Just girls hanging out--May 1953

From the left standing: Nancy L., Salley O., Norma C., Francine K., Sara Y.

Kneeling: Doree D. (class of 58) Marion D., Kay A.

This was probably lunch time based on the sun angle.

Photo from Carol S. (class of 58)

Girl Scout troop 227 at Camp

This photo from a June 12, 1954, issue of the Index brings back a flood of memories. On one hike we took the back way to the White Pines State Park. Roads were gravel then and it was a hot and dusty hike. Our leader, Mrs. Lamm, had us take breaks in the shade where we'd all flop down to rest. Suddenly, Fran was jumping and gyrating like nothing we'd ever seen before. She had landed on a huge ant hill and they didn't like it at all! Mrs. Lamm had us form a semi-circle while first-aid was applied to Fran's back side. Years later while watching the 60's TV program, Laugh-In, we realized they were doing Fran's dance--a cross between the Funky Chicken and the Watusi. Fran survived and so did the story--Fran, ever the good sport and joy to this day. Lynne

Remember this house?

Lots of parties and good times here, both during our school years and after. The first scan is what it originally looked like with a floor plan. The second is what it looks like today without the stucco, casement windows and gracious front window through which you could see a spectacular tree at Christmas. Yes, the Fleming home on Hitt Steet.

A note from Klaus' widow Margot

Please click to enlarge. She is thanking the class for the memorial tree and notes that Klaus loved Amazing Grace, which was played at his funeral and played by Sylvia at the planting ceremony.

How many of us remember him.

Patrick Wilburn, 1976-2010

It's with great sadness we report the sudden death on April 8, 2010, of Lynne's son, Patrick Arnold Timothy Wilburn. He is survived by his mother, our classmate Lynne, and his two devoted aunts, Genie and Rosemary. Born on February 24, 1976 to Ed and Lynne, welcomed by grandparents Arnold and Rose Fleming and Henry and Marguerite Wilburn, he lived a life of love and happiness, bringing joy and a special zest for life in all his activities to his parents, extended family, neighbors, friends and staff of Kreider Services.



A memorial in his honor has been established at Kreider Services, Attn: Autism Program, 500 Anchor Road, Dixon, IL 61021. A celebration of Patrick's life and scattering of ashes will be held later this Spring at Franklin Park, near Franklin Grove, one of his favorite places for walks with wildlife, birds and fish. Patrick, who lived in Ashton Terrace, a Kreider group home for adults, regularly attended nature camp in the early Spring and late Fall, and even as a toddler was an outdoor kind of guy. "If the sun was out, so was Patrick." He also loved soccer, and Lynne was the uber-soccer mom always cheering him on. Lynne says he was not the most aggressive player (he was too kind for that), but he was the most determined. Patrick was also a good dancer (Aunt Rosemary saw to that), and was quite sought after at the various social events he attended, enjoying also the company of his special friend, Jenny, his companion at the workshop and on hamburger dates.

Lynne not only supported the special needs of her son, but other parents struggling to understand and cope. She counseled them saying, "It may not be a 'normal' life, but it can be a good life." Many advances have been made since he was diagnosed at age 3, but there is no cure, only help.

Patrick's extended family pitched in to teach all the little niceties and small things that helped make him such a pleasant young man--things the rest might take for granted (or never learn!). Removing the hat when entering the home; turning off lights when leaving a room; using less water to conserve; good table manners; politeness and respect. His natural sensitivity to people's feelings and emotions, however, didn't need to be taught. Lynne says it was hard to be unhappy around Patrick. He got every bit he could out of life, and he wanted you to also!

Holidays were special in the Fleming household because Patrick came home--the above photograph of Thanksgiving with Aunt Genie and Mom Lynne is an example. Preparations were being made for Easter when they got the sad news of a seizure and heart attack and all rushed to the hospital to spend his final days by his side. Patrick's last good deed in this life was to be an organ donor, and four grateful families are sharing in his life now with their loved ones. Lynne says, "I know not age, nor weariness, nor defeat. He was worth every bit of it."

If you think we looked young in 1957 . . .

Take a look at 1954! A big shout out for Lynne and Nancy scouring the Index archives. Click to enlarge and read the names. But I'll bet you'd know Bob C. and Phil E. anywhere! And isn't #34 our president?




According to the 1955 Mounder, football practice began August 30, 1954. The Freshman-Sophomore squad had a 4-1-1-record, displaying great promise for the future varsity. That was a pretty good prediction, because in the fall of 1955, the Mounders were undefeated with a few blood baths, 32-0 over Lanark, and 52-0 over Milledgeville.

1954 summer baton class

Click to enlarge
Nancy and Lynne are hard at work at the town library this Spring finding interesting things about the class of 1957. I actually remember this one because I had the newspaper article in my scrap book years ago. The note under the photo says six of the girls would be picked for the fall of 1954. So I checked the 1955 yearbook and found a photo of the marching band majorettes lead by main majorette, Gayle O. Others were: Barbara N., Jane K., Mary Ann M. (not in the above photo), Wilma W., and Salley O. Baton twirling is pretty athletic, and MMHS most famous athlete, Salley, is the only one in our class that made the cut that year. The following year (fall of 1955), again, Salley was the only one from our class along with 3 freshmen and two seniors. In our senior year (fall of 1956), again, only Salley.

I'm happy to report that Lynne is up and around after some serious health set backs, and is again walking and checking on our class tree on the campus which appears to have survived a pretty tough winter.

Tennis squad, 1954

Click to enlarge
Members of the class of 1957 presented in this Index photo are Glenn O., Mike B., Jon M., Jerry T., Gary H. and Neal J. According to Lynne, who submitted this photograph, the old tennis courts are now used for bike racks and some basketball hoops. There are nice tennis courts in Dillehay Park and many young people and old timers make good use of them.

Cheerleaders, 1952-1953

Nancy S. has sent this adorable photograph of the Mt. Morris Grade School cheerleaders. Click to read the print.

Learning about voting with Mr. Worley

This was posted at "Do you remember this in Mt. Morris (Facebook) by Mr. Worley's daughter. Appears to be either civics class or American history, but the students are definitely class of 1957.

From left: Duane, Sharon, Pat, Myron, Mary Lou, Jon. Can anyone identify the adults?

Remember Mr. Sandman?

I seem to remember learning this song--but have no recollection of where or when we sang. "Mr. Sandman" debuted on 10/30/54 and peaked at #1 for 7 weeks.



The Chordettes were Carol Buschman, Janet Ertel, Lynn Evans and Jinny Osborn. Janet Ertel was the mother-in-law of Phil Everly of “The Everly Brothers.”

Another birthday party found!

Sylvia is sharing an adorable photo, and I'm really thrilled to see another photo of my cousin, Jimmy, who died in 1949. For years I didn't have a single photograph and in the last few days I've acquired five. Another thing amazing about these "little guys" is how dressed up they are! Look how many are wearing sport coats. Sylvia supplied the identification. Probably 1948--Dave's 9th birthday.



Back row: Tom Walker (deceased), Dave B, Gene H(class of 1956)?, Jimmy Corbett (deceased), Dick Z, (_unknown__)
Front row: Dave G (class of 1958)?, Dave N (class of 1959), Dave S., Mike B, Dolores Saunders (deceased)

Where is Mt. Morris?

Today I got an e-mail: "What state is this Mt. Morris in? A specific location appears nowhere on the blog's landing page. FYI there is more than one Mt. Morris High School in the USA!"

My reply: You're right. It must have slipped off somewhere in the various template changes after the reunion was over, because that is an irritation of mine. Many libraries and schools don't list the name of the town or state on their webpage. It can be figured out from the temperature out-click, but a reader shouldn't have to work that hard. The same thing happens on Facebook.

It is Mt. Morris, Illinois, and the school from which we graduated is now defunct/decommissioned. The town has about 3,000 people, at least three blogs for various class reunions, a webpage for the town, and the last I counted, six different corporate Facebook pages, 1 for the town (over 1,000 participants), 1 for school alumni, 1 for memorializing deceased residents, 1 for the Moose, 1 for Trinity Lutheran, and 1 for Church of the Brethren.

Welcome to Mt. Morris, Illinois.

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

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

The Ladies perform for the PTA March 1954

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

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

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

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

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

The 1953-54 Fresh-Soph Squad

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

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

New Band Uniforms, February 1954

And didn't we feel special! Lynne scanned this from the Mt. Morris Index which reported, "Attired in their new uniforms for first appearance at half time during the Mt. Morris/Polo basketball game." A special fund was used to buy these uniforms with help from the PTA. Our director was Wayne Johnson, a graduate of Murray State College with a M.M. from Indiana University who also directed the choral groups, did arranging, and played trumpet in a local orchestra.

That year there were 50 band members--wouldn't that be about a fourth of the school body? We played at half time during the home football games and the half during the home basket ball games, the homecoming parade, the various special musical programs, school assemblies and the opening of the summer concert season at the bandshell on the campus. We also participated as a band and as individuals in band contests with other schools, and the Blackhawk Music Festival. Did we ever give a passing thought to the wonderful opportunities provided to us by our community and parents?

The trombones are completely out of view over on the left, but our class of '57 was well represented in that section--Steve B., Dwayne Z., Myron B., Sara Y., and Norma C. are there with a little help from senior Noel Mc. and sophomores Bob B. and Jim I.

Help me out if I misidentify the musician or instrument: Sylvia T., flute; clarinet--Neal J., Sharon R., Lynne F., Diane B., Francine K.; Priscilla D, French horn (shiny blonde hair in the photo); Nancy L., saxophone; Jon M., drums; trumpet--Salley O., and Darlene H. also Tom W. and Deb P. (I'm guessing here). I think it was either our junior or senior year that Nelson P. took up the bass, joined the band and entered musical contests. In our final year there were 8 seniors who played in a pep band--if you remember who--add it in the comments.

Be my Valentine

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

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

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

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

Lynne L. Wilburn
2/2000
Valentine's Day

The 1956-57 Student Council

Click to enlarge and read.
If you still have your senior year book, the activities of the Student Council (pp.12-13) are interesting for its wide range of interests. On the two page spread, the following activities are listed.

Met with the student councils from Oregon and Polo to discuss school problems organized all Homecoming activities managed game concessions appointed sponsors for dances presented Courtesy Week (juniors Barb G. and Gary G. were Miss and Mr. Courtesy) sponsored candy sales during the noon hour in charge of assemblies in charge of the campaign for candidates for council (speeches and assembly) in charge of Conference Track activities sponsored Student-Faculty Dinner responsible for decorating the showcase planned Freshman Orientation Day handled lost and found coat check recreation room tournaments supervised the TV set which was a gift from the class of 1956 held a work day in April (we beat Earthday by 13 years!) to clean up the school grounds attended state and district conventions had a picnic supper with past members at Camp Emmaus Spring dinner with various other committees to prepare for new year worked on a community code with the PTA began planning for a student handbook.

Whew! I had no idea. Council met the first and third Wednesdays and the Council projects all had committees drawn from the student body. Looking at the photo, all representatives appear to be Sophomores through Seniors, which would make sense because elections were in the Spring before the Freshmen were part of the student body.

Memories of the Canteen, by Lynne

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

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

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

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

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

Anyone have canteen stories they'd like to share?


Click to enlarge

Mt. Morris on Facebook

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

Remember these guys?

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

Party time 56 years ago

From the Mt. Morris Index--important social news!

Friday night January 22, ". . . a few of Priscilla D's friends gave a little surprise party in honor of her birthday in the home of Lynne F. Guests included Marion D, Tina K, Kay A, Salley O, Sara Y, Norma C, Nancy G, Nancy L and Fran K. After enjoying ice cream and cake, the honoree opened her lovely gifts."

Ebba's winter wedding, by Lynne

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

H.A. Hoff

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

Thanks to Nancy for sending the photo.

Current and past holiday traditions--by Lynne

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











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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The class of 57 had its dream

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

Illinois Pupil's Reading Circle Diploma

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

Mrs. Westfall's 7-A class 1952

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

Class of 56 and 57 CBYF trip

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

Red House Mystery, Senior Play

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




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

Time Out for Ginger Memorabilia

More good stuff from Pat B.




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

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

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

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

1955 Champions

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

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

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

Memorial tree's first fall

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

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

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

If you have these Mt. Morris books. . .

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

A 50's Fashion Story by Lynne

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

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

Breakfast in 1996

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

Happy 50th Anniversary Sara and Bill

Found! Another 8th grade trip photo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted by Lynne

Class of 1957 is a winner

in more ways than one. . . Salley wins golf classic. . . dateline Mattoon,IL from the Rockford Register Friday, September 25"

“It is the 8th title for Wessels, who is also a 13 time Greater Rockford Women's Golf Classic champion. Wessels led the field by 3 strokes at the beginning of Thursdays final round and held on to the lead to claim the title on a rain-soaked course. The 40th annual women’s tournament featured a full field of 120 players."

Those of us that started golfing at around the same time (sometime in 7th or 8th grade) fell so far behind most of us just gave up the game! That does not alter the fact that we are enormously proud of Salley and judging from the buzz around town Friday so are a lot of town folk. I visited the Post Office, the grocery store and Senior Center for a flu shot and everyone was talking about it. It had a amazing ripple effect among those at the Senior Center. A real shot in the arm (pardon the pun). On a rainy day in late September it was a real spirit lifter. Thanks Salley for showing us the way to go.

Submitted by Lynne

The lost birthday party

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




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

Mt. Morris Times story about class tree

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


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