nancy for sending the photo.

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Current and past holiday traditions--by Lynne

A busy time of the year! I decorated our class memorial tree with red and black snowflakes and Nancy S. and I have taken some photos which we’ll send for the blog. We met at the Muggs coffee shop which faces the campus--a nice place for old friends to meet and enjoy that lovely view of the campus. Muggs is a realitively new coffee shop (circa summer 2008) where Plum Electric and the old Tot and Teen in turn were housed during our era. The large front windows face west and you can see our memorial tree clearly along with the old dairy from it as well and the old Rittenhouse building, which I think housed the first Kable Printing enterprises.











Some may not know that Mt. Morris now has a food pantry (about 2 years old), Loaves and Fish at the Church of the Brethren, and I’ve been busy helping there. It’s a community effort, open the first and third Thursdays and the second and fourth Mondays. When the truck from the Northern Illinois Food Bank arrives, we volunteers carry the food into the church in carts and stock the shelves.

We’ve also enjoyed a community Christmas cantata the last few years, directed by Norma’s brother-in-law, Nelson. I attended it Sunday Dec. 6 at Trinity Lutheran Church and it was fabulous--followed by a social hour. Others from the class of '57 were Sylvia T. (flute), Marian D. (chorus) and Salley O. (chimes). Former teacher, Warren Burstrom and his wife, attended also.

Priscilla came through Thursday and we went over to the Pines for lunch and spent a lovely afternoon. She shared some of her home-made apple butter with us. My sister Genie's favorite.

Saturday my sisters and I went to Sinnissippi Forest for our last live Christmas tree from that source . . . they are closing after this year. No one wants to work that hard, I guess. We‘ve been going there for our tree as a family since 1948. First, Dad and I went alone, then Genie came too, and finally Mom and Rosemary. The trees got bigger when those two joined us. Dad liked small trees but Mom wanting to utilize the 12 foot ceiling in our house and would always urge bigger and wider! Little Rosemary would literally run from tree to tree exclaiming each one to be the best. "Oh, Lynnie, this one…,” then “Oh Mom, this one is the best," until finally we'd pick one. Our trees are shorter and slimmer now as I understand why the smaller tree was what Dad preferred. He had to wrestle them into the stand. I took some pictures of them picking our final Sinnissippi tree and when we left, I took one last look around and I think Genie and Rosemary were crying. All things of our childhood pass, I guess. . . but this one I will really miss.

Later when I was doing my regular walk I recalled caroling in the halls at Christmas time in grade school, with Helen Lou pounding out carols on the old upright in halls and trooping over to the old Brethren Home to carol for the residents (never dreaming we'd ever be old!). Remember that? If it got cold early in those days, and it usually did, the fire department would flood the tennis courts next to the high school and we'd ice skate.. The police department would barricade the street by the old hotel to traffic for sledding or we'd hurry off to the golf course and slide down the pit. Priscilla asked me about the pit at lunch when I told her I walked there in winter. Warm memories for these cold days.
 
Nancy L. in California called and she said it has been snowing all day. They think they will get 6 inches. How weird is that! She was thrilled and recalled walking in the first snowfall--her, me, Pris and Fran, all over town and through the campus. It is still a good place to gather thoughts and reflect. The town would light a big tree on the campus and string those lights from light pole to light pole across Wesley and Main and Reddings would crank out Christmas music from a speaker until 9 each night. Real small town stuff. Nancy's knee is coming along (after surgery) but she is not ready for a walk in the snow yet!

We have new activities--still for the community. Coming up on the 12th is “Christmas on the Village Square” with children’s activities, strolling carolers, a parade led by Santa, and holiday cookies to buy. Money raised from the cookie sale goes to the Senior Center. We’re a busy place! There will be a Loaves and Fish food donation drop off on-going all day at the band shell for anyone wishing to donate.

All my hand-made Christmas cards to date I've given to our stamping group. They set a goal of 1000 hand-made cards for soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. One club member made 120 another 40, I gave over my 16 and now I have to make more--my sisters added together another 6. I made cards for people I don't know and now have none for those I do know! I will work off and on until it is too late to mail. Haven’t bought cards in years.

I walked the golf course today and picked up windfall for the fireplace, I'd rather start my fires with twigs and not paper, or at least not colored paper and this time of year the paper is 70% ads.

I will whisk off the photos as soon as I get them. To all the class of 57, stay well because Joyous Noel is at hand. . .

Update: Photos sent by Lynne are Nancy S checking out the black and red snow flakes (school colors); Dave S unloading the truck at Loaves and Fish; Lynne F stocking the shelves of the food pantry.

Monday, December 07, 2009

The class of 57 had its dream



From the lapels, I'd say this dream was 1973 when we were only 34 or 35.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Illinois Pupil's Reading Circle Diploma



This is an interesting certificate, apparently given out the evening of our 8th grade graduation (if that was May 29th), and signed by Laverne Edwards, our principal, Harold A Hoff, the superintendent of schools, and Verna Westfall, teacher (she wasn't my 8th grade teacher, so perhaps she was in charge of the program). The seal says "Illinois Pupils Reading Circle" which, according to a 1904 Illinois encyclopedia was started in the late 19th century to promote reading with a set of donated books to classrooms when schools didn't have libraries (and ours didn't). I have no recollection of what was included in the reading list, so perhaps someone else remembers?

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?

Monday, November 09, 2009

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.

Saturday, November 07, 2009

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.

Friday, November 06, 2009

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.