New trees for the campus

Lynne tells me four new trees have been planted on the former campus of Mt. Morris College. There was a terrible storm in August 2008, and a large number of magnificent trees were lost--many were diseased and frail, but still beautiful and providing wonderful shade and respite. It certainly made the townspeople sad, especially after the recent loss of so many trees on Rt. 64/Hitt St. However, trees are not “natural” to this little mound in northern Illinois. According to the Mt. Morris Past and Present of 1900

"The present site of Mount Morris, as stated before, was an open prairie, with not a tree or a shrub to be found. What is now the college campus was then the crest of a hill of considerable size, the country sloping from it in all directions. The early settlers say that before the view was obstructed by buildings and trees, the altitude of the hill was very perceptible. The prairie grass was very rank. In fact, in some places it grew so luxuriantly that it was almost impassable. Most of the ravines and hollows were in a wet, boggy state; and the streams and ponds retained the water from rains much longer than now, because of the absence of tiling in the lowlands. There abounded hundreds of springs, which have long since ceased to flow, owing to the rapid drainage now effected by the work of tiling and the development of the soil."

So, I don't know what the soil in mid-town Mt. Morris is like now, but I'm guessing it's well drained. However, last week I attended a program on the trees here at Lakeside, Ohio, which has a totally different type of soil--very rocky, as this is called the Marblehead Penninsula on Lake Erie (a body of water that has changed shape and size many times since the glaciers passed through here). Our speaker said that for every inch of trunk, the newly planted tree needs 5 gallons of water a week, plus 5 gallons. So if the tree is 2 inches, it needs 15 gallons of water a week to get a good start. There is no way those new trees can get that much naturally. But he told about a wonderful contraption called a tree gator--looks like an ugly green bag attached to the trunk. It holds 5 gallons, and you move it from tree to tree each day, and start over the next week. It's drip irrigation and won't drown the tree the way an impatient employee or volunteer might.

Newly planted trees are under severe water stress right after transplanting. And they will remain under water stress for the first several years after planting. Maintaining soil moisture is especially important during the first three years following transplanting. So how do you prevent transplant shock and avoid water stress on new trees? The answer is simple, Treegator® slow release watering system for trees. Treegator delivers a high volume of water directly to the root system of a newly planted tree.

Maybe this could be a project for the reunion committee.

Minnie Burke, mother of Donna

When I was a little girl living on Hitt Street across from the Burke 66 station, I adored Mrs. Burke. Always smiling, always teasing, and always an encouraging word. A role model for all working women and business women.

MINNIE E. BURKE, 89 MOUNT MORRIS - Minnie E. Burke, 89, of Mount Morris died Tuesday, June 23, 2009, in Pinecrest Manor Nursing Home, Mount Morris. Born Oct. 28, 1919, in Mount Morris Township, daughter of John H. Diehl and Elizabeth (Rambough) Diehl. Graduate of Mount Morris High School, class of 1937. Married Vernon E. Burke on Aug. 20, 1938, in Clayton County, Iowa; he died Dec. 1, 1975. Along with her husband, she managed and operated Burke's 66 Service. After her husband's death, she worked as a returns clerk at Kable News Co. in Mount Morris. Life member of the Women of the Moose, Mount Morris Moose VFW Auxiliary and American Legion Auxiliary. Survivors include daughters, Donna (Richard) Satterfield of Fort Collins, Colo., Denise (William) Walsh of Durand; sons, Steve (Barb) Burke and Stan (Angie) Burke of Mount Morris; nine grandchildren; 27 great-grand-children; four great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Lois Mongan of Mount Morris, Rose Egland of California, Betty Martinson of Malta, Marcia Hill of Rochelle; sister-in-law, Ada Diehl of Mount Morris; and special friend, Phyllis Brown of Mount Morris. Predeceased by husband; brother, Don Diehl; and granddaughter, Sherri Lynne. Service at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 27, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mount Morris. Burial in Oakwood Cemetery in Mount Morris. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 26, in the funeral home. Memorials to Pinecrest Manor of Ogle County Hospice.

Our sympathy to the Coddington family

The step-mother of our classmate Bob, Elvira Marcella Coddington, 91, of Mount Morris died Thursday, June 4, 2009, in Rockford Memorial Hospital, Rockford. Born Sept. 17, 1917, in Benedict, N.D., the daughter of William and Martha (Umbach) Krebsbach. Graduated from Belvidere High School, Class of 1936. Married Bert Coddington on Aug. 28, 1948, in Belvidere; he died Feb. 6, 1995. Lived in Mount Morris since 1948, coming from Belvidere. She was employed as an accounting clerk in the accounts receivable department at McGregor Magazine Agency for 38 years, retiring in May 1987. Attended Trinity Lutheran Church. Member of Women of the Moose Chapter 485 and Mount Morris Senior Center. Survivors include stepson, Robert Coddington of Mount Morris; stepdaughters, Shirley Hackbarth of Jacksonville, Fla., and Donna (Tim) Sassaman of Hot Springs, Ark.; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; brother, Ardell Krebsbach of Belvidere. Predeceased also by parents; and brothers, Arvine, Arbay, Arley and Arzell Krebsbach. Service will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, June 10, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., with Frank Lay officiating. Burial in Plainview Cemetery. Visitation from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, in the funeral home, with Women of the Moose Service at 8:30 p.m. Memorials to Moose charities.

Mark Rowe, son of Glenn and Donna

We were all so sorry to learn of the death of Mark Rowe of Lanark, son of classmate Glenn and his wife Donna. The following is from the Freeport paper.

Mark L. Rowe, 50, of Lanark died Monday, June 1, 2009, at his home. He was born April 3, 1959, in Dixon, a son of Glenn and Donna (Bearden) Rowe. Mark married Kim Hazlip on Jan. 27, 1983, in Mount Morris. Mr. Rowe was employed at Quebecor World in Mount Morris. Survivors include his wife, Kim of Lanark; one daughter, April Miller of Tennessee; one son, Mark R. Rowe of Lanark; parents, Glenn and Donna Rowe of North Carolina; one sister, Margo Smietana of New York; two brothers, Marty Rowe of Polo and Matt Rowe of Lanark; and two grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ottis and Josephine Bearden and Mike and Eleja Rowe. There will be no visitation. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 6, at Polo Family Funeral Home, Polo, with the Rev. Jeremy Heller, officating. Burial will be at a later date. A memorial fund has been established in his memory.

Upcoming reunion July 3

After the next reunion which is just about a month away, we hope to post a few photos. You should all have received your invitation and map, and I think at last count there were 19 planning to attend. Then the blog will close and no new material will be added; it has served its purpose. If you'd like to save any of the photos here, place your cursor on the photo, and right click. Then click on "save picture as. . .", select a file from your Picture folder, name the photo and click on save. Just to be safe, double check your file to make sure it's actually there. It's been fun and I thank everyone who sent photos and stories.

We'll see you in July

"Hi Kids!

Time is drawing near for our picnic event at Moe and Nancy's. All final plans were made last week. . . all is in readiness." Writes classmate Lynne.

"As we get ready to party together. . . our classmate Greeley is having another type of event. On June 1st our Greeley will be having some colon cancer surgery. His cancer is well contained and the outlook for a complete recovery looks good indeed. I was able to have a visit with "G G" and give him some support having "been there, done that" nearly 8 years ago. But no matter how many times you hear, "If I can do it, you can do it," it is still an unsettling thing, to be sure. If anyone would like to send Greeley a note of encouragement and give him some grins, I am sure he will appreciate it. . .and Greeley has asked for prayers. He is planning on attending our July 3rd picnic. If you need an address e-mail me (lflemingwilburn at yahoo dot com) and I will provide or check your class booklet from the last reunion it should be in there.

Diane B. is currently recovering from a broken ankle at Pinecrest. . .she is our first classmate to take up residence there, however temporary it might be. . . a doubtful honor to be sure. She is undergoing therapy and some of us visited her last week to find her doing as well as could be expected. . . but bored. She, too, could use some cheering and some "atta girl" pats on the back.

I spoke with Fran today, and she is doing very well. But after 3 surgeries since October she is not really looking forward to her fourth on June 3rd. The fact that none of the surgeries found any cancer is a positive thing and she is grateful. She has one more surgery to go to remover the growth on the kidney, which she will now be able to keep and be done with hospitals. She has had a long bout, but you know Fran. Today she cheered me up! She has heard from many classmates and thanks us all for our thoughtfulness saying, "it means a lot, believe me!"

All three of these stars from the Class of '57 plan to attend our July 3rd picnic, as Fran and Greeley both said, "I'll be there if I have to crawl," and Diane said she'd probably have to hop! Again, if addresses are needed for any or all of three let me know. . .

See you in July.

A note from President Mike

Mike and Judy will not be able to attend the mini-reunion at Nancy and Moe's this summer, but they send their regards to everyone. They are in the middle of a move to Missouri and selling their home in Michigan. If you'd like to see what they are doing, check out their new blog (not the same as their old blog). I've looked around their new digs (on the internet) and it looks a lot like Mt. Morris to me.

Dr. Albert Sherwood Baker, 1916-2009

Another fine member of the "greatest generation" that many of us knew is gone. Many years ago, your family doctor may have been Dr. Baker, who after WWII returned to Mt. Morris and was originally in practice with Dr. Murray Dumont (who delivered me and probably others in our class of 57). From the Columbia Daily Tribune obituary:

"Albert Sherwood Baker, M.D., 92, of Mount Morris, Ill., formerly of Columbia, died Friday, May 8, 2009. Memorial services and visitation were Wednesday, May 13, at Disciples United Methodist Church in Mount Morris. The cremated remains will be buried at Cedar Hill Cemetery rural Mount Morris, located on a corner of the Baker family farm.

Dr. Baker was born Dec. 1, 1916. He attended primary and secondary school in Mount Morris, graduated with an AB degree from Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, in 1939 and the University of Illinois School of Medicine in Chicago in 1942. He completed a 12-month rotation internship at Cook County Hospital in Chicago before serving as a captain in the U.S. Army Air Forces at Jefferson Barracks and Scott Field, Ill., from 1943 to 1946.
After World War II, Dr. Baker returned to his home town of Mount Morris to work as a general practitioner from 1946 to 1963. During this time, he was a member of the medical staff at Rockford Memorial Hospital. In 1963, he joined the faculty at the University of Missouri, where he helped develop their rural preceptorship program for medical students and served as chief, Section of Medical Practice.

In 1967, he traveled to Thailand to study the public health training needs of Peace Corps volunteers. That same year, he spent three months helping to train Peace Corps volunteers in Hilo, Hawaii. He received a Master of Science in public health degree from MU in 1968.
Dr. Baker initiated the campaign to establish a family medicine residency in Columbia in 1969, shortly after the American Board of Family Practice was created, and served as MU’s first family medicine residency director from 1970 to 1974. From 1972 to 1975, he served as chairman of the Department of Community Health and Medical Practice at MU. Dr. Baker was a charter member of the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine and one of the early Residency Assistance Program consultants. He retired from MU in 1982 and was named professor emeritus.
Dr. Baker is considered by many to be “the father of family medicine” at MU. He was known and admired for his common-sense approach to primary care, his sage advice and his incredible breadth and depth of knowledge that extended well beyond medicine. He claimed this was the benefit of having a photographic memory that served him exceedingly well until the end of his long life.

One on his great joys was publishing a book titled “Dear Gang,” in which he recounted the story of 12 of his AKK medical school fraternity brothers who corresponded with one another by letters during World War II. It chronicles their experience of military medicine in the 1940s, whether stateside, in the Pacific or European theatres, as well as the importance of deep and lasting friendship.

Dr. Baker served as a troop leader for the Boy Scouts of America in Mount Morris and was honored to receive the Silver Beaver award for meritorious service. He was a member of Kiwanis and Community United Methodist Church in Columbia from 1963 to 2004. Because of failing health, he moved to Pinecrest Community in Mount Morris in 2004 and joined Disciples United Methodist Church. There, he was affectionately known as “Doc.”

Survivors include a brother, Harlan (Marion); daughters Edith Baker Lauerman (Bruce), Martha Baker Thomas (Mike) and Nancy Baker (Dan); grandchildren Randy Fawcett (Stephanie), Grant Fawcett (Marne), Sara Crow, and Karl and Anna Olson; and great-grandchildren Sadie Fawcett, Driscoll Fawcett, Hattie Fawcett, and Braxton Lauerman. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 58 years, Myrtle Miriam Schafmayer Baker; brother Edward Francis Baker; father Harry Hammer Baker; and mother Bertha Alberta Tholen Baker.


HT Murray Trout

A Spring Poem

Spring.
A time of sowing
and growing.
Seeds in the earth.
Thoughts in the mind.
Germination.
Imagination.
Cultivation.
Caring
Raindrops feeding.
Love encouraging.
Seedlings sprouting.
Friendship supporting.
Sun Warming.
Faith Comforting.
Flowers blooming.
Spirits refreshed.
Spring.

by Lynne

Scarce as hen's teeth

Did your parents ever say that? Well, the original Mount Morris Past and Present is scarce as hen's teeth, but I found a scanned copy on the internet while looking up something else. Here's the link. You click on the picture at the top hand left column and start turning the pages with the little arrows in the right hand column. It's scanned and very easy to use (easier than the copy on Google because you can turn the pages). I have the photocopy of the 2nd ed. (gift of my parents) that was sold by the public library, and recently looked through the 1st edition at the home of a relative. Anyway, although a lot of the text of the 1st ed. is used in the 2nd ed., a lot was also dropped, including photos of the campus buildings. After all, they had a lot more information and names to include 30 years later, and probably had a page limit to keep costs down. Any way, take a look. When I was a kid I spent hours browsing the two Mount Morris Past and Present titles. It was fun to find it again on the internet.

Eighth grade class photo on school steps

Sent by Nancy S. Can you identify everyone?

Go Team!

This is from the 1954 Mounder which accounts for the poor scan quality. I can identify Sara jumping up--I guess we know why she was a cheerleader! I think that's Tina and Mary Lou on her left, and possibly Deb next to the person in black with her head turned on Sara's right. The person in front of Tina might be me, but it's hard to tell. Libby M. possibly in the front row. That's Nancy L. 2nd from the left edge of the photo, and possibly Barb E. behind her, with Nelson P. and Marv M. a few rows back. Up near the top is Steve B. Get out your annual and look at the page sponsored by Houghton and Buser, and see if your eyes are better than mine. It's a pretty small photo. I'm always surprised when I look at these old photos how much better dressed we were than today's teen-agers, and on a smaller budget, too!

Trinity Confirmation Photo

Many members of our class were confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris in the Spring of 1953. Nancy S. was a member of that class and has submitted the group photo. The Library of Trinity has all the confirmation class photos, in case you needed to check on another year.

I'm going to make a stab at the names, and if I'm wrong, I hope someone will send a correction: Left to right, back row: Nelson P., Neal J., Mike B., Glen O., Pastor Stone, Carl L. (class of '56), Dave S., Dick Z., Bob C., Don H.
Left to right, front row: Larry B. (class of '56), Fran K., Priscilla D., Salley O., Judy T., Tina K., Ebba L., and Nancy S.

I just visited Trinity this Easter. What a lovely sanctuary and organ. Here's what it looks like today, much like it did 60 years ago when it was built and when these handsome young people confirmed their baptism.

Not exactly a reunion, but. . .

The Mounder Cafe is a nice place to get together for members of the class of 1957.


Lynne, Nancy and Norma, April 13, 2009

I also chatted with Sylvia, Dave, Marion and Salley at Good Friday services.

45th class reunion, July 6, 2002

I have a few candid shots of this reunion, but they are really poor. It was my first attempt at using a digital camera. Anyone have some? It was a joint reunion with the class of 1956. If it weren't for the sign, I'd have no evidence.



Nancy, Fran and Sara

Dave and Sylvia

Tina and Jack

Mike and Rosalie

Big laughs

No one in the class has a bigger laugh and warmer hug than Fran. She's had some serious surgery this week and you might think about saying a few prayers and pressing a stamp on an envelop to wish her a speedy recovery! It seems like yesterday that I had a wedding shower at our home on Hannah for Fran, then the next year was visiting her as a new mom, and then before I knew it we were meeting at Pinecrest where our parents lived. My, how time flies!

Your busy reunion committee

It looks to me like they've all been on a glamorous ski trip, but Lynne says it was their meeting yesterday at the Mounder Cafe in Mt. Morris. Here's the scoop on the summer 2009 activities.

"We finalized our July 3rd picnic/potluck at Nancy and Moe's. A mailing will go out in May with details, and a map with directions. Moe says, "Fishing poles will be provided, but you might need to bring a lawn chair." The menu of bar-b-q and chips was planned with the committee providing salads, veggies and desserts, and iced tea and lemonade. Your committee is hoping as many as can will join in the fun. We have ordered up a sunny day."

FYI: The Ladies' Breakfast will be the following morning, July 4th at the White Pines Lodge at 8:30 a.m.

Katie Dirksen

KATHRYN L. DIRKSEN, 83 OREGON - Kathryn L Dirksen, 83, died Monday, Feb. 16, 2009, in Pinecrest Manor in Mount Morris. Born on the family farm east of Oregon on Jan. 3, 1926, the daughter of Rasmus and Anna (Bush) Rasmussen. She attended the Honey Creek, one room school through the eighth grade, graduated from Oregon High School in 1943, and received her teaching degree from Central College in Pella, Iowa, where she attended from 1945 to 1949. On July 17, 1954, she married Roger H. Dirksen in Oregon. Katie loved many sports and taught physical education in Muscatine, Iowa, for three years before moving to Mount Morris to teach PE from 1952 to 1979, when she retired.

She also played softball for the Sinnissippi Rockets. She started teaching Body Recall from 1979 to 2006, which helped many learn how to retain there activeness in life. She was an active member of Ebenezer Reformed Church, where she was a former choir director, Sunday school teacher and member of the Naomi Ruth ladies group. She also owned and operated a Christian Bookstore. Survived by nieces and nephews, Ginger (Gary) McDanel of Byron, Mary Ann (Rich) Rhodes of Oregon, Jane (Larry) Hoke of Clinton, and John (Linda) Rasmussen of Cheboygan, Wis.; many great-nieces and -nephews; and her pet beagle, "Mort." Predeceased by husband, Roger; parents; brothers, George and Russell Rasmussen; and nephew, James. Service at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in Ebenezer Reformed Church, near Oregon, with the Rev. Phil Rauwerdink officiating. Burial in Ebenezer Cemetery. Visitation from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19, in Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, 110 S. Seventh St., in Oregon. Memorial fund is established for the Pinecrest Manor of the Rockford Rescue Mission. For more information, visit farrellhollandgale.com.

Miss Rasmussen, school picnic, May 1954

Class reunion, July 2, 1977

Nancy and Lynne, top; Sylvia, Donna, Barb and Sally, bottom.

Have your albums fallen apart?

Click to enlarge

The album I made in grade school (black paper, colored photo corners, string binding) started to disintegrate about 30 years ago. I put the photos in one that is now started to go too, but worse, there was no place to write. So I don't know if this is 7th grade or 8th grade, or a mix. The snapshot is Judy, Sarah and Sharon, and I think that might be 8th grade from the length of the skirts. Wasn't Mike B. just the cutest? Is that why we elected him class president? And Francine looks like a 21 year old executive!

Clarence Mitchell, 1907-2009

One of Mt. Morris best known citizens died on his 102nd birthday Monday, January 12, at Pinecrest Manor. If you haven't read his book "The Diary of a Journeyman" you're missing a lot of town history. He dedicates it to "the land and the people of Northwest Illinois. The four counties: Ogle,, Stephenson, Carroll and Jo Daviess, that lie between the Rock and Mississippi rivers comprise the Highland Community College District." Mitch retired from Kables in 1967 and writes, "Little did I dream that my retirement years would stretch on into the next century." Arrangements are pending at Finch Funeral Home.

Christmas Greetings from Mike and Judy

Bob Buser, class of 1956

"I am certain you remember Bob Buser (class of 56.) Yesterday evening he was at the Shell station. Bought a cup of hot chocolate, had a heart attack and died. That's all the details I have. No obit in the paper yet. Will keep you updated.

We saw Bob mainly in the Summer. He was announcer and sound technicion for the Kable Band. Had not heard of him having any medical problems. He and Sylvia sat together at Sara's mothers funeral a couple months back." Dave and Sylvia

Update: Rockford Register Star, Dec. 25, 2008: Robert E. Buser, 70, of Mount Morris died Monday, Dec. 22, 2008. He was a lifelong resident of Mount Morris. The oldest son of Gail and Harriet (Conrad) Buser, born July 26, 1938. He was a graduate of MMHS, class of 1956, and went on to the University of Illinois, getting a degree in mechanical engineering. Later he returned to achieve his master's degree. He loved the Illini and stayed connected by his work on the Engineering Alumni board. Bob was also involved with the Kable Concert Band. He announced the band for the past 25 years. He was on the board of the Mount Morris Senior Center, and he would never miss the Fourth of July parade in his blue 1950 Dodge truck with the Dixie band. Many may remember Bob in his famous black and white 1953 Ford that took him to Rockford every day, over 600,000 miles, and earned him a Phillips 66 Trop Arctic radio commercial and a spot on WGN-TV. Bob worked for Sundstrand Aviation and then Hamilton Sundstrand for 43 years. He worked an additional two-year contract to finish a pet project, the F22 Raptor. He loved his job and the places it took him, and the people he met and worked with. Family was very important to Bob. He is survived by his fiance, Doreen White of Mount Morris; brothers, Frederic (Rita) Buser of Byron and Charles (Deborah) Buser of Leaf River; niece, MaryAnn (Rich Akers) Fredericks of Milledgeville, Anne (Mike) Felton of Norcross, Ga., Kaila (Jim) Slade of Hanover, Amy Buser of Missoula; nephew, Nathaniel (Amy) Buser of Byron; one great-niece; four great-nephews; cousin, Gretchen Diab of Mount Morris; and aunt, Elva Buser of Mount Morris. Funeral at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, in Finch Funeral Home, with the Rev. Larry Jameson officiating. Burial in Adeline Cemetery in Adeline. Visitation from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28, in Finch Funeral Home in Mount Morris. Memorials have been established for Kable Concert Band and the Mount Morris Senior Center Elevator Fund.

Neighborhood sporting events

Mike contributes this memory of the old neighborhood:

"There was a barn in the back of the house where we lived on Main, but the barn in back of that belonged to Otto and Mae Herzfeldt. Greeley Myers and I built a basketball court in the upper story of our barn where all the neighborhood guys would gather to play hoops--Nels Potter, Mike and Dave Powers, Duane Blake, Gerald Blake, Greeley, John LeVar. Others I seem to remember playing were Marv Leopold, Jon Martin and maybe Lloyd Pretsch and Steve Brinker. Maybe Greeley would remember more detail. We used to choose up teams and smell armpits--(big joke back then). They all participated at one time or other, until someone fell through the floor and landed on top of Marge Tice's car's hood. He wasn't injured but put a considerable dent in the aforementioned auto. This not only made an impression in the hood, but also one on my father and Miss Tice. We promised to repair the hole in the floor before we played again, but that did not make my father happy. He removed the ladder that was nailed to the wall where we gained entrance to our gym and the future basketball schedule was cancelled.

There were great baseball games too in back of the Powers house in that field. I think that a car wash is there now. I don't remember any games in the street. I remember Dave Powers got hit in the head with a ball, but no damage except a large hematoma. His head looked like a basketball with a growth. All I can remember him saying was "I'm telling Mom"."

Class of 1959 Reunion site

Don Snodgrass has created a really nice website for information about the 50th class reunion of the Mt. Morris class of 1959 here. I've added a link to it over at the left.

Dave and Sylvia are everywhere!

You'll have lots of fun watching this video--to support the Mounder statue project. You'll recognize Dave and Sylvia, the class movers and shakers.

Click Video to download and view a video created by committee member Judi Cassidy DeKoning.

The ram was chosen as a school mascot by the classes of the mid-60s, so the class of 1957 missed out on that, but you can support the cause. Here's the committee:

The Mounder Statue Committee, Doug Wean, Chairman; Rod Miller (Vice-Chairman); Linda 'Jewett' Miller, Sarah 'Sally' Gray, Judi 'Cassidy' DeKoning, Lenny Wells, Joyce Carr

To see more about the progress, or to help with expenses, click here.

Frances Babler, mother of classmate

Frances Eliza Babler, 95, of Mount Morris died Sunday, Nov. 23, 2008, at home with her family around her. Born to George and Alice (Good) Lawver on Aug. 13, 1913, in Cadiz Township, Green County, Wis. On June 16, 1937, Frances married Myron Babler of Orangeville. Myron and Frances had four children together. The couple farmed east of Freeport until 1954, at which time they purchased the family farm in Mount Morris. Frances graduated from Monroe High School as valedictorian of her class and also graduated from Normal Teachers College in Monroe. Wis. She taught school at Cadiz and Enterprise schools in Browntown, Wis. for five years at which time she married. Frances was an instructor for Stephenson and Ogle County Home Bureau, was also a 4-H leader in both counties. Frances received Christ as her personal savior in 1952, and served Him through her community and church, The Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris. Survivors include children, Mrs. Ronald (Mary Jane) Crowell of Peoria, Myron (Rosalie) Babler of Malakoff, Texas, Charles (Ruth) Babler of Mount Morris and Alice Babler; grandchildren, Pamela Crowell-Morely, TJ Crowell, Patrick Crowell, Desiree Babler-Lamb, Todd Babler, Terrence Babler, Sabrina Babler-Carver, Gary LaBorde, Bill LaBorde, Jared Babler, Benjamin Babler, Megan Babler; great-grand-children, Emma Morley, Addison Morely, Grace Crowell, Caroline Crowell, Jeremiah Crowell, Greyson Lamb, Houston Lamb, Georgia Lamb, Luke Babler, Alexa Babler, Breanne Carver, Luke Carver, Erin LaBorde, Connor LaBorde, Haley LaBorde, Brycellyn LaBorde and Jerram LaBorde; sisters, Nellie Berget, Mable Yeagle and Catherine Gissing. Predeceased by parents; husband; two sisters; five brothers; and precious grandson, Christopher Crowell. Service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26, in Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris, 102 S. Seminary, Pastor Larry Jamison will be officiating with a luncheon immediately after. Burial at 2:30 p.m. in Chapel Hill Cemetery in Freeport. Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Finch Funeral Home, 405 E. Hitt St., Mount Morris. Memorial has been established for the Village of Progress, Oregon.

From RRStar.com 11/25/08

Save July 3, 2009 for mini-reunion

Nancy and Moe have graciously invited the members of our class of ’57 for a picnic/potluck at their lovely country home.

The 3rd of July has been selected and your class reunion committee has come out of retirement to plan for this informal event.

Our plans for a memorial tree and marker for Klaus Dreyer will be formulated, perhaps a walk around the grounds, lots of catching up and just plain relaxing, of course.

As the holidays draw near we remember back to our childhood and youth and long for those friendly voices of old companions echoing out of the past once more.

We take this opportunity to wish you a wonderful New Year and are hoping to see you on July 3rd.

Your Class of ’57 Reunion Committee

The Crimson Days of Autumn

By the class poet, Lynne, September 2002

The crimson days of autumn etched merrily in gold,
Unfold silently before me to watch the world turn cold.
There's frost upon the meadow where the clover used to bloom,
And the scent of clove and cinnamon permeates every room.
There's fresh cider to buy and a fresh-baked apple pie.
It's no wonder hearts beat faster when autumn fills the sky!
It's a time to pick the apples, a time to harvest corn.
It's a time to gather walnuts early in the morn.
It's a time we should be thankful for all this goodness and grace.
When the crimson days of autumn puts on her gold face.

Guest Blog--News from Mt. Morris

Watching them change gas signs and flush hydrants
by Murray, class of '56

This has not been a good time for Mt. Morris. Besides the high gas prices, poor economy and the market crash that everybody else has had to endure, Mt. Morris residents have seen the town's livelihood threatened by two of our three major employers that departed or soon to be departing. Quebecor World ( Formerly Kable Printing) the third employer is currently highly medicated and on oxygen. They filed Chapter 11 last Jan. and filed unsuccessfully to borrow 1 billion to stay in business. Corporate management did not turn the business around and it is still in deep trouble. The last report on the Toronto Stock Exchange showed their stock last closing at 7 cents. Yeah, that's right....7 cents. It was $18 dollars when I left in '95. Guess I shoulda stayed huh? For all you good people who want to return to beautiful Mt. Morris I will offer you my house. I'm on Hannah right across the street from the golf course. It comes with a bright yellow golf cart and a prayer. If the wind is right you can sometimes hear bagpipe music coming from Sylvia Saunders, 4 houses south of us. If you have something to offer Curt Miller, he will bring you sweet corn when it's ready. Pete Smith drives by every day making the rounds so if you are in his sights he will stop for a visit. It's a golden opportunity to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the Red Sox.

On your next trip to Mt. Morris you might consider saving on gas and flying in. They just built two more hangers at our airport for a total of 7. You won't have any problems storing your plane. Plus, of course they have that great fly in breakfast on the 4th. We had some light poles and lights donated to Dillehay Park which are currently being installed. The park has 4 baseball diamonds, 4 soccer fields, 2 tennis courts, 6 basketball courts, two picnic pavilions, a super playground facility for tots, two sand volleyball courts and Warren Long. It's one of the few things in town getting bigger. Makes me want to be a kid again among other things. We walk there every morning and meet people that have apparently committed to getting into shape. You know... the ones with the ankle and/or wrist weights that stride along pumping their arms. Yeah, that's right, the ones that last about 3 days. I was shooting baskets the other day after walking when a couple of teenagers approached and I thought they might challenge me to a game of horse. They watched for a few minutes and saw how old I was and more than likely figured it wasn't worth the risk/reward.

As you would expect there really isn't much to tell about Mounder town this year. The water tower didn't need painting so that was a bummer. Some of the natives enjoyed watching the people at the Mobil station change gas prices every few days. The flushing of the fire hydrants was interesting. Of course we did have that tornado blast through here in August. The people at the golf course are still cleaning up.

With the departure of Watt Publishing and Kable News there will less people to sit around and watch the grass grow. The governor is foolishly trying to close Lowden Park and Castle Rock Park. Hell, Lowden makes a profit every year! Go Figure. There is a Family Restaurant on the main drag that does quite a good business. The owner died and wanted his remains returned to his home land so they shut the restaurant down for a few weeks. When they were open there were many cars parked on the main drag for breakfast. When they closed you could shoot a cannon down Wesley in the morning and not hit a thing.

When school started I was sitting by the window having coffee and reading the news when I looked out my window and saw the two teenage boys across the street. Pretty soon the school bus stopped and picked them up. Huh? I mean, we live about 3/4 mile from the school. That, coupled with the fact that gas prices have been out of sight, caused me to wonder has the school board lost their minds? We already have the expense of trucking them down to Oregon. No wonder youngsters are out of shape. I guess I need to stop in at a board meeting one of these days.

Note: I've been waiting for an article from a classmate with some local news, but never got it, so Murray who has a regular e-list he sends to ex-pats agreed to let me use his latest.

Dorothy Yoder

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

Class of 1958 holds 50th reunion

Recognize anyone?

Classmate makes us all proud

From Sept. 15 Rockford Star:

“Salley Wessels has won seven women’s Illinois Senior Amateur golf titles. No. 8 would be especially great for the defending champ because this year’s tournament is Tuesday through Thursday at Timber Pointe.

“You are so proud of the courses around here, it’s nice for other people to get to experience what you get to,” Wessels, a 13-time Rockford Women’s City champ, said. “It also helps you realize how lucky we are around here.” . . .

Wessels, 69, remains competitive against the over-50 crowd. She also qualified for the U.S. Senior Amateur and will fly out immediately after Thursday’s final round. She will miss the first of two practice rounds at the U.S. senior to play in the Illinois Women’s Senior.

“I haven’t lost any distance yet,” Wessels said. “I still hit my 5-iron 160 yards. Of course, I still do some weight lifting, especially during the winter. I don’t want to think of it too much. It could be depressing.

“I don’t get into the age thing so much, but it makes me feel good that I can still play with them. It makes me realize how many new people come into the state senior when people reach the age limit. There isn’t any tournament I can play in any more where I’m the younger. If I’m going to play, I’ve got to be able to keep up.”

Murray T (class of 56) reported on the 22nd: Salley finished 5th out of 118 in the Women's Illinois Senior Amateur. She's now traveling to Tulsa, Ok to play in the USGA Women's Senior Amateur ( 9/20-9/25) which she qualified for in August.

Assembly, March 18, 1955

My husband's on a cleaning kick again. We already have the cleanest garage and office in the county, but he found mildew on some of the books! So I pull off my sophomore Latin textbook. (Yes, I "archive" a lot of things I'll never use again.) I open it up and find a completely incomprehensible translation of something from Mr. Kinsley's Latin class (I got a B on this paper and it was a gift), but also this cute program from a school assembly in March 1955, our sophomore year.





Neal J. wrote the program notes, and Ken P. (class of '58) did the drawing, which seems to be an Irishman playing a clarinet, but there's a barely detectible "M" on his shirt under the banner. Doesn't this sound just like the Neal we all remember and who left us before graduation to go on to college because he was so much brainier than the rest of us (except Nelson) and bored with high school?

T.V. Suite: Our Television Suite is a satire on the types of programs heard on television. It runs the gamut not only from western to a Glenn Millerish band but also in special effects. Our "Hillbilly Belles" are Norma C., Gayle O. (class of '55), and Joyce K. (class of '56).

I have no recollection of this so I don't remember what the Belles were doing--did I play the trombone? Sing? Dance? Anyone remember? My parents didn't yet own a TV in 1955, so I must have been clueless what it was about.

Other items on the program were Thunder Song by Finlayson; Scotch Folk Suite by Davis (Neal reminds the students not to applaud until after the last movement); Sincerely by Fuqua Reed; Santa Fe Trail by Whitney a collection of folk songs; Lookie, Lookie, Wolf Boy by Walters; Little Suite for Band by Erickson; Tweedlee Dee by Scott; and Time out for a jam session by Handlon which Neal described as "mayhem." Mr. Johnson was a savvy guy--he knew to include those pop tunes to keep us all interested. He was one of my favorites.

From our class: Flutes--Sylvia T.; Clarinets--Sharon R., Neal J., Dianne B., Francine K.; Alto Clarinet--Lynne F.; alto sax--Nancy L.; Cornets--Salley O., Darlene H.; Horns--Priscilla D.; Trombones--Norma C., Sara Y., Steve B., Myron B., Dwayne Z.; percussion--Jon M. Obviously, the class of 57 ruled the trombone section!

Ladies' Breakfast

Submitted by Lynne with photos from Sylvia

Eight ladies gathered at the new Mounder Grounds Cafe on Saturday morning July 5th for their annual Ladies of '57 breakfast. Mounder Grounds Cafe is a new breakfast stop for the ladies and it is a cozy, conversation-friendly spot. Catching up on a years worth of news were: Mary Jane F., Ebba L., Diane B., Marion D., Nancy S., Sylvia S., Sara Y., and Lynne F. These ladies and many of those classmates not attending have been doing this annually for over 50 years now. . . with no plans to discontinue. . . see you next year!










Photos from past ladies' breakfasts

At our breakfast it was made known that classmates Nancy and Moe K. have invited us to a mini-reunion gathering at their country home next summer. . . early plans indicate it will be a casual, outdoorsy event with a pot-luck style meal, just the kind of relaxed gathering that allows for lots of visiting and catching up. Nancy S. has offered to do the contacting and indicated some firm information will be forthcoming around the end of the year holidays. The getting together more frequently seemed be a well-received idea. The closeness of our class, fostered so carefully over the years, now shows in our plans to gather more often. Hope everyone reading this can make plans to come to this picnic gathering.

As most of you know by now, we lost our German Exchange student, Klaus D. in February of this year. We were all saddened by this and some have shared their sorrow and memories of Klaus on our MMHS 1957 web site. In the course of remembering Klaus both privately with one another and again at Saturday's breakfast, a memorial has been mentioned . . . a tree was suggested to be planted either at Dillehay Park or at the new Mounder Park across from our old high school (which doesn't seem to have any trees currently). Lynne F., the class tree hugger, has offered to take up the collection of funds and see to the planting, care and feeding of the new planting, and oak perhaps a good choice. Details will be talked over at our gathering next summer at Nancy and Moe's home. We hope our classmates will welcome this as a fitting memorial to Klaus . . . in the meantime your input would be appreciated.

Congratulations Bonnie and Ed

Our classmate Bonnie and her husband Ed celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on May 18, 2008 at the White Pines Lodge with family and friends, followed by a trip to Florida, according to a recent local newspaper article. They were married at Trinity Lutheran in Mt. Morris on May 18, 1958, and have two daughters, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Memories of another campaign

Classmate Lynne and her sisters have been active in the 2008 campaign, and it brings back some memories of their mother, Rose.

"We know Mom would be happy with our work for Obama, as this reminds me of her work for Adlai Stevenson in 52 and 56. She loved to tell the story of the lady that gushed to Stevenson, "Oh, all thinking people will be voting for you," to which Stevenson replied, "Madam, that isn't enough." I can remember our dining room table full of envelopes, stamps and sheets of information and her ladies working and chattering away. Supper on those autumn nights was always early and homework was done on your bedroom floor (I had a desk by '56). They'd go door to door, too and off to Rockford and Chicago to rallies. They had a lot of fun. I think they knew they were losing, but losing with class, as Mom would say...."

Prayer request for a classmate

Some of you know about the tough time our classmate Lynne has had the last decade. After Ed's death, she twice faced cancer surgery and was successful in that battle. She didn't give up and is a real fighter. However, the last few years she's had mysterious vomiting episodes (sorry if this sounds unpleasant, but I don't know how else to explain it) which are becoming more frequent requiring trips to the ER, bed rest, and even sleeping sitting up. Obviously, enjoying a good meal is out of the question. First they told her it was the flu, then the adhesions from her surgeries, and now she's going to get another opinion. If you've ever watched Lynne on one of her walks (I can't keep up), you know she loves the out-of-doors, being active, helping others, and of course, campaigning with her beloved party during election periods. So this baffling condition isn't easy to live with for someone who wants to be walking the dog and smelling the flowers (soon).

So, I'm asking all the classmates who might be tuning in, to send up a few prayers in the next few days--first for the doctors that they will be able to determine the problem, then for Lynne's condition that it will settle down enough for her to get her strength back with some food and rest, and of course, for healing.

Klaus Dreyer

Nancy S. called to let me know that Klaus Dreyer, a member of our class as an exchange student in 1955-1956, died in February. According to a letter from his wife Margit, "he died February 8th, 2008 in a hospital at Kaiserslautern, Germany. He had been there 5 weeks. She says "Klaus would have loved to see you at the 50th reunion celebration in 2007. He had a great time in America & he enjoyed it very much"." Nancy said, "I know that every letter I received that he always said to give his regards to any classmate I see along the way." Nancy also sent along this photo of a mini-reunion in 1984 when Klaus was visiting Illinois friends.


The top photo is from my album of a CBYF meeting at our home on Hannah, probably summer 1956, which includes some of the class of 1956. In the top photo with Klaus in the foreground are Carolyn M., Mary Lou S., Sharon R., and Jean M. Others at that evening event were myself, Sylvia T. and Deborah P. and class of '56 members, Joyce K., Barb N., and Gayle D. (and some I can't identify after 52 years). Klaus lived with the Robert Fridleys on their farm, descendants of original settlers from Maryland in the Mt. Morris area. Sylvia adds that he also lived with Jesse and Imogene Fridley, and John and Nell Thomas. He wanted to see the "West", so that summer he rode to the Church of the Brethren Annual Conference in Eugene, Oregon, with Bill and Marge Powers. Bill and Marge were not coming directly back, so Klaus rode back with Annis and Elmer Paul.

According to the booklet prepared by the reunion committee, Klaus wrote that he'd been retired for 5 years and he and Margit had 2 adult sons:

"It would have been so nice to see so many of you again. My memories of Mt. Morris have always been very strong, very impressive. The year I was with you had the greatest effect on my life. It was the nicest experience I had in my youth. I have such nice memories, especially of Mt. Morris High. It was all so different from my life in my German hometown, also of life in school. In Germany we still suffered a lot from the after Second World War effects. My attitude toward life, towards the democratic structures was extremely influenced by my stay in Illinois. . . I often look at the MOUNDER and see you before me. It's like there had never been 50 years in between. . . I had always wanted to be a farmer, but ended up being a teacher at a German high school with English and Physical Education as subjects."

Recent photo sent by Margit

Second grade teacher, Miss Finkenbinder, dies

From the Rockford paper

OLIVE L. FINKENBINDER, 91
ROCKFORD - Olive L. Finkenbinder, 91, of Rockford died February 28, 2008, in Provena St. Anne Nursing Center. She was born March 29, 1916, in Jo Daviess County, Wards Grove Twp., the daughter of David Allen and Lillian (Espe) Finkenbinder. She graduated from Stockton High School in 1933, received her B.S. degree at NIU and her M.S. degree from Rockford College. Her post graduate studies were done at Syracuse University in N.Y. Olive began her teaching career in rural schools in Stephenson County. She continued teaching at public elementary schools in Mount Morris, Kukuihaele, Hawaii and Rockford, where the last five years she was the supervisor of Learning Disabilities Program. Olive retired after 38 years in the teaching profession and became an antique dealer in Scales Mound and later in Rockford at the State Street Mall.

She was an active member of many organizations including, Beth Eden United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women and Delta Kappa Gamma Zeta chapter. Olive enjoyed traveling with her friends to many states, Canada, countries in Europe and Australia. She also enjoyed watching birds, flower gardening and crewel. Survivors include her niece, Carol (Wayne) Noller of Stockton; nephew, Paul (Patricia) Noble of Chester, Vt.; and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Myrna Finkenbinder and Mildred Noble; her brother, Orville Finkenbinder; sister-in-law, Thelma Finkenbinder; and brother-in-law, William H. Noble.

Cremation rites were accorded and burial will be with her parents at the Kent Lutheran Cemetery, Kent. A memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 8, in Beth Eden United Methodist Church, 3201 Huffman Blvd., Rockford, with the Rev. Doug Bowden, pastor, officiating. A luncheon at the church will follow. A sharing time with friends will be held one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be given to Beth Eden United Methodist Church, Delta Kappa Gamma Zeta chapter or any charity. Arrangements by Cremation Society of Illinois, 815-282-6202.

Warren Burstrom

JR Worley and Warren Burstrom
At one of my "Monday Memories" at my other, other blog, there were 23 questions (called a Meme) about high school, and I mentioned Warren Burstrom as an example of a really great teacher. Another former student of his was looking on the internet for him and found my blog, and wrote:

"I Googled Warren Burstrom, who was my Calculus professor at Highland Community College in 1969-71, and found your blog mentioning him. I totally agree Warren was a memorable, inspiring and very effective teacher. It was not possible for any student to not pay attention or sleep in his class. He kept us entertained and on our toes. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. Why else would I Google him almost 40 years later?!"

Classmates in serious auto accident

A note from Sylvia: "Mary Jane and Dwayne Z. were in a car accident (1/11) not too far from their home. Apparently, someone ran a stop sign at a country intersection. Dwayne was thrown out of the car. Mary Jane was able to get herself out. Dwayne suffered broken ribs, a collapsed lung, and brain swelling and bleeding. Mary Jane had broken ribs and bad bruising from the seatbelt, but thank goodness, it probably saved her life.

Mary Jane wasn't hospitalized, is recuperating from her injuries at home. Dwayne has been in ICU, but will be released from there to a regular room, and then will be at VanMatre Rehab where they have excellent physical and occupational care. . . It will be a day at a time for awhile. MJ said their son came over tonight to feed the sheep and do the other chores."

Keep them in your prayers, classmates. They had their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Leaf River in November.

Dwayne and Mary Jane Z.

Christmas memories

Our classmate Lynne blessed all of northern Illinois (and a few beyond the borders) with a letter to the Rockford Register Star in response to "Time to build new Christmas memories," Opinions, Dec. 10.

"I, too, have wonderful memories of a mother who took three small girls to Chicago on the train to visit Marshall Field's at Christmas time (we went twice a year, but always at Christmas time).

Each of us got to pick out a special ornament, have lunch, marvel at that huge Christmas tree and then go to the art museum for the balance of the day, as our mother was a commercial artist and a frustrated watercolorist.

Our mother is gone now, and we seldom get to Chicago anymore as we are all over 60. But the carefully selected ornaments and the special outings to Field's with our mother are among our fondest fireside memories.

Thank you for stirring the embers on some of our fondest memories--and my wishes for a very Merry Christmas."

And thank you, Lynne. I'm sure there were a lot of misty eyes as the readers recalled their special times.

Getting ready for Christmas

Our classmate and reunion organizer for many years, Nancy S., sent this photograph and note:

This is a picture showing all the beautiful Christmas trees displayed at the bandshell this year. These were decorated by the various clubs from Mt Morris. The American Legion is in the back with the big yellow bow. I helped with that one and it has poppies, American flags, yellow bows and POW remembrances on it. These trees are just beautiful I think, and I make special trips by there to view them and see if anymore are added. I hope you enjoy them and if you can use them, feel free to do so.

Nancy

Scenes of Mt. Morris

Today I was scanning an old photo of my grandmother's from the 1890s of the Ladies Dormitory of Mt. Morris College (I think it is now the apartments), and decided to check the internet to see if there were others. I came across Digital Past of the North Suburban Library System, found it there, and then clicked on Mt. Morris. Although some of the entries don't apply, I think there are about 15 photos from the college and town, including Kable's (misspelled in one entry), the Lutheran church, band shell, some street scenes, etc. Seem to be postcards. The scanned 1904 encyclopedia (all the parts are actually there if you click on the photo, then on the catalog record) doesn't seem to mention Mt. Morris, either the town or the college, so I'm not sure why it is there.

A few more photos

These are on Sylvia's disc. This group is of the ladies' breakfast and the class reunion, both held at the Pines, and some parade and 4th festivities.

Barb and Nancy
Coach Sally with Nancy and Sara prepping for the parade
When did MMHS morph into Pinecrest?
Lynne, Jean, Sara, Salley, Judy ordering breakfast on June 30

The busy reunion committee

Here's a photo of the hard working reunion committee meeting at the Saunders' home, and I've added Dwayne, Mary Jane and Nancy. Also a shot of the dining room at the White Pines State Park, the site of a life time of school and family activities and picnics for most of us.

from left: Diane, Marion, Lynne, Nancy, Greely, Salley, Jean (I assume Sylvia is taking the photo)

Dwayne and Mary Jane Z.
Nancy
Getting everything ready

A few more photos

Sylvia has passed along a few more photos of the reunion on July 2. I think this one is a reunion within a reunion. At first I couldn't figure out why these four were together for a photo--then I remembered they all started school together at Center School north of Mt. Morris.


Judy, Sylvia, Barb and Glenn at the reunion, July 2, 2007

Front row, lst grade: Richard [not at reunion] Barb, Judy, Sylvia and Glenn at Center School

Forreston's class of 1957

You may recognize some of these folks--15 miles down the road from us. The guys were probably on the sports teams, and I know some of the girls were cheerleaders. I don't know if Forreston had a football team, or golf and tennis teams then, but they did play some mean basketball, defeating the Mounders 60 to 44 in the '56-57 season with Mt. Morris defeating Forreston 75 to 72 in the '55-56 season, according to our yearbooks.

Sylvia and I could recognize the same three people. Carolyn now lives in Mt. Morris and has for many years; JoElla is Sylvia's cousin and my college roommate; and Geneva used to be a member of our class (I think she moved in 6th grade). Sylvia reports the photo appeared in the Ogle Co. Life, but I haven't located it online. The rest of the class went to Maxon's for dinner, that's why the group is a bit small. They obviously didn't have our excellent committee to corral them!!