The Ladies' Breakfast

The Ladies of the class of 1957 meet for breakfast annually during the July 4th festivities, usually at a local restaurant. This year we met at the White Pines on Saturday, June 30 (where we would be meeting for the reunion on Monday). There was a good turn out because so many were coming back for the reunion.

From left, counter clockwise: Sylvia T., Sharon G., Marion D., Mary Jane F., Nancy G., Barb H., Nancy S., Diane B. Judy T., Salley O., Sara Y., Jean M., Lynne F., Norma C., Tina K., Valerie K. (class of 56).

Judy T., Nancy L., Lynne F., Salley O. and Sara Y. share some stories.

Sisters Tina and Valerie had a reunion of another kind. They brought their mother home for burial and a memorial service at Oakwood. She was 90.


Fran K., Barb H. Nancy S. say good-bye in the parking lot.


After breakfast, Coach Salley had the group practicing in the parking lot for the parade routine with walkers.

Mark this date for the reunion

A member of the reunion committee told me they are planning on Monday evening, July 2, 2007 for the reunion with the social hour beginning at 5:30 pm, and dinner at 7 pm. Most of us are retired, so we don't have to hurry home to jobs. Many people return to Mt. Morris for the Fourth of July celebration, and the Saturday evening locations are hard to book if you don't have a big crowd.

This post (written Oct. 20, 2006) will stay on top and be updated as needed.

Today's quiz: What were the names of our Superintendent and Principal? What was the name of our class adviser? Were you ever called to their offices? Don't peek at the other comments--someone might tell the teacher!


class of 1957

Class Reunion

This is the final entry for the Class of 57 blog--a gift to all the classmates from Lynne. See you all on July 2!

The Lamb Theater

This looks a bit murky and dim, but it's a spot we all recognize. I've been looking for my little sophomore diary in which I listed all the movies I'd seen--about one a week. But can't find it. Mrs. Bearman sold tickets. I think we paid $.50 after age 13, maybe $.10 before. There were a few double seats. Very popular. Popcorn was good. There were cowboy series, cartoon series, and maybe horror shows? I think this is Barb H.'s photo. Any memorable movies you remember? Didn't they give away junker cars one year? What was that called?

May 17, 1957--The Prom

The following article is taken from the final issue of the Hilltopper, our school newspaper, May 31, 1957. It was written by Joyce Knowles and submitted here by Carol Samsel. Photos from Mounder 1957.

"The annual Junior-Senior Prom, Mexican Promenade, was enjoyed by approximately 50 couples this year. The dance took place in a Mexican market square containing a cafe, with an outdoor hacienda, a cantina, a band shell and numerous shops.

Many people believe this has been the most original theme in many years. Every thing used was authentic from the big Mexican sombreros to the little hand tooled shoes and hand painted vases. Even the band shell was copied from one in Mexico.


After the "senoritas and senors" enjoyed their Mexican Promenade, they journeyed to "El Lamb" where they watched a horror show entitled THEM. Following the show, a fiesta was held by the senior mothers at the Moose Club.

A prom wouldn't be perfect without a picnic however, so the "night owls and early birds" were up early Saturday morning picnicking at the Pines.

Neither would a dance be perfect without a nice long siesta. So, if there are still some senior stragglers here Wednesday, wake them up; school is out.

Entertainment at the prom banquet on Friday night, May 17, included the Mello-Tones who were directed and accompanied on the piano by Mrs. Helen Lou Kelsey. For the Mexican theme the group selected "Serenade of the Bells" and "Sorta on the Border." The latter number was highlighted by a cornet solo by Salley Olsen and the accompaniment of a rhythm section consisting of Steve Covin, maracas, Jim Graf, castanet, and Connie Frey, claves.

Senior Class Will and Prophecy

In the final issue of the Hilltopper, the senior class will and prophecy were posted. Also departing plans. I won't list them all, especially if, well, you know. . .some were mean. Kids!

Myron B. leaves his safe driving to Mr. Harvey.

Diane B. leaves her ability to talk to Joan K.

Duane B. leaves his Model A to next year's driver training class.

Steve B. leaves the Canteen--at last!

Barbara E. leaves her mother with Martha.

Lynne F. leaves her neatness to Neal J.

Priscilla D. leaves Mr. Worley to the juniors.

Glen O. leaves the lab windows--clean.

Glenn R. leaves his golf ability to Mr. Burstrom.

Ken Z. leaves his money-making ideas to Steve C.

Marv M. left.

Junior class supplied the prophecy.

Diane B. is going to be a gossip columnist for the New York Times.

Norman G. is famous for his imitations of Hollywood stars.

Glen O. is a circus barker, and Melvin K. has trained his beagle to be in Glen's circus.

Francine K. is in the 1960 Olympic games for hammer throwing.

Sharon R. is queen of the Rose Bowl of 1960.

Judy T. makes letters for alphabet soup and Sylvia T. is her proof reader.

Dick Z. is no. 1 caddy for Mr. Burstrom.

Greely M. is Mrs. Price's bodyguard.

Norma C. is writing an advice column.

Some plans for the future for the seniors.

Mary Jane F. planned to drive a chevy.

Carol K. planned to go to college.

Pat B. planned to work and get married.

Lynne F. planned to work, work, work, work.

Nancy L. planned to go to Florida.

Judy T. wouldn't tell.

Jerry T. planned to work and enter the service.

Dick Z. planned to have a ball.

Daisy W. planned to go to school in Nebraska.

Donna B. planned to get married.

Dwayne Z. planned to farm with Mary Jane.

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.

The way we were in 1972

Click to enlarge

Upper left are Mike B., class president confering with Warren Burstrom, who with his wife, our 8th grade teacher, were our guests that night, July 1, 1972 at Emerald Hills.

Upper right counter clockwise are Duane B. (barely visible), Norma C., empty chair for my husband taking the photo, Lynne F., Ron D. and wife, Jean M., Bob C. and guest, and Norman G.

Lower left: Dave S. and Sylvia T., Sally O. and her husband Phil W. (not a class member), Ebba L., and Dwayne Z.

Lower right: Sally O. and Sharon R., Mike B. in background.

Breakfast cookout--senior girls

It is my hope that we've all improved our cooking skills since May 1957 when some of the senior girls gathered for a breakfast cookout. We were not like today's students who would probably stop by a Starbucks or McDonald's. No, we had bacon, eggs, o.j., milk, and someone probably figured out how to make toast on an open fire. I'm trying to remember what the occasion was, but the only thing I can remember is that we were allowed (or flaunted the rules) to wear casual clothes to school, so we combined that with a breakfast. It must have been a chilly day--we're all bundled up.

Upper left is Lynne F. pouring orange juice; upper right (that is not smoke, just a bad exposure) are Sylvia T. warming her hands, Darlene H. watching, and Nancy L. wondering if she should blow on the fire; then lower left is Francine K. stirring the eggs and Darlene trying to take the spoon (or is that a rake?); Then lower right is Nancy blowing on the fire (her mother was our Girl Scout leader), with Frannie laughing (surprise!) and Nancy's back to the camera. I don't know who that is in the white Illinois sweat shirt with loafers and white socks, but she's in 3 of the photos (possibly Pat B?). The picnic tables look like we were at the White Pines State Park, but the shelter house in the back ground doesn't seem right, unless it was the one right at the entrance.

Center School

At least five of our classmates of 1957 attended Center School as first graders, located one mile east of Mt. Morris Road on West Grove, according to Sylvia T. who submitted this photo and an article to Farm Focus, March 24, 2005. The photo was taken in 1946 and in the front row are Richard S., Barbara H., Judy T., Sylvia T. and Glenn R.

Sylvia was the third generation of her family to attend Center School and she remembers the playground games like Peggy-move-up and the swing sets and teeter-totter. They also had out-houses and hand pumped water for drinking. The day started, according to her article, with the Pledge of Allegiance and singing. The school had special productions for the holidays with drama, singing and recitation. Parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends would pack the house making the children feel special about their accomplishments.

As all children who attended rural schools, the younger ones listened as the older kids had their lessons--not such a bad idea--and they looked forward to the time they too would be doing those things. On Friday afternoons the studies were put away and they had craft time which produced "pumpkins, snowflakes, Easter bunnies etc., which would carefully be mounted around the room and on the windows." Sylvia remembers her teacher, Pauline Hagemann, as "a classy lady, impeccably dressed" with perfect penmanship who never had to raise her voice to discipline.

According to the county history, Center School was located in Trot Town on the S. Nally property. The early Brethren Colony met in Pine Creek, Salem, West Branch and northwest of Mt. Morris at Center School until the congregation built a church known as Silver Creek, quarried from native limestone just east of the school in 1868. Trot Town grew up around the church and school.

Sources: "Saunders was 3rd generation to attend Center," Farm Focus, March 24 2005, p. 7.
History of Ogle County, Ogle County Board, 1976.

The hang-outs

You'll probably remember a few of these spots--places a youngster could hang out with friends. First, there was the Townview Dairy. Great place to stop for an ice cream cone. I remember stopping there during band concerts in the summer.


The next photo has a few classics in it. The Ogle Cafe, next door to Redding's Furniture store which sold all the latest records teenagers wanted, across from the Lamb Theater where we went for movies (for 50 cents), with a 1956 pink and white Ford owned by Delbert Spickler, Barb H.'s brother-in-law. Wonder what that car would be worth today?



We had two drug stores (pharmacies), Zickuhr's and Felker's, both with lunch counters and booths. Both were teen hangouts. I worked at Zickuhr's both in high school and one summer when I was home from college. It was owned by the parents of our class member, Dick Z. Alice's homemade sandwich filling and Mrs. Felker's coffee cake kept the customers coming back. We kids liked the cherry cokes and green rivers (what was in those?).

Zickuhr's was originally (1937) at the corner of Main and Wesley, and after they built a new building a few doors to the east, Fran's Dress Shop moved into that space, and that really became a hangout--at least for the girls. See Lynne's story.


Downtown looked like this when we were teens.



Thanks to Nancy S. for the photos.

The old elementary school

served the town well--just a little over 100 years. You can't see it from this angle, but remember the fire escape on the other side. Woo woo! What fun! Originally this building with four rooms educated both elementary and high school. There was an addition added on the west side in 1886, and then another one in the 1950s (is it still there?) But does anyone know when the addition on the southeast side was built? Obviously, it was before 1951, because the next photo shows part of our 6th grade class with Mrs. Withers in that upper classroom. Look! Nancy and Moe are sitting together! Is this where it started?


I've forgotten some names. Who is sitting behind Dorothy R. in the back? Who's behind Betty L. in the back? Who is the girl behind Darlene H. in the back? Can you pick out your cartoon drawing on the wall? Mine is Trigger right next to Woody Woodpecker. I only knew how to draw horses. For having no art curriculum in the school, I'd say we did quite well, wouldn't you?

Here's one of the eighth grade classes--Mrs. Burstrom who also directed the senior play when we were in high school. The only names I don't know are the two girls on either side of Barb H. Everyone else was in. . .the other 8th grade. . .was that Mr. Rahn? Or was he 7th grade? Where did Mr. Appler come in?

Thanks to Nancy S. who sent the clipping about the demolition of the school in 1970.

I would like to post some photos of the country schools. These are the names in the county history, but I don't know who may have attended or when they were closed. I know Glen O. and Bonnie W. went to Victory School. There was a Center School of Trot Town, and I'm guessing the Thomas girls went there; Coon Creek which closed in 1956; Union School east of town; Cedar Bluff auctioned in 1950; Fairview School; Maple Grove; New Junction.

The way we were

This is our 1987 class reunion. I may have to rescan it. Nancy sent it to me and it only had 1 dpi. Friends of the class of 1957: the next time we have a photo taken, please take off your glasses if they change to dark in the sunlight! We look like a group of bumblebees!

That was my very favorite dress of my adult life--worst year, but best dress. Fashion went down hill in the 90s, and really hasn't recovered.

As American as apple pie

The Snodgrass family farm was on the road to Oregon (if you were driving to Rockford it came out north of Oregon along the Rock River), and the house is a classic American Four Square, or Prairie Box, popular from about 1890-1930. Although I don't know when this was built (maybe Nancy or Don know), those little side porches were designed for rainy weather--you could drive the carriage or car up to the house, and not mess up the living room. If you grew up anywhere in the midwest, you knew this house--comfortable, airy, and perfect for families. They worked just as well in the cities as they did in the country.

And here's one of the main attractions at the Snodgrass farm--Flicka and her owner Nancy. I think the whole class knew Flicka, and of course, we all thank Nancy for her many years of calling us back home in the summer for our reunions.

As I remember it, Flicka was much nicer than my horse. And did you know my horse originally belonged to the Orrs? I wouldn't claim that Ordy taught this horse bad habits, but I remember Sara Y. and I riding double on him south of Mt. Morris, when the saddle slipped sideways and we both tumbled off, each hanging on to the other. The old puff-out-your-belly-trick when they tighten the cinch. Just one of the many dangerous things you never told your parents!

Red House Mystery, the Senior Class Play

Lynne F. writes her memories of the senior class play, April 12, 1957. Photos by Nancy L.

Mt. Morris High School traditionally had an annual junior play in the fall and senior play in the spring. We also had a very active drama club which went by various names during our high school years (see the Thespian story), and our English teachers encouraged participation in the arts--acting, writing and set design.

I think half of our class was in our senior play, The Red House Mystery, either in the cast or the production crew. Some of us doubled as actors and production staff.

left to right: Lynne F., Glen O., Sharon R., Carol K.
The play was based on the book by A.A. Milne, the author of House at Pooh Corner and Now we are Six, so enjoyed by generations of children, my sisters and me included. Adapted for the stage in three acts by Ruth Perry, it is still being performed by schools and community groups. It's a relief to know it survived the class of 1957 which performed it 50 years ago this month.

The plot is complicated with sibling rivalry, house guests, a murder and even a ghost, and is set in an English manor house. Darlene H. played the actress Ruth Norris and wore a sheet to be a convincing ghost. David S. and Duane B. were Inspectors Birch and Turner, trying to investigate the murder of the master of the manor. Jon M. and Nancy L. were Antony and Angela, an engaged couple. Myron B. played Cayley the foster son (and murderer) who is killed by Inspector Turner (Duane). Sharon G. was the housekeeper and Mary Lou S. and I were maids. Glenn O. played a retired Army officer and put his whole heart and soul into his scenes and was the only one who could be heard in the back of the auditorium. Other cast and crew members were Priscilla D., Carolyn M., Carol K., Pat B., Mike B. and Nelson P.; please add names that I've missed--and parts if you remember.

Mary Lou S., Lynne F., Dave S., Sharon G. (?)
Our director was the wonderful and patient Mrs. Burstrom (she was also 8th grade teacher for many in the class), and I can't say enough about how hard she worked with us to get our lines right. One phrase, "They quarrelled" kept coming out as "The squirelled" by the time it was heard in the back. We had a great time during rehearsals and poor Mrs. Burstrom was in tears more than once, as we could not remember our lines. Opening night came and went and we managed to get through our three acts with parents, sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles all assembled and applauding dutifully.


Priscilla D. and Jon M. making pop-corn at rehearsal
Diane B. hosted our cast party following the play and she and her mother were wonderful hostesses with much food and drink and a huge cake. We presented our beleaguered director with a thank you gift from everyone in the cast and crew and a card signed by everyone. I presented the gift to her and once again she cried. She was a wonderful person and a great teacher.

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

Senior Picnic

Although I'm using a magnifying glass, I might get some names wrong.
Left to right in front: Sharon R. and Ebba L. waving; Daisy W., Darlene H., H.A. Hoff, possibly David S. sitting in the shade, Ken Z. and Norman G. with his head turned. Left to right, standing up is Nancy S., sitting Carolyn M., Judy T., Mary Jane F., then possibly either Priscilla D. or Mary Lou S. waving, and Sally O. next to Darlene. Then back to the left again, I can't tell who is next to Nancy S. behind Carolyn's head, then Barb E. and Diane B., Kay A. and Lynne F., Nancy L. and Sara Y., maybe Pat B. with her head down, next to Ron D. and would that be Darrell M. with the open shirt? His head is down--can't see the face. I'm guessing the partial head there is Mike B. Then left side again I see Dorothy R. and behind her Nelson P., Jerry T., Jerry W., maybe Glenn R., then standing with the hat might be Greely, John M. showing some leg, Melvin K. and Nancy G., Francine K., and Dave B. I don't know where everyone else is--I'm taking the photograph. Maybe we divided into two groups or were waiting for some to return from hiking. I'm betting we had more than one chaperone! It was the 50s after all!

I didn't have this identified, so I'm going to guess that this was also the Senior Picnic because of Nancy L.'s shorts, and that they are ready to get on the bus. If it is the picnic, someone has shorts on under his jeans. Left to right, Nancy L., Norman G., Steve B., Jon M., and Bob C. I'm thinking Steve got a whole lot taller after graduation, because when he said, "Hi Corby," at the 20 year reunion, I looked up and asked him his name.

Greely and Glen

Nancy L. sent this photo taken in March 1953, so I have no idea what's going on except Greely M. is acting silly and Glen O. is helping him along--what a surprise! It looks like they were playing softball. I also can't tell what street they are on. There are parking meters, but I don't see any businesses. But didn't we have nice curbs and sidewalks in those days? Our little town was way ahead of the others. Does anyone remember when parking meters were installed? Do they still take pennies and nickels?

Who were the thespians?

Here's a group I'd forgotten about--the Thespians. According to our Freshman yearbook (1953-54) it was the school dramatic club and one became a member by trying out. I would rather have my fingernails pulled than perform or try out, so I probably never even considered this fine group and the advantages of learning to speak in front of a group. That year they gave 2 one-act plays for the public and 3 for the student body. I'm impressed! Plus they had an initiation banquet in October and attended a play as a group in May. Three members of our class were in Thespians that year--Sara Y., Mike B., and Neal J. John Ross, the English and Journalism teacher, was the adviser.

The next year's annual shows no calendar of the club's activities, but it does say they presented a short play for an assembly program, introduced the assembly programs, and attended one stage play. Our class membership expanded a bit and Carolyn M., Kay A., Sally O. were added, so our class had six. Richard Myers was the adviser (he played the organ at our wedding).

The theme of the next annual (1955-56) was a playbill using terms like directors, producers, playwrights, stars, understudies, etc., but I can't find the Thespian Club, and instead there is a small group (6) in their first year of organizing as Forensics. Neal J., and Carolyn M. were members. It picked up a number of underclassmen the next year, and for our senior year included Nancy L. and Carolyn M., but Neal J. had left us and gone to college early. Mrs. Price was the Forensics Club adviser. In 1956-57 the group presented three plays at school assemblies.

Does anyone remember the story on the name change? I see there were a number of student skits which seem to be ad hoc--not members of these groups--in our senior year a skit on proper attire (Darlene H., Sharon R., Nancy L.), a skit on courtesy, and a Christmas play that included Carolyn M., Ron D., Dwayne Z. and Duane B.

I've got some photos of the senior class play--not from the annual. Coming soon. . . The Red House Mystery.

Ladies' Breakfasts

The women of the class of 1957 have often met in July before the class reunion for breakfast. I'm a bit fuzzy on the details, although I've attended quite a few over the years, but here's the history as Lynne recalls it:

"For fifty years the ladies of our class have met for breakfast. After our graduation, some married, some went off to college and trade schools, others entered the work force. It became our custom to get together as often as we could, as many of us that could. These early breakfasts were held in my mother's kitchen or dining room depending on how many showed up. We sent out notes or called--e-mail hadn't been invented yet! All came who could. We'd catch up on boyfriends, work opportunities or college activities. The subjects changed over the years to finding jobs, finding husbands, having babies, and buying houses. Then we moved on to middle age issues (for some finding new husbands and new houses) such as the right school for the kids, and then on to aging parents, retirement and for some, widowhood."

At some point, it became a bit more formalized and we began meeting in restaurants. The first one I remember attending was around 1979 and I think it was at Maxon's. The photo below, sent by Nancy S., was taken at the restaurant in the Oregon Conover Square, and because I'm wearing glasses and had a perm, I'd date it as 1993, but she says 1990 was written on the back.


Left to right: Francine K., Diane B., Sara Y., Jean M., Sylvia T., Nancy S., Norma C.

This photo is from 2003 and the women of the class of 1957 met with those of class of 1956 at the restaurant at the White Pines State Park. Neither class was having a reunion that year, so there weren't as many people in town.


Front row left to right: Diane B., Francine K., Priscilla D., Katie Dirksen, our PE teacher in high school, Carolyn D. (56), Jane K. (56), A.J. O. (56) Sylvia T., Beverly B. (56), Phyllis G. (56). Back row, left to right: Marion D., Jean M., Norma C., Barb N. (56)

Lynne F., Sylvia T. and Norma C. in 1999
Lynne writes: "We'll all be looking forward to meeting again on June 30 (time and place tba) for the annual ladies' breakfast."

Our two high school buildings

I thought the class of 1957 was the last one to use the red brick building built in 1918, but when I checked our annual, I see that the 1955 yearbook had a large photo of the classes streaming across the street, just as I remember. So the class of 1958 must have also had classes there. The yearbook of 1956 doesn't exactly say, but it was dedicated to all the members of the community who helped get the "new" building done, beginning with a study in 1946 which projected an increase in enrollment. It says the first unit ($483,263.27) was opened in September 1952, and the second ($421,736.73) had no date given, so it must have been fall of 1955. (Yes, R. Miller left a comment here at the photo of the incomplete building.)


For some reason, I remember the layout and classrooms better in the old building than the new. Study hall. Don't even remember that in the new one, but certainly remember some funny events in the red brick building. And assemblies. We used to have some pretty good programs. And watching the teen lovers in the cars in front of the school as the boyfriends would drop off their girlfriends. It was an interesting, educational lunch time activity. Someone will have to update me on what happened to this building. I know it burned some time after it was no longer used as a classroom building.



The photos were sent by Nancy S. and much appreciated.

class of 1957

Ruth and Ralph Crowell

A number of us in the class of 1957 knew this couple who lived on Hitt Street. Ruth and Ralph Crowell had no children--except the Corbetts, Potters, Burkes, Zickhurs, Balluff, Rittenhouses and Leopold. Ralph would get down on the floor of their living room with us with the box of toys Ruth kept for that purpose. After lots of giggles there might be a cookie or two appear from the kitchen. Ralph spent time in the back yard casting his fishing line for us to chase. I still have a cloth doll that Ruth made for me. She made two, but I loved the other one to death. Sadly, Ruth died of a heart problem in the late 1940s. Ralph was a WWI veteran and served in France. So when all our fathers were gone during WWII, he enjoyed his role as a stand-in. I don't think I ever saw him without a cigarette.

Eighth Grade Trip to Chicago

Early on a May morning in 1953 the whole 8th grade class boarded a yellow school bus bound for Chicago and the city sites--and as it turned out, smells as well.

It was the custom in our district in the 1950s to treat the 8th graders to a trip at the end of the school year. The destination was always Chicago, 90 miles east. First stop, Chicago Stock Yards. We were all small town kids and our village was surrounded by farms, but one whiff of the stock yards and everyone on the bus gave out with a collective P-U and windows were quickly closed.

I don't recall where we had lunch, but the afternoon was spent at the Museum of Science and Industry. It was an exciting experience--our eager young minds taking in the simulated coal mine, the vintage cars, seeing yourself on TV, so many scents, sounds and sights--the wonders of science.

Photos by Nancy L. and Norma C., memory by Lynne F.

Mike S., John Jon M. and Ken Z., possibly Glenn O. in the foreground. Might be Bob C., Jerry B., Larry S. in the background. Sara Y., Salley O. and Sylvia T. in the background. Some of our teachers on the top steps. Add a name in the comment if you recognize anyone else.

Left to right: Francine K., Norma C., and Priscilla D. "We're still all friends today," says Lynne.


Kay A., Sally O., Sara Y.
class of 1957

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 party fashions

This photo submitted by Nancy L. was taken at Francine K's birthday party in 1953. Top of the pyramid is Sara Y., middle are Deb P. and Tina K., then Nancy L., Sharon R., and Kay A. Me (Norma) in the background checking out the interesting drapes.

This appears to be a different party, but I'm guessing from the drapes, it's Fran's house again. And those are fake cigarettes--none of us smoked. From the left is Sara Y., Marion D., Deb P., Norma, Lynne F., and Salley O. in the foreground. Photo submitted by Lynne F.

Another slumber party here.

Donald E. Hundertmark, 1938-2007

DONALD E. HUNDERTMARK, 68 MOUNT MORRIS - Donald E. Hundertmark, 68, of Mount Morris died Sunday, Jan. 28, 2007, in his home. Born March 7, 1938, in Adeline, the son of Roy and Mabel (Frawert) Hundertmark. Don attended Mount Morris High School. He married Linda L. Garkey on May 31, 1959, in Mount Morris. He was the manager of the Maintenance Department at Kable News Company for 25 years before retiring in January of 2001. He was a lifelong resident of the Mount Morris community. He was a member of Evangelical Free Church. Don was a pilot and enjoyed flying his own airplane. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, working on his cars and spending as much time as he could with his family. Survivors include his wife, Linda; daughter, Laurie (Tim) Hough of Mount Morris; grandsons, Joshua Hough and Jacob Hough, both of Mount Morris. Predeceased by parents and stepfather, Ed Hundertmark. Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, in Evangelical Free Church, with the Rev. Tracy Singleton, pastor. Burial of cremated remains will be at a later date in Adeline Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 30, in Finch Funeral Home. Memorials to be established.

Thanks to Murray T. for forwarding this information.

Second place trophy

Nancy L. has submitted this photo of two seventh and two eighth graders in February 1952 proudly showing off the 2nd place trophy for. . . I have no idea. Probably wasn't the spelling bee. Left to right, Dave B., Murray T., Bob H., Dick Z. Above their heads I'm guessing is a U.S. map and higher up were probably the world history maps.

The building in this photo was built in 1868 and torn down in 1970, but an addition built in 1949 while our class was still in the building remains. Some of our classmates attended "country school," and I'm hoping someone will post about that. There was Victory School near Pine Creek, Center School near Trot Town and Coon Creek, and perhaps others. Consolidation to a unit school district took place shortly after our graduation in 1957.

What else happened the year we graduated

So, it wasn't all about us, was it? Sylvia and I went into volunteer service that summer of 1957 (she to NM and me to CA), then we were off to Manchester College in September with Deb P. and Sharon R. Our little town in those days was an employment magnet in publishing, printing and distribution, and some of you took advantage of the job opportunities. Others began college at DeKalb, Knox, U. of I., Rockford and other great schools Did we even pay attention that there were other things going on? I definitely remember the Sputnik launch--it changed my life. Until I read this (at someone else's blog), I didn't know we were linked to both Dr. Seuss and Osama Bin Laden, did you?

Dwight Eisenhower is president of the US

First civil rights bill since Reconstruction to protect blacks' voting rights is approved by Congress

Hurricane "Audrey" destroys Cameron, Louisiana killing 390 people

National Guardsmen bar nine black students from entering previously all white Central High School in Little Rock

Russians launch Sputnik I, first earth orbiting satellite

The FBI arrests Jimmy Hoffa and charges him with bribery

Vanna White, Osama bin Laden, Sid Vicious, and Melanie Griffith are born

Milwaukee Brewers win World Series

Detroit Lions win NFL championship

Montreal Canadiens win Stanley Cup

On the Road by Jack Kerouac is published

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss is published

A Losing Season

[Note from Norma. This is my first attempt at a slide show--needs a little work, and I'm not real techie. I think if you click on "view all images" you can see the whole photo instead of having a head chopped off. And I'm missing a few photos. I'm working on it!]

Contributed by Lynne

The fall of 1956 in our town was typical of most small midwestern villages of the time. Trees had turned, air was chilled, school had started. We went off to our senior year expectations high. After all, our Mounders had won 'em all in '55.

However, as the record shows, '56 was a different kind of football season. We learned how to lose and I learned to love football. Football became a life long love affair. (I admit here to not fully understanding the game until the early '70's when a dear man explained it in detail--many times!) If memory serves, the worst game was against Polo in the pouring rain--40 to zip. I stood in the rain ruining a new jacket and a pair of saddle shoes, a near tragedy to a 17 year old girl.

As a older lady dedicated to physical fitness, I walk behind our old high school. The track is still there and in quite good repair. Spring, Summer and Fall will find me there and in the fall my five mile walk takes me back fifty years. All it really takes to trigger this flood of memories is a whiff of wood smoke and "my eyes have a mist of the smoke from a distant fire."

The bleachers are gone, the lights, the goal posts and the announcers booth. But, if you listen you can hear the band squeaking and squawking their way across the football field to form the "M" formation or hear Chuck Wean calling the game, the sound of a ref whistle, hearing the student body, parents and villagers as Sara Y. and Nancy G. extol us with "Rickety, Rackety Shanty Town. Who can hold those Mounders down? NOBODY!

"Though much is taken, much abides." Maybe it wasn't about winning after all.

Sit down, shut up, and pay attention

This is cross posted from my regular blog, but since Murray, a member of the class of 1956, sent it to me I thought the class of 1957 would enjoy some of the "way it used to be" thoughts. This was going around the Internet in December.

I was listening to the local (Cincinnati) talk show in the car this morning and the host Mike McConnell was talking about how over protected children are today. His plan, if he were in charge of the U.S. Dept. of Education, would be, "Sit down, shut up, and pay attention," and it wouldn't cost the tax payers a penny. This made me think of one of my high school teachers, Warren Burstrom, and I think those were his exact words to Glenn Orr and Marv Miller in Chemistry class. We all loved him and learned a lot. Murray sent me these memories of the "good old days" when we were in school. He was class of 1956. I, of course, am much younger.

Scenario: Jack pulls into school parking lot with rifle in gun rack.

1956 Vice Principal comes over, takes a look at Jack's rifle, goes to his car and gets his to show Jack.

2006 School goes into lockdown, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.

Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fist fight after school.

1956 Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up best friends. Nobody goes to jail, nobody arrested, nobody expelled.

2006 Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.

Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.

1956 Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by Principal. Sits still in class.

2006 Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.

Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his father's car and his Dad gives him a whipping.

1956 Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.

2006 Billy's Dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. Billy's sister is told by state psychologist that she remembers being abused herself and their Dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.

Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some headache medicine to school.

1956 Mark shares headache medicine with Principal out on the smoking dock.

2006 Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.

Scenario: Mary turns up pregnant.

1973 5 High School Boys leave town. Mary does her senior year at a special school for expectant mothers.

2006 Middle School Counselor calls Planned Parenthood, who notifies the ACLU. Mary is driven to the next state over and gets an abortion without her parent's consent or knowledge. Mary given condoms and told to be more careful next time.

Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.

1973: Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.

2006: Pedro's cause is taken up. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he can't speak English.

Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from the 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.

1956 Ants die.

2006 BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.

Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary, hugs him to comfort him.

1956 - In a short time Johnny feels better and goes on playing.

2006 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison.


Gimme 1956 back please!