The MMHS 1957 blog is closing down

A huge thank you to Nancy Falzone, Lynne Wilburn, Sylvia Saunders and Mike Balluff who have supplied the majority of the photos, stories and newspaper articles. We've got stories and photos of the 10th, 15th, 20th, 30th, 40th, 45th, 50th, 57th, and 60th reunions, and the 52nd and 53rd "events," plus the ladies breakfasts that met whether or not the whole class did! Actually, the 50th reunion entries are a bit skimpy. If I have the correct labels, about 70 of the entries are from the 1950s (there is some overlap), there are a number of birthday parties, lots of sports stories--baseball, basketball, football, golf, track and tennis--organizations like 4-H, scouting, band, GAA, Student Council, churches, town businesses, town landmarks, 4 trees to help reforest the campus, plus a memorial tree dedicated to deceased members of the class, a class marker on the campus, 4 entries in the town Christmas celebration, a painted hydrant for July 4, weddings and anniversaries (there would have been more but I didn't get photos from Jon and Phil who celebrated their 50th anniversaries during our blog's time), the class plays, current health problems of class members, and a number of obituaries, including class members who died during the time of the blog--Carolyn, Marv, Neal, Klaus, Diane, Francine, Darlene, Jerry, Sharon, Glenn R., Nelson, Phil and Libby, as well as our former teachers, and parents of classmates. Probably the saddest entries for me were the obituaries of the sons of our classmates, Glenn R., Lynne and Salley. Those I didn't expect to write. But we also have poetry (thank you, Lynne), some YouTube videos of songs and music of "our times," a movie made in Mt. Morris, and some warm memories. As long as Blogger dot com continues, our class and its times will have a spot on the internet. Have a blessed Christmas and a great 2019.

Class of 1957 enters Tree Contest

Photo of tree will be added later.

Update: Nov. 17:  Here is the class tree.  Our school colors were red and black and we're. . . let's face it . . . old and touched with silver.  So there's a black board with name of class, red apples on a silver tree.  Quite appropriate for the season, and our season.  Not sure who all worked on this, but I know Nancy Falzone was heading things up.

Autumn and our class of 1957 tree

Members of the class of 1957 dedicated a lovely tree for the campus a few months ago.  Earlier a marker was also placed.  Now that the colors are turning, Lynne says it's a lovely sight with great color.  She will make sure it is well watered as the cold weather moves in.

When our little village was founded as a place to establish a Methodist seminary, there weren't many trees because of the prairie grass. "The prairie land on the crest of the hill on which Mount Morris was built contained about 10 square miles.  This prairie was entirely surrounded by heavy timber.  The timber line came very close to the present village limits on the north, but about 2 or 3 miles to the east, south and west." Mount Morris: Past and Present, 2nd ed. 1938.

Settlers on the prairie, including the original Maryland Colony, looked for "groves" where there were trees to supply materials for shelter and fire wood.  When we  visited Illinois in September we had the opportunity to see the Nachusa Grasslands near Oregon, and the size of that prairie "grass" is stunning.  Well over my head.  So it was a challenge for the trees to get established.  After farmers broke up the sod, and the fertile soil began to produce,  then the trees had a chance.

 The cornerstone for the original seminary was laid on July 4, 1839 (p. 102).  Also a fitting reminder because our class often gathers on July 4, and has participated in the parade. That summer and fall, the town was platted and the town was named Mount Morris. ( p. 104)  Photos I've seen of the campus even in the 19th century show there were many trees, and our class is contributing to that tradition of planting trees for the future.

Class of 1957 enjoys breakfast in September

On September 22 at 9 a.m. in the Campus Cafe, a few members of the Mt. Morris Class of 1957 met for breakfast. Marion, Ebba, Nancy, Moe, Lynne, David, Sylvia, Norma, Mary Jane, Nancy, Jean, Greeley. This class is fortunate to have a very active local committee—this was the third get-together in 2018.

Salley in the news

Sauk Valley Media reports. . . September 13, 2018

WOMEN’S GOLF

Three local wrap up play at Sr. Amateur

Salley Wessels of Mount Morris fired an 84 on Thursday and finished at 250, good for a tie for 15th place, at the Illinois State Senior Women’s Amateur golf tournament at Metamora Fields Country Club.

Two Dixon golfers also competed in the tournament. Kristie Pultorak and Mimi Boysen each shot rounds of 89 on Thursday. Pultorak tired for 36th with a three-round total of 262, while Boysen finished five shots back in a tie for 43rd.

Breakfast on July 4, 2018

JULY 4, WEDNESDAY

FIREMEN'S BREAKFAST

Let's meet at the Mt. Morris Fire Department for the Firemen's Breakfast.... 

Table will be reserved for us from 8:30AM on. 

Spouse, friend, family all welcome, too. 

And if you happen to be in town for the festivities.... 

be sure to stop by.. 

Good breakfast...Good times.

Update:  Photos from the event

Dick Z. Greely, Dave, Moe, Mike B.

Nancy F., Mike B.

Nancy K., Salley W.

Sylvia S. with Doree D. of 1958 class

Nancy F. with brother Don and wife, 1959 class

Celebrating May birthdays for the class of 1957

The class of 1957 can always find time for a party, and this year it was May birthdays, Marion Thompson, Mike Balluff, Nancy Falzone, Greely Myers, Lynne Wilburn, Dave Saunders, Steve Brinker and Bonnie Soresie.

Five of the celebrities were available for the celebration

Sylvia writes in a group e-mail:  Yes, we had a very nice get-together this morning.  It was good to see everyone.  Thanks to Nancy for bringing the cake...and it was yummy.  And thanks Lynne, for putting all the tree plans in place....and we got 'er done.  It will be a beautiful tree and an asset to the Campus...as well as the others that have been planted.

Lynne provided details to the group about the tree—an oak—and reported on those of us who couldn’t make the trip to help in the celebration. She also arranged for the local paper to do a write up on the event and stopped back at the Campus Café  to thank them.

 

Looking through my file, I found a party photo in the way-back machine.  Nancy’s birthday party 66 years ago in 1952—with a few ladies of our class—Sara, Lynne, Dorothy, Fran, Nancy, Norma, Pris, Betty, Deb, Donna, Kay, and Barb.

How it was in 1957--looking back from the 60s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6bHs8Vm3EQ&app=desktop

Part of a PBS series Making sense of the Sixties. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhV5CJsoQdg&list=PLl5jpZP-bgnm062FH0VVktr8zOveXLehI

The 1950s and after Sputnik   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlZRHBGlBJY

Rules in the 1950s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrYX9j3Tqzw

Ad for a 1957 Chevy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GU-SRHV-2uk

Class breakfast announcement

A QUICK BULLETIN

Hello, Class of 57....We're having a MAY Birthday party.  It has come to our attention that there are at least 6 classmate birthdays in MAY

Marion Thompson, Mike Balluff, Nancy Falzone,
Greely Myers, Lynne Wilburn, and Dave Saunders!!   (any more?) Yes,
Steve Brinker and Bonnie Soresie

So, there will be

 Breakfast at the Campus Cafe in Mt.Morris...
across from the Campus.

May 9, Wednesday, at 9AM

Following the breakfast, (weather permitting), we'll go to the Campus to see the trees our Class donated to the Village.  

Please join us for the MAY Birthday Breakfast, and tree planting....

For all our birthdays in 2018--a rap by Lynne

Tracking on 80, a rap by Lynne Wilburn

I have my own teeth,
my eyes are the best in the house,
sense of direction still good,
balance better than most.
I can still climb a ladder,
haul groceries from the car,
hang clothes on the lines,
cut the grass and
scoop the porches after snow and
I can still walk five miles a day.

I can't use my phone
and Windows 10 is a stinker.
I don't always smell good at the end of the day
or sleep through the night,
but I can still read and remember
and look forward to another year,
and I can still hope for the best.

Note:  This is from an actual e-mail.  All I did was space it out a little--and of course, got Lynne's permission.

This is most certainly true

Class of 57 Christmas tree lights up the campus

Christmas on the Square in Mt. Morris has for several years welcomed organizations, local businesses, civil groups and alumni to decorate trees to be placed on the band shell. The class of 1957 has participated  and this is our third year--the trees are lit at night  giving a Christmas glow to the old Campus from Thanksgiving weekend until the New Year. The tree is black with red ornaments, and that is Nancy F. showing off the handiwork of Lynne W.

The 13th annual Christmas Cantata in Mt. Morris will be Sunday, December 3rd at Trinity Lutheran Church on Brayton Road at 3PM. This event is bringing together voices from all over Ogle county to make a joyful noise. Proceeds from the good will offering supports local pantries in the area with refreshments following (Note from Lynne:  I made cookies so avoid the oatmeal/cranberry!)

The Old Sandstone Gallery Holiday Art Show is new this year...featuring wooden holiday themed objects. Hours are from 3-7 p.m., December 2nd as part of Christmas on the Square. The Encore group is a newly founded group to support Mt. Morris growth in many ways, including the arts. 

The Mt. Morris Senior Center offers a fabulous breakfast as their part of Christmas on the Square from 8:30 to 11 AM. It is a real country Christmas breakfast and a fortifying  start to a busy day in the village.

 Pinecrest Manor holds an annual Open House during  Christmas on the Square from 2:30 until 4 p.m. with a craft fair and a to-die-for bake sale. The proceeds go to the Good Samaritan Fund.  And Santa fits in here somewhere...Never know when or where that big guy is going to turn up.

A sprinkle of snow and our old home town will look picture perfect for Christmas...I think I wrote a poem about it once.. .

Merry Christmas from your old home town and those that still live here...

(Since the blog owner has never seen this lovely event, I asked Lynne to write it up.)

Candid shots from the 60th reunion October 13-14, 2017

Sunset Golf Club Pizza Party, Nancy, Jean Sara, Mike (hat), David, Phil W. Greely (hat)

Sunset Golf Club Pizza Party, Salley, Greely (hat), Nancy, Jean, Mike (hat), Myron, Sara, David, Phil W.

Jean and Moe at Dad's in Polo

Bill D. and Glenn O. at Dad's in Polo

Jon M. Sylvia S. Bill D. Darrell M., School tour in Mt. Morris

Class Reunion Group Photo

Sixtieth class reunion of the MMHS 1957 graduating class

Reminder of schedule:

Friday, October 13, 2017      5:30PM     Pizza Party at Golf Course 

Saturday, October 14   1:30PM     High school walk through

                                      2:30PM     Museum walk through

                                      4:00PM    Social hour - Dad's in Polo
                                      5:00PM    Reunion, Buffet, Dad's Polo
Sylvia is expecting a good turn out.

Ralph Dollinger, husband of Pat

Although I haven’t found an obituary, Marion Dollinger Walkner noted on Facebook that her brother Ralph “Tommy” Dollinger, husband of our classmate Pat, has died. He graduated from Mt. Morris High in 1956 and married Pat and they had 3 children plus grandchildren and great grand children. I will add more as I find it. I’ve looked through the candid shots from my 1957 file, and found one of Pat and Tom at the 2009 class get together at Moe and Nancy’s place, but only a partial of his face. Perhaps someone else has a better shot.

Update from Restland Funeral home.

Ralph William “Tommy” Dollinger, age 79, died of lung cancer on September  9th, 2017, in his home in Rockwall, Texas.

Tommy is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Ann Bryant Dollinger of Rockwall, Texas, daughter Susan Mase, son-in-law Rob Mase, daughter Tonya Burns and son-in-law Lee Burns, sisters Marion Walkner of Dallas, Linda Baumblatt of California and Brenda Warren of Tennessee, four granddaughters and five great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father and mother Victor Dollinger and Thelma Hibbs Dollinger, in-laws Eddie and Alda Bryant, sisters Martha Hosier and Carol Zellers and his son Steven Scott Dollinger.

Tommy was born on January 15, 1938, in Rockford, Illinois.  He graduated from Mt. Morris High School in Mt. Morris, Illinois and then joined the United States Army and was honorably discharged 1963.  He also attended DCCCD in Richardson, Texas.  He worked at Blue Cross Insurance, Hartford Insurance and Continental Emsco working in data processing.  He then left the corporate world and opened The Quick Print Shop in Rockwall, Texas.

Tommy was a Rotarian, won the Paul Harris award and was Rotarian of the year, a 4^th degree Knights of Columbus and active and involved in the ping pong group at The Senior Center in Rockwall, Texas.  He enjoyed carving realistic waterfowl and walking his dog, Carlie.

Tommy was a founding member of Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Rockwall, Texas and remained a faithful member until his death.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 4, 2017, from 6-8 pm at Restland Funeral Home in Dallas, TX.

The funeral is scheduled for 11 am on Thursday, October 5, 2017, at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic church, 1305 Damascus Rd, in Rockwall, Texas.

Burial will be at Restland Dallas following a reception at the church.  The funeral Mass will be officiated by Father George Monaghan and Deacon Jim Daniels.

All are welcome to attend and celebrate Tommy’s life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of the Lake Building Fund or Patriot Paws Rockwall, Texas.

Lola Duncan, Marion's mom

Lola Duncan, Marion’s mother,  passed away on September 11, 2017. Many in our class remember this sweet, quiet woman, and we send our sympathy to all the family, including Marion’s sisters Barbara and Linda, and her brother Steve.  Lola was born November 3, 1917 in Leaf River, IL the daughter of Galen & Carrie (Fisher) Blake. She graduated from Mt. Morris High School class of 1932. Lola married Robert L. Duncan in February 1937 in Mt. Morris, IL. She was a member of Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL. Services were  held Saturday September 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. in Disciples United Methodist Church, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Julie Bunt officiating.  http://finchfuneral.com/2017/09/lola-j-duncan-99/

Don Falzone, friend of the class

The class of 1957 has lost a a good friend—the husband of Nancy Snodgrass.  He was well known to us all, and for the last 30 years had frequently attended our reunions and class breakfasts.  Nancy and Don met as children in 1951—on horseback, of course.  Later as teens they dated a few times, but both married someone else.  Some time later when both were single again, they started dating and were married in Trinity Lutheran Church in Mt. Morris in 1985. He will certainly be missed and the class sends Nancy our prayers and thoughts.

Duane, Dave, and Don, class breakfast Nov. 2015

(Ogle County Life)  MOUNT MORRIS – Donald A. Falzone, age 79, died Sunday Sept. 10, 2017 in KSB Hospital, Dixon, IL. Don was born June 16, 1938 in Rockford, IL,  the son of Joseph and Anna (Hall) Falzone.

Don served in the United States Army from 1962 to 1965 serving in Korea. Don married Nancy Snodgrass on July 20, 1985 in Mount Morris. He worked for Barber Coleman and Vensys Technologies. Don was involved with many things; his favorite pass time was racing homing pigeons.

Don is survived by his wife: Nancy Falzone, Oregon; sons: Brian (Julie) Falzone and John Falzone both of Rockford; Step-sons: Bob (Esther) Mongan, Oregon, and Joe ( Debbie) Mongan, Rockford; grandchildren, great grandchildren; brother: John (Kathy) Falzone, Cherry Valley, and Jeff Warren, Rockford; sister: Mary Ellen (Robert) Crowell, Rockford; many nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Joe and Sonny.

A memorial service and burial service were held Friday, September 15, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Oakwood Cemetery, Mount Morris.  A luncheon followed the memorial service in The Disciples United Methodist Church, Mount Morris.

Memorials may be sent to the American Pigeon Museum and Library, 2300 N.E. 63rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
.

Dalene Holverson Nelson, 1939-2017

Class members were shocked to learn by e-mail of the death of Darlene.  Her daughter, Kathy Blair, asked for some remembrances of her mother to use in planning the service for her. If class members have additional thoughts you shared with Kathy, I can add them here.

Lynne Wilburn:  Darlene was gifted at the piano and often would go to music contest as accompanying other soloists. She had very good musical taste. We shared that as early as 7th grade. She was a spirit lifter that always knew how to make her friends feel good about themselves. She also had excellent taste in clothes, as she always looked like a model, tall, thin with her long hair...she was stunning. She always reminded me of Suzy Parker, the super model of the 50's.  She was a loyal member of our Pep club, played in MMHS band and sang in school musical groups and acting in school plays.  I helped at her wedding to her first husband, Jim Appelgren, and she was a lovely bride. She was to the end, a good friend to her classmates. If I would use a short to the point profile of our Darlene it would be loyal, elegant and capable (she could type like the wind and run every type of business equipment.

 

I hope to meet you again, you were a toddler when last I saw you!  Your mom called me when Cassidy was born-she was so thrilled...  My heartfelt sympathy to you and your brother and families. 

Norma Bruce: You mentioned her love of music; yes, she played cornet in the band (4 years) and went to district contest. Band was a busy, competitive group—played for ball games and had concerts during the year.  She was also in the Girls Chorus and Mixed Chorus, and you know she played the piano and was the accompanist for several groups and also for soloists who performed for various events and for contests. I was in a group called Treble Clef and she was the accompanist—we sang for things like PTA and assemblies.  Your mom was in the school pep club, called Pepsters (we wore black skirts, white blouses and red long sleeve sweaters and supported the guys’ teams since Illinois didn’t have competitive women’s sports). We did get to have some “organized” sports as young women, and she was in the Girls Athletic Association (GAA) all 4 years. It sticks in my mind that as freshmen and maybe sophomores we wore horrid pea green baggy onesies, but graduated to white blouses and navy shorts.  Your mom was in the senior class play, “The Red House Mystery.” Her thespian talents were also used for school assemblies where students did little sketches about school happenings.  I recall she was a very good, honor roll student, and she put some skills to use working on the Hilltopper, our school newspaper we all eagerly read when it came out.  Then there was the unofficial activities like stuffing millions of napkins into chicken wire for our class Homecoming floats in freezing weather, and drinking a gazillion chocolate and cherry cokes at the local drug store after school with other screeching, giggling girls.

 I remember your mom as a young girl—tall, graceful, slender, thoughtful and often sober as she pondered life’s problems, and. . . perhaps important then. . . with style and flair. It’s sort of a silly memory, but when we were in 7^th or 8^th grade, long dangling necklaces came into style, and she was one of the first to wear them!  I’m sure I had a bit of envy which is why I remember it.

----------------------------------------------------------

(Finch Funeral Home, Mt. Morris) Rockford, IL, Darlene Nelson, age 78, Nee: Holverson, passed away at Swedish American Hospital on September 3, 2017 after a brief illness.

 Darlene grew up in Mt. Morris, IL and was a proud and beloved graduate of the Mt. Morris High School Class of 1957. Classmates describe Darlene as uplifting, loyal, and elegant. She had a love of music that she expressed over a lifetime through multiple bands, piano accompaniment, teaching piano, church choirs, bell choirs, and ushering at the Mendelssohn Center. Part of her adult life was spent in Lake County, IL and she eventually returned to the Rockford area. Darlene’s family will miss her and is thankful for the friends and family who helped her during some difficult times.
Darlene is survived by her children: Jon Appelgren, Rockford, IL; Kathy (Troy) Blair, Gurnee, IL; grandchildren: Cassidy (Daniel) Gerber, Jersey City, NJ; and Kevin Blair, Chicago, IL.
Darlene is preceded in death by her parents: Harold “Slim” and Bertha Holverson; and son: Michael Appelgren.

Memorial service was held Friday, September 8, 2017 at 12:00 P.M. in The Disciples United Methodist Church in Mt. Morris, IL. She was buried in Franklin Grove Cemetery, Franklin Grove, IL. Visitation was held Friday September 8, 2017 from 11:00 A.M. until service time in the church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Darlene’s name to a charity of your choosing.

Can you spot Darlene? Front row center, white shorts, hands on knees