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."

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.

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.

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.

The class of 57 had its dream

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

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?

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!