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The Garden Party

And then there were four

16 years ago

All that are left out of a class of sixteen when we graduated in 1943. WW2 was hard on the boys, we lost 5. To my shame I didn't recognize one of the guys, he was a good friend 60+ years ago but I hadn't seen him for at least 60 years. Donna, the one girl still living is still very pretty and like us has been married for 59 years.

The school we attended closed in 1962 and classes were consolidated with 2 other schools nearby but the building has been converted into a bed and breakfast and in a town of only 90 people there sure is no other place to stay. There is never a certain class reunion, all classes are honored, brother was there from Florida they sold their house in Florida and are moving to Nebraska after living there for 35 years. Tom said he was tired of hurricanes I hope he likes shoveling snow.

The oldest attendee was Wilma, a very young 88, she has outlived 2 husbands and is a very vigorous person. She invited several of us to her room for a nightcap and that gal likes them strong, fun talking to her though. Her father was the depot station agent and those were the days of the clicking telegraph key and the agent would go out to the tracks with a note tied on a hoop that the conductor would swing out and catch as the train went by. Wilma was known as a rather wild one when she was a kid, she had been known to sneak out of a window and go riding with Blackie D. in his dads model T. One of the guys asked her if her folks ever caught on and she said I probably wouldn't be here if they had. Harry, her dad was about half in the bottle all the time but was always functional but when he walked home from the depot he sure took up a lot of sidewalk.

Fun meeting with the group again but had to drive the almost 200 miles back home to decorate our childrens graves and I have to work at the museum tomorrow. Used to be gas was the minor cost of the trip back there but not now. Enough rambling.

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Comments (8)

husky004_
16 years ago
George-I could listen to you ramble forever...thanks for sharing.
Josh
16 years ago
I sure wish you'd write your memoirs in permanent form. We find your tales so interesting but how much more they would mean to your family. Wouldn't you love to read something from your granddad about his life and experiences...he might not have had your droll wit but I'd bet you'd enjoy just the same. Ramble on...josh
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gabriell_gw
16 years ago
George I really love reading your ramblings. You always have such interesting tales to tell.
tibs
16 years ago
"he sure took up a lot of sidewalk." What a wonderfully descriptive way to describe the drunken gait.
esteinberg
16 years ago
FWIW, I never pass up reading your rambles. They are witty and insightful! Thank you, George.
pamven
16 years ago
George you've made my day!!!! My brother and i love driving my 86 yr old mom down to her yearly high school class reunion. We hear such great tales. Her class wasnt all that large(she came from a very small town in central Ill) but there still are enough of them left to have a annual reunion. Perhaps 20+ people???? They and you are a testement to the strength of your generation.
andie_rathbone
16 years ago
George, I think Wilma could have kept up with my Great Aunt Loretta (maybe). The last time I saw her alive was at my grandmother's funeral in the 1980's. At that time she was around 90, and I distinctly remember her at the reception afterwards looking very chic in a Chanel suit, drinking a Manhattan and puffing away on a Winston & complaining that "she couldn't get around like she used to."

It's great that your class is still holding reunions and you're all still enjoying yourselves.

Keep the stories coming.
dirt_yfingernails
16 years ago
Wilma reminds me of Mom and Dad's landlady. She worked at the same nursing home Mom did, until Dora was in her mid 90's. She'd arrive at work over 45 minutes early and head for the door at a full run. She worked full-time. She said if her old man hadn't widowed her with 12 children and if she hadn't gone through menopause, she'd still be having kids. Her hair was still naturally dark red, too. Tough old lady.

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