Report on Homecoming 97 for
the Class of 1952
by
Joy Williams Hester
Never
underestimate the importance of attending the Homecoming events of Dear Ole Big
Spring High! The Class of 1952,
celebrating its 45th reunion last October, is taking credit for the
June wedding of one of our own, Lane Bond, and the lovely Janice Boardman
Rosson, class of 1953. The
beautiful wedding which included family members of both the bride and the groom,
was a reunion in itself for the many friends and classmates who were privileged
to attend.
You see, if
Lane had not thought it worthwhile to fly all the way from California just to
emcee the Saturday evening banquet of his class reunion, the romance may never
have happened. Exchanging e-mail
addresses at the reunion led to a friendly correspondence that ultimately ended
in this union of two much-loved classmates.
The
class of 1952 began its reunion activities on Friday by riding on a flatbed
truck in the Homecoming parade. Classmates
sported their black and gold T-shirts, which had a picture of the old Runnels
School across the front, the significance being that ours was the last class of
seniors to attend this school. We
moved to the new high school at mid-term and therefore, we were the first class
to graduate from the present location. Also,
this is to be the last year that the building will be used as a school, since a
new junior high is nearing completion. The
group sang nostalgic songs of the fifties accompanied by Will Stewart, who is
very accomplished on the banjo.
The fun
continued as we attended the football game together.
Sally Baber was awarded a ticket to the game for having been the first
person to mail in her reservation and information for the reunion.
Following the game, we joined other classes at a reception in the
Fireplace Room of Howard College.
Saturday
was a special day as class members and spouses gathered for breakfast at “Our
Old House” on Johnson Street. Visiting
continued throughout the day and people enjoyed the many displays of pictures
taken during our high school days together, as well as the sounds of music of
the fifties heard in the background. A display also honored those classmates who
we knew to be deceased. A video of the 1992 reunion showed continuously in one
of the rooms for those who wanted to reminisce about that event.
The
highlight of the weekend was the banquet Saturday evening at Howard College.
Lane was entertaining with his wit and recollection of humorous events
during our years in school. Jackie
Marchant Simpson gave a presentation interpreting the theme of the banquet,
“Lost in the Fifties.” Bill
Wood, a minister, paid tribute to those that are deceased and led in prayer.
Patricia Dillon Stewart and her husband Will sang a duet entitled
“It’s a Sin to Tell a Lie”. Will
accompanied them on the mandolin and also presented a musical program including
music of the fifties, patriotic selections, and “Amazing Grace.”
A
contest had been previously announced to classmates who secretly entered their
spouses in the “Special Spouse” contest.
Joy Williams Hester recognized the winners and awarded them a certificate
describing why their spouses considered them so special.
Special female spouses recognized were Gaye Wood (Bill), Elaine Whitney
(Bud), and Claudette Harper Hartley (Leonard).
Male spouses given a certificate were Will Stewart (Patricia Dillon),
Lawrence Allen (Nila Bailey), James Cauble (Francys Rice), James Covington (Mary
F. Norman), Ray Newton (Martha Hughes), and Jim Medford (Barbara Smith).
Gifts were presented to the over-all-winners of the contest, Gay Nell
Lane Harper (Jim), and David Jansch (Francine Thompson).
Others
receiving awards were Shirley McGinnis Sliwinski and Ronnie Sanders for being
the least changed, Lane Bond for traveling the farthest, Leonard Hartley,
Francys Rice Cauble, Patsy Morton Sharpnack and Bob Porter for reporting the
most amusing stories from their days in school.
Barbara
Smith Medford read a poem written by Lenna Tynes Wyman depicting the years that
have passed since graduation in 1952. Nila
Bailey Allen made announcements and read a history of the school background of
many of the members that made up the Class.
The program closed with the singing of the school song led by Mary
Frances Norman Covington.
If you
didn’t come, you missed a great time and WE MISSED YOU!
Remember!
our next reunion will be the BIG 5-0! DON’T
DARE MISS IT!
Other
members of the planning committee whose names have not been previously mentioned
by their participation on the program were: Annelle Puckett Campbell, Lois Craft
Shannon, Shirley Riddle Warren and Doris Newton Pope.
A BIG “THANK YOU” TO ALL! See
you in 2002.