Every Class has a StoeeEEry. We know we have "something special"

 

Now it's time to put that "something special" about our Class Reunion into Words & Pictures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sherry Spencer

 

Barbie Rea

Friday’s party at Nancees was magical. It’s always a surprise who you will see. Seeing people for the first time, looking at their faces, then their name tags, and back to their faces is slightly comical but everyone is doing it. Hugging people like it were yesterday, not 50 years that you had last seen them. Hearing their same sense of humor, seeing their smile, being able to mention a funny memory is priceless. It was neat to see everyone in their jeans, casual and breezy looking. We are all 15 again. The party at Nancee’s is fluid. There are not too many seats so people mix and mingle, looking for the most recent arrivals or someone they are especially hoping to see. There is no program so the whole evening is free, to talk, eat, and join different groups. Nancee’s house has a lake, a lawn, a wonderful porch with a fire pit filled with sparking stones, and you can change environments as much as you want. I was so happy to see so many of the classmates I had hoped would be there and to be able to make my way around to most of them. Riding back in the limo was especially humorous as we were too big to get in the door or stand up in the car. There was a lot of laughter which helped the basic sadness of having to part.

 

Judy Rogers

We had a wonderful weekend in Fort Wayne. Friday night at the Opening Pitch Party was a perfect beginning. Nancee and Devon, thank you for your wonderful hospitality. It was so nice to visit with old friends

 

Sue Karns

Thanks to Nancee for opening her home to us all. I am still amazed that you were all able to get the Temple to so generously give you access to their parking lot--even on Rosh Hashana!

 

Sharon "Sheri" Graffis

  Nancee, YOU and your TEAM not only hit a home run you WON the WORLD SERIES !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Pat Fraizer

Nancy...Great, thanks for your time and efforts. The worst part is that it only lasted for a few hours.  This will be a  memory that will last for years.  So, this makes you, the team, and Devin ,"Memory Makers".

 

 Marilyn Teague

A special thanks to Nancee for opening her home to all of us!

 

Mikey Young

 I understand from the many classmates that wrote to me, that your leadership in putting together the 50th reunion were beyond any ones imagination. My hats off to you and your committee. Even though I was not able to make it this year, your payment for those many hours is a big hug and a "thank you".

I am back to about 75 or 80 % from the May accident and each day things get more clear in my brain. My nose and eye are back to normal while the brain has some small problems and my right wrist has nerve damage that the Docs are still working on. But all in all, I am happy to be here and getting better each week.

Thanks again for your outstanding service to our class of 64 and for making it the "talk of the town".  We need to stay in touch.

Mikey Young

 

"Opening Pitch" Friday Night #3

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Marv Zimmerman

Friday the 26th of September, 2014 didn't start, or end in any normal fashion for me. The previous day I flew into Fort Wayne on American flight #2939, greeted by gorgeous weather, and an accommodating attendant at the Dollar Rent-A-Car kiosk. Without even asking, I was upgraded to a premium level rental for no extra charge. Discovering that I would be driving a hard loaded Chrysler Town and Country mini-van with room for 7, I quickly exited Fort Wayne, International Airport , en route to my brother and sister-in-laws home in Waynedale where I would be spending my nights. After a quick trip to Georgetown to check on my 101 year old mother, and to bring her a bowl of her favorite Panera Bread  cheese -broccoli soup, I retired for the evening to immerse myself in fervent prayer, asking for nothing more than a weekend filled with more beautiful weather, and a young,  blond Swedish masseuse with magic fingers to help me get to sleep .( At this point, a popular Rolling Stone song comes to mind.  At least I got what I needed) The next day I ran a few errands,then retired to my borrowed closet to scan what few pieces of clothing that I had brought on this "reunion trip". I had purchased a couple of shirts the previous week, and now had to determine which one would make the best impression on all these "64" grads that I would be opening doors for, you know, getting out of the limo at the entry to Nancee and Devon's driveway. You see, I had been asked to be a greeter for our opening event on the shores of Bittersweet Lake. With the shirt problem solved, I found myself completely enthralled with looking at people emerging from the limo, (and Binky's mini-van), desperately wanting to recognize someone, ANYONE, without asking who they were, or following them over to the table where Sue Terry, and  LaVonne Custance Gerardot  and their husbands were handing out the much blessed name tags with yearbook photos. (I couldn't remember the last time I considered name tags a form of salvation , but they truly were .  And yes! I did take a moment to look heavenward to offer thanks, again for the weather, and also to the god of name tags.)

I was trying my best to be a good and faithful servant at this time, but I found that Larry Lyman and Barbie Rea's escort, Victor, always beating to the punch!  Or rather I should say, to the car doors!  They were so effective in crowding me out of that much sought after position, that I simply picked up my camera and went strolling through Nancee and Devon's home and gardens, happily snapping photos of every and anything that I found to be of interest. And there were many points of interest to photograph! The grounds were immaculately decorated for the evenings event, and I met many attendees and spouses walking to the lake and back, snapping pics of themselves( you know, selfies), surrounded by copious amounts of flowers and pumpkins with Bittersweet Lake as a background. My thoughts at that moment were, "I wish my wife were here to enjoy this with me"  But, it was not to be, and I must prove to be a good soldier and simply continue on.

So, after a swing through the house where I was greeted by wall to wall classmates, and trays of finger foods on every level surface, I wandered back to the driveway where Larry and Victor were still holding court, and I was summarily dismissed as not being needed as they had everything under control. (Damn!!! Just when I really wanted to prove my worth as a devoted worker!) Reentering the house, I noticed the noise level increasing as the excitement grew over the expectation of the 5 huge serving pans soon to be filled with mini sliders and an assortment of chicken. Being somewhat hungry, myself, but not wanting to seem pushy,  I stationed myself behind  a potted plant (or possibly a statue,, I'm really not sure, I had consumed at least 3 drinks by this time ), and waited until all 5 pans were filled to the brim with steaming chow!  It was not yet serving time, and I noticed some people looking at their watches, wondering if they needed to wait, or should they simply pretend that they were in their own homes, and just DIG IN!. This major dilemma was resolved when yours truly stepped to the head of the now forming line, and announced that I had overheard Nancee give the go ahead. Wow!!!  Food, food, and more food. ( (Actually, I must now be honest enough to admit that I don't think it was Nancee's voice I heard giving the go ahead, but possibly my own, as I am besieged with several different personalities when hunger overtakes my senseabilities. )

After slaking my thirst and appeasing  my appetite, I was now ready to roam amid the throng of humanity, and catch up on conversations left unfinished from over 50 years ago. At this point I began to recognize old friends (yes!, even without their name tags), and was ready to give and get hugs from many South Side band mates, and others that brought back great, and sometimes funny memories from so long ago. Along with this came a twinge of regret as I wondered if I would have had this much fun had I attended the 45th class reunion. And, at that very moment, I realized that should I be around 5 years from now, I will do everything in my power to reunite with these "old friends" that in one way or another meant so much to me , so long ago. Susan Seigel , Jim Maxson, Dudley Wass, Doug Hansen, Patricia Cameron, Larry Lyman, LaVonne Custance , Jim Harrold, Sherry Spencer, Monica Kramer and so many more were there on "opening night" to help me fulfill my expectation of reunion .

 

Dave Triplett

This is a small world. I have found that out again and again. Friday night I came up to a couple and introduced myself. They told me that they would bet that I never heard of the town they lived in. It was in southern Indiana. Then they told me the name of the town. It was Vallonia, Indiana. I surprised them and said that I knew the town. In fact I was a pastor there for six years. They had just retired there two years ago. They were Monica (Kramer) and David Doty. Monica now plays organ at the congregation that I served which is Trinity Lutheran Church. Sue and I will have to keep in touch. We know many people down there.

 

Dick Bellam 

Hi Nancee, just wanted to let you know that we had a wonderful time at your wonderful party. Also, a big Thank You for the time and resources you expended to make it happen. You were a most gracious and beautiful hostess.

  Thanks again and hope to see you again. Bellam

 

Nancee Lougheed

I wanted to thank all of you who made my Mother and Devon's Mother feel so welcome on Friday evening.   So many of you remembered Mother, especially the Indian Village classmates, and spent time sharing memories with her.   She doesn't have the greatest recall nowadays, but she can not stop talking about all of you with whom she spoke.  I think you tapped into her long term memory bank with fond thoughts of your parents which helped solidify the experience.

 

Barb Alfeld

Hey wanted to take the time to thank Nancee and the entire committee for a wonderful Class reunion. The party on Friday was fabulous and it was wonderful of Nancee and Devon opening up their home to all of us... what and wonderful warm up to the Fantastic main event on Sat. It was really great being able to visit with so many of you after 50 yrs.

 

Pat Cooney

It was a good reunion. There were people there that I have not seen for years.

Thank you Nancee for being such a wonderful person.

 

"Opening Pitch" Friday Night #4

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Nancy  Ormsby
 
Friday night:  Nancee and those who worked on this event pulled off a fabulous party and treated everyone like a VIP.  Loved the limo ride from the parking lot and discovering who was in the limo with me.  The gift bag with a rose and the FTW magazine were a nice touch.  The variety of food was unbelievable and an open bar with anything a person could want was a real treat.  Would not change a thing.

Ned Stewart

Great party. Thank you. 

 

Ned Krouse

Thanks again and especially for you and your husband hosting the Friday party.  It was a really nice social event to get reacquainted with everyone.   Nancee, the reunion was a success.  I am so glad I finally was able to attend.  Look forward to the next ones.

 

Howie Lowden

I cannot say enough about your A+ effort provided A+ results for the reunion.   Your best complement yet was Mr. Davis' comment on the SSHS thread about you and the reunion...... 

Marcia Huges

Many thanks to Nancee for hosting Friday night and to the whole committee for planning such a great weekend! It was great getting to renew old friendships

 

Suellen Bormann

Nancee, you did such an amazing job with the reunion. You have boundless energy. 
 

Jim Maxson 

Thanks again Nancee, for what you are doing for all our classmates. 

 

"RiverBoat Tour" Saturday 9:00 am

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Sharon McEachern

 The activities offered during our reunion gathering were excellent. I really enjoyed the riverboat cruise. When I first read about the trip I  realized that I had never seen Fort Wayne from the water even though the rivers in Fort Wayne have always been a big part of my growing up years. We were always aware of them when we had a rainy season. I've seen them flood several times. I grew up with Foster Park & it's river as a "neighbor". I also spent a lot of time at the lakes in IN & I have lived "on the water" in the Annapolis area for the last 13 years but I had never been " on the water" in Fort Wayne.  So I was excited to take the trip & it didn't disappoint. It was a fun trip but it was really informative. As well.  I'm impressed with Ft. Wayne's intention to develop the river area & Our guide was excellent. I was also pleased to see kayakers using the river. Lots of bike paths too. I think everyone on my trip enjoyed it.  Thanks for offering this activity. I'll go again & I've recommended it to my family members living in the area.

 

Sharon McEacheran

At the Saturday night party, at my table, those who attended the boat trip and trolley trip spoke very highly of each tour.  Everyone on my 9:00 am boat trip loved it and they were all very enthusiastic.  Plus, there were so many favorable comments about the guide.  We all felt that we learned a lot and I've already told my brother and his wife and my nephew in South Bend (who comes to FtW all the time with his 4 kids) about it and told them it was a "must" activity for them some time soon.  On Saturday night others on the boat trip from other time slots also spoke very highly of it.  I never heard of anyone not liking anything.

 

"River Boat Tour" Saturday10:30 am

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Christine Fruetenicht

As members of SSHS Class of 64 boarded the pontoon, I could feel everyone's excitement! Most of us had lived in Fort Wayne and had never been on the River. And now at our 50 yr. reunion we were able to experience the St. Joe, St. Mary's, and Maumee Rivers like the early Indian explorers and white traders.
Dan Wire led our group and passionately described Fort Wayne's awakening desire to revitalize the rivers and maximize this asset for recreation, education, and tourism purposes. The mild temperatures and sunshine along with the gentle moving water made an indelible imprint on all of us as we went "rollin, rollin, rollin down the river."

 

 

"River Boat Tour" Saturday 12:00pm

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Sherry Spencer

 HIGH NOON RIVER BOAT TRIP, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2014 River boat tour #2 took place at noon & journeyed along the St. Mary’s River.  Those who attended are as follows:  Suellen Borgman, Jim Harold, Sue Karns, Steve Myers & wife, Judy Rogers and husband, Sherry Spencer Foster and husband.  The tour guide was Capt Dan Black.  The trip began at the Cass Street Outfitters & Bike Depot & headed south toward Foster Park.  Points of interest were Sweeny Park off of Jefferson Blvd, Main Street, movie star Carol Lombard’s childhood home (“West Central Neighborhood”), Jenneke Gardens, the “Glorious Gate,” the stone bank along Thieme Drive,  Hale Street Bridge and Taylor Street where the pontoon turned around for a return trip.   St Mary’s deepest point is approximately 13’. When Capt Dan pulled up a glass of water, it was not the muddy, polluted color we think the river is; it was slightly murkier than bottled water.  The current mayor of Fort Wayne has taken a personal interest to promote the three rivers so that the public can enjoy it recreationally and as a peaceful gathering place of beauty.  “The Glorious Gate” is one point of interest that will be a focus as the St Mary’s cleanup becomes effective. Hard to believe but originally it was a tributary route for early settlers that went from the St. Mary’s to the Little Wabash River to the grand Mississippi River.  Captain Dan said that if we want more information: www.riverfrontfw.org.   He also added that he has enjoyed our entire SSHS group of tours and the organizer was to be thanked – as well as our classmates.  Boo-ya

Sharon McEachern

The riverboat cruise was very popular and loved by all, men and women.  It's not easy to please a large group of people but you did it!!  Thank you!!  Thank you !!  Thank you!!

 

 

"River Boat Tour" Saturday 1:30/3:00

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

Howie Lowden

The river guide, whom I forget, was very cordial and informative.  He made for an interesting trip.  I picked up some of his literature to give to the people here in Rome.  We have a similar situation here with the confluence of two rivers creating the third river, Coosa River.  We use to have flat bottom steam paddle boats go from Rome to the Gulf at the turn of the century.  You mentioned the river trip was your idea and how right you were!  I cannot get over what FWA is doing to the downtown renaissance and cleaning up the place.  I had several people outside of our reunion tell me that the downtown baseball was a dumb idea..... all of them said they have been proven wrong. 

 

 

"SSHS Tour" Saturday 10:00am

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Sherry Spencer

To those who went on the 10 a.m. SSHS tour...thanks for your contributions to a narrative.  I can now begin a brief compilation of a few of our memories.  It will be hard to capture the feelings and impressions of the hour & a half but it is certain that the details and facts told to us by Mr. Davis was at the top of the list of appreciation.

Sherry Spencer

 GEORGE BURNS ONCE SANG I WISH I WERE 18 AGAIN….”  AS THE 10:00 TOUR GROUP OF SSHS PROGRESSED ON SATURDAY, 9/27, IT IS THIS WRITER’S THOUGHT THAT WE FELT AS THOUGH WE WERE 14 AGAIN – LOST IN THE MAZE OF THE HALLS OF IVY.  IN ATTENDANCE WERE THE FOLLOWING:  DOUG HANSEN, DIANE GLASS RUFF WITH MYRON MORTON, MARTHA HOARD WASSON, BOB WASSON, SHARON (SHERI) GRAFFIS FURRY, JIM HARROLD, SUE KLAEHN CLAPP, STEVEN MYERS WITH WIFE SUSAN, STAN BLACK, MARCIA HUGHES PETERSON WITH SISTER ROSANNE HUGHES KLAEHN, LARRY LYMAN, LOIS GALLIMORE MAY, BILLIE BURGO PIERRE, BRUCE BALDWIN AND SHERRY SPENCER FOSTER WITH DICK FOSTER. 

AT THE TOP OF OUR THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES AS WE BEGAN THE SSHS BUILDING TOUR WAS THAT OUR AMAZING GUIDE, MR. GEORGE DAVIS, WOULD “…ALWAYS BE A TEACHER…” WITH A PHENOMENAL MEMORY OF FACTS AND FIGURES.

IT WAS A CONSENSUS THAT THE TWO BIGGEST AREAS OF INTEREST WOULD HAVE BEEN THE OLD GYM AND THE HUMONGOUS STUDY HALL.  THE FACT THAT THEY NO LONGER EXIST WAS SAD BUT THE CHANGES WERE REMARKABLE AND WE WERE THRILLED WITH THE RESTORATION.  WE STOOD IN AWE OF THE MEDIA CENTER (FORMERLY OLD GYM) AND TRIED TO ENVISION HOW THE TRANSITION WAS MADE.  WE WONDERED WHAT WILL CURRENT STUDENTS EXPERIENCE FIFTY YEARS FROM NOW? 

ONWARD WE TRUDGED THROUGH WHAT ARE NOW BRIGHTLY PAINTED, OPEN (“…AND CLEAN!”) HALLWAYS…SOME NARROW BUT, FOR THE MOST PART, THERE WAS ELBOW ROOM AMONG THE LOCKERS.  MR DAVIS TOOK US IN A COUPLE OF CLASSROOMS INCLUDING HIS OLD CLASSROOM (& TAXED OUR ABILITIES WITH A FORMULA ON THE “WHITE BOARD”). WAS THAT DOUG WHO SOLVED THE FORMULA?  OH, AND IT WAS NOTED THAT THE CHEMISTRY LAB “…DID NOT SMELL LIKE ROTTEN EGGS!” 

ONWARD WE WENT BUT … NO RAMPS!  WHAT DID THEY DO WITH OUR RAMPS???  MORE HALLWAYS WITH LOTS OF WALL DISPLAYS:  CLASSMATES WHO SERVED IN SPECIFIC WARS, SPORTS PHOTOS AND THE WALL OF DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI – KENNETH ELLINGWOOD, RICHARD GANTZ, CHARLES GOLDEN, BARB NELSON.

 IT SEEMED THAT WALKING THE HALLS BROUGHT BACK THE “WHERE WERE YOU WHEN JFK WAS SHOT?”  LARRY LYMAN SHOWED US THE EXACT SPOT WHERE HE STOOD AMONG OTHERS WHEN A CLASSMATE HELD A TRANSISTOR RADIO AND EVERYONE STOOD IN SHOCK LISTENING TO THE JFK NEWS BROADCAST.  JAMES HARROLD WAS IN STUDY HALL WHEN THE NEWS WAS ANNOUNCED. 

WITH A MIXTURE OF SENTIMENTS, OUR TOUR RANG OUT THE OLD (THE GYM, THE STUDY HALL, THE CAFETERIA, THE OUTTER STRUCTURE….) AS WE ENJOYED THE UNBELIEVABLE NEW.  THE TOUR ENDED IN THE TROPHY ROOM WHERE WE STOOD ON A PIECE OF THE OLD GYM FLOOR – OUR GYM FLOOR! 

SWEET MEMORIES!   DOES ANYONE REMEMBER IVY DAY???? AND…SOME ALSO ASKED, “WHERE WERE THE POOL, THE NEWSPAPER/YEARBOOK ROOM, THE BAND ROOM?  THERE’S ALWAYS NEXT TIME! 

 

Sue Klaehn

It was great to see you at the tour, even though I was late due to the marathon traffic rerouting!!! The tour made me aware once more how big our high school was and I remember dark hallways and floors, especially in locker room areas (except for the overhead lights in the girl's big locker room) and how crowded we were in the girl's locker rooms trying to get into our lockers with bodies so close together. Now the building has beautiful bright light yellow walls that are inviting and CLEAN! The whole building looked very positive and inviting. We didn't get to see the pool or the newspaper/yearbook areas but maybe at the 55th we can! It was fun asking Mr Davis for updates on some of our teachers.

 

Jim Harrold

The 10 AM school tour did bring back memories.  The improvement to the school were awesome, but in some ways sad.  Tried to remember the large study hall (I was in it when an announcement was made about the President's death), the gym, running to classes via the ramps, etc. 

 

Sharon Graffis

 Guess my thoughts of the tour was that the chemistry area did not smell of "rotten eggs" and the amazing memory of Mr. Davis. I really had a hard time believing that the old gym is now a library. It seems that so many memories took place in the gym as it was the gathering place before school, at lunch time, prom time, game time, plays etc. 

 

"SSHS Tour" Saturday 2:30

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Marcia Hughes

Wasn't that a great reunion?   It was fun catching up with as many as possible.  Things I remember from the tour.Amazing that the gym was now the library.I liked the wall that had outstanding classmates.  I think there was 4 from our class but I can only remember 3,(maybe there was only 3)  Barbara Nelson, Charles Golden, Richard Gantz.I liked the old steps which were not changed and looked exactly like when we were there.  I was glad that they didn't change the outer structureI liked the fact that they took the SSHS from the old gym floor and incorporated it into the new floor. 

 

 "Grand Slam Vintage Cars" Saturday #1

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Jim Lambert

A year ago, in the summer of 2013, Jenny Sorg stopped by the house while I was working in the yard.  She asked me if I could get a 1964 Corvette to show at the 50th class reunion.  I said yes, no problem, because I know the President and Vice President of the Fort Wayne Corvette Club.  I called the President right away and asked him if that was possible.  I said "great I shall call you in the summer of 2014 and give you the date of the reunion".  So, the first of September 2014 I called him and he said, "we got a big problem.  No member in the Corvette Club has a 1964 or older car".  Okay, what do I do now. 

I started going to all of the street rod runs in Fort Wayne trying to find a Corvette owner that could help me out.  I thought maybe owners of 1964 Mustangs and Thunderbirds would be great idea to donate their time for the night of the reunion.  There were several Cruise- ins at the Penguin Point on Lower Huntington Rd. and the Ice Cream Stand just south of Bobicks on Bluffton Rd.  I even went down to Bluffton to the Street Fair to hustle some owners of vintage cars

I had several owners say they would be able and a lot of them said they already had plans. Some called me and cancelled out.  Also, the yearly James Dean Run and Duckfeather Car Shows in Fairmount, IN. were the same weekend as our reunion.  The owners I talked to I mentioned that they would have to be at Parkview Field by 4:30 and stay until dark which would be approximately 8:00 PM.  Friday night, at Nancee Lougheed's house, some committee members were asking me how many cars did I get.  I said "I do not know because I have no idea who is coming".  

My wife Barbara and I got to the reunion about 4:15 to help the vintage car owners to park on the plaza in front of the steps up into the Fieldhouse.  May I remind you I am still "sweating bullets" because it was my job to fine these vintage cars and I had no idea what was coming.  We no sooner and got there and here came 3 Thunderbirds a 62, a 63 and a 67 from the Old Fort Thunderbird Car Club.  Wow, I really got excited and happy because we had a least 4 cars, including my 85 Monte Carlo. 

Later on the vintage cars kept coming in; a 64 Mustang, a 61 Corvette convertible, a 57 Oldsmobile, a 57 Oldsmobile Super 88 and a 62 Deuce Coupe. They all got me of "the hook". I got the owner's names and addresses so I could write a follow up letter plus send them $20.00 for their time.  At 7:45 I went downstairs, from our reunion program, to the vintage cars and told the owners they could leave and thank them for their generosity, but they said no we are not leaving until the lights come on, on the plaza, so we can take pictures of the our cars under the lights with the big overhead Parkview Field sign in the background. 

Finally, now I can relax and enjoy the greatest 50th class reunion with my 1964 South Side High School classmates.

Sharon McEcheran

Nancee!  Again you, and your Committee, have surpassed yourselves!  Everyone is buzzing about their lovely fun weekend. 

 
I wanted to thank you for all the work you did (and continue to do!).  It is always rewarding when everyone has a good time and then tells you about it.  The fireworks were amazing!  That was so spectacular and everyone will be talking about it forever!!  Good job!!  You are always so creative as well as organized.  I hope you had time to enjoy all the activities as well. 

 

Sue Karns

Thanks again to Binky, Jenny, Susan, and all of you who did such a fabulous job for our reunion!  I had a marvelous time and plan to see you all again in 5!

 

Sue Smith

Just got back today.  You know this Reunion was just fabulous! Everytime I think about it, I just can't get over how tremendous it was. It really came through with a lifelong memory for our classmates.

 

Sue Weinraub

I must agree with all the previous "posters".  The weekend was so well done and the amount of work was obvious.  I am so glad that I was able to attend.  Merci beaucoup tout le monde!

 

Marlene Ringenberg

Of course you can use anything I said as it is all true!!

Would like to add that I joined the site because of Jim Lambert. He put my Mother's obituary on the site commenting what a beautiful person she was inside & out!! I thought, how can I not join?

Also Nancee I have a cute picture of Marcia Hughes & I sitting on Nancy Keller's husband's Vette. I would love to text or email to you if had your info.

Had my picture taken with lots of cars there. What a great idea!

 

"Grand Slam" Saturday #2

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Sharon McEachern

 Summary of the Saturday Night Party at the Parkview Field Ball Park

The Parkview Field Ball Park turned out to be a really inspired venue choice for our 50^th Reunion Party!  The view from all the windows was spectacular, first in the late afternoon sunshine, then in the setting sun glow on the tall buildings of Fort Wayne, and finally in the spectacular city lights after dark. The decorations were fun and very well done and there were two big tables full of memorabilia as well as the large TV sets that were showing photos from all our previous reunions as well as photos from our high school years.  That part was really cool.  The party itself was very well organized.  A large group of volunteers staffed a table at the entrance to the ball park where everyone arriving was greeted and given their name tags. A very friendly and welcoming atmosphere prevailed and many of the early arrivals spent some time in this area talking.  Outside there was a very special treat – about 10 classic cars from our era were parked there.  They were beautiful cars and everyone enjoyed these.  Many people had some great photo opportunities.

The Saturday Night Party began with a cocktail hour and hot hors d’ouevres.  They were so popular that there ended up being a long line to get to the food.  Then the dinner itself was delicious.  But the highlight of the evening had to be the fireworks display at 10;00 pm!!!  Yes, fireworks!!!  Who would have believed it!  Just before 10;00 pm an announcement was made asking us all to go outside and sit in the outdoor seats used for watching the baseball games.  This seating was easily accessible and very convenient.  With the well lit skyline of Fort Wayne as a backdrop the fireworks took place across the ball field from where we were all sitting.  The fireworks were breath-taking!  We all loved it!  Wow!  What a treat and what a surprise!!  A big THANK YOU to the Reunion Committee!!  What a great way to celebrate our 50^th!!!  Very creative!!  I think that our Reunion fireworks even made it into the newspaper.   This unique feature to our Reunion certainly clinched the success of our Reunion weekend.

 

Nancy Ormsby

Saturday night:  Felt welcome as soon as we came up to the name tag table by those who were working.  The classic cars were nice to see and my husband enjoyed them.  The staff who served the meal, the bartenders, and others were very cordial.  The food was fine.  Loved the apple dessert and liked it that they put some extras out as I left my table to talk with some folks when dessert was served and didn't get one.  The waitress directed me to the extras on table and I was able to enjoy dessert.

 

Linda Barnhill

 I've enjoyed 'catching up' with everyone thru this site. It sounds like a great reunion, I'm sorry I had to miss it.

 

 Phil Waldrop

Having heard all the wonderful commentary about the reunion, am sorry that I was unable to make it up there, although I did have a nice visit while passing through town back in June.
 

Ned Stewart

I also agree with all the other excellent comments. It was a great reunion in all respects. Thank you for the hard work, energy, passion and expertise of Nancee and her team. It was wonderful to renew previous relationships and form new ones.

Phil Baker

Seeing everyone at the reunion was a sprit lifter. I have been reading a lot of the class chatter and see small groups trying to get together outside the area and think it would be nice if we didn't have to wait 5 years to put it together again around here.

I  hardly ever see anyone from school except at a reunion. I don't recall myself being all that friendly back then, yet now, I find myself wondering how everyone is doing.

Thank you so much for contacting me, ... and maybe Fort Wayne is smaller than I thought. Later, Phil

 

"Grand Slam" Saturday #3

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Barbie Rea

Saturday night at the baseball stadium was suitably impressive for our 50^th reunion. The antique cars out front were shiny and sparkling, and if not like actual cars we had in high school, they felt like they might have been. They were antiques just like us, dressed up and ready for the party and renovated for some more good years. People could have their pictures taken near them or in them as their owners looked on from the side lines.

The stadium made Ft Wayne unrecognizable for those of us who hadn’t been in town for awhile. The party room was spacious, and yet intimate enough so you could look across the way and know who was there and see who was coming in. There was a bar you could gather around, as well as display tables, a DJ stand, and tables for eating. Saturday night you could reconnect more easily with people you had identified Friday night and find others who might be coming for the first time. There was a big screen on the side flashing eerily familiar pictures from the past of our younger selves doing things like meeting in clubs, cheerleading, playing on teams and planning events. It’s a wonder anyone had all these records and could assemble them for a slide show. Every once in awhile you would see an old black and white photo of someone you knew or of yourself looming there for an instant.

Some people reserved their places at a table with a special group. My husband and I took our chances, hoping to get to know some people better who we hadn’t had an opportunity to know as well in the past. The tables were small enough that you could talk to everyone at the table. People also got up and walked around between courses to find people they wanted to talk to.

The DJ played music later and some people danced. We didn’t stay late enough to see how that picked up. The fireworks were the crowning moment of the evening. The night was balmy for September and we were able to go out and sit on the stadium seats. From there we could see the skyline of Ft Wayne, perhaps noticing it for the first time. It was majestic with the ball field in front and the lighted buildings behind. The fireworks were impressive and our classmates made the appropriate oohs and aahs to accompany them. As they were going off I was thinking we really did deserve a round of fireworks for making it to our 50^th, for all we’ve done since those school days, and for returning to celebrate the memories. It was a show of sound and light celebrating our life and years.

I heard some people went out to the bar and had a good time, maybe even a hilarious time. You’ll have to ask them about that. But for us, the fireworks rounded off the evening and we were satisfied that we had survived and well celebrated our 50^th High School reunion. Imagine that!

 

Howie Lowden

I cannot get over what FWA is doing to the downtown renaissance and cleaning up the place.  I had several people outside of our reunion tell me that the downtown baseball was a dumb idea..... all of them said they have been proven wrong. 

 

Christie Counsman

I'm wondering if we could have a very scaled back reunion on a yearly basis. That would facilitate staying in touch and developing relationships.

 

Tom Blossom

Nancee:  to you and your team - HUGE APPRECIATION I know it takes a team (Susan and I say every day, It takes two - with age!); however, it also takes a leader out front. You did a great work with the 50th. Yes, I can't imagine one better! Susan and I especially appreciated the pontoon ride - such an enthusiastic champion of the three rivers. All else was first class too. THANK YOU. Now with that mostly past, and hope you are beginning to unwind, ENJOY THE FALL. Also thank you for the honor of leading the prayer.

 

 Linda Evilsizer

Sorry that I could  not make it to the reunion to see all of you!  I am so glad you all had a great time!!  i love seeing those old pictures of Smart School!

 

Suellen Borgmann

Many thanks to all who contributed to an amazing event. It truly takes a village to put together a weekend of such variety and fun. My gratitude to each and every one of our classmates who worked so hard, and to those spouses/partners who worked behind the scenes. It truly was the best one. Hope everyone had safe trips home.

 

Howie Lowden        

     I cannot say enough about your A+ effort provided A+ results for the reunion.   Your best complement yet was Mr. Davis' comment on the SSHS thread about you and the reunion...... 

 

 

"Grand Slam" Saturday #4

Our Storytellers & Their Stories:

 

Martha Hoard

Show was spectacular and so cozy with classmates all around .

Bravo fireworks !

 

Ann Mol

Dear Nancee, I hear the words “50 year high school reunion” and duck for cover. You hear the words “50 year high school reunion” and say “What an opportunity!” and organize the troops and boldly charge ahead. Could this be a gift you received from your Dad? I know you had a lot of help, but unless somebody makes the commitment and serves as leader all the efforts could not possibly be so well orchestrated. I’m just lucky to live on the same planet as you. It was a wonderful evening. The room was perfect. We were spread out enough that you could look around and actually see classmates across the room even when seated during dinner. There was room for lots of simultaneous, comfortable conversation afterward without feeling crowded. It was extra fun to see the ball park. I have to admit that I don’t think I finished even one conversation, but maybe just “breaking the ice” after all the years, distance and busy lives is enough of an accomplishment for anyone at this kind of event. I don’t think we can thank you enough both for taking it on and then for making it all so perfect. Your infectious enthusiasm made it impossible not to have a good time. And again, I know you had a lot of help, but you knew how to organize that too. John remarked on what a nice class we have. You really brought the whole class together and there were no boundaries. I think that spirit carried over from the website as well. Thank you, thank you, thank you………..

 

Barbie Rea

 I am having a little letdown after leaving such a big group of my childhood and high school friends. It's almost too much to take in all at once and a weekend is so little time to catch up with everyone. When face to face with someone you haven't seen in 50 years it is hard to find words to say how wonderful it is to see them again. It does get easier with each reunion, so let's look forward to the next one and try to keep in touch in the meantime! Thank you everyone for your interest and energy and for everything we have been to each other over the years. We are truly lucky to have had such a great school and friends growing up. Take care and see you at the next reunion and hopefully we will also see others who weren't able to come this time ... All the best, Barbie

 

Jim Lawson

Really sorry I missed the reunion. Sounds like it was truly a great time. My wife, Elaine, and me have been so busy trying to prepare for our relocation, time would not allow us to be there this time. Perhaps next time.However, I have been enjoying the message forum and responses.

 

Marilyn Teague

Thanks again for the incredible reunion! What a wonderful fun way to connect and reconnect with the people we spent at least 4 years with. Phil New and I realized we have known each other for (yikes) 61 years. Thanks again to the committee  for an outstanding job.

 

Nancy Ormsby

I thought all the events I attended were fantastic.  I enjoyed working on Sue's committee, The Nabbers.  We all worked together and I felt like I was on the best team ever.   Sue was a fanatastic leader and of course, Nancee was superior in all she did in leading the charge to pull off the best 50th HS reunion in the world!  For so many people to work together on a tough project and not falter is amazing!  Hope to work together again on the 55th.

 

Marlene Ringenberg

Dear Nancee,

I’ve waited too long to thank you and Devon and your Committee for opening your home to our wonderful 50th Reunion.  It set the stage for our weekend events.  Since I had never attended one of our reunions, I had no idea the excitement I would feel at reconnecting with old friends,

The cars were a fabulous touch and I had my picture taken with several.  The fireworks were a great finish.

For the following 6 weeks I carried my reunion program with me to show my friends.  two went to North Side’s and one to CC’s 50th.   I had them all hyped up for their October reunions but none had the excitement created by ours!

A sincere thank you for the hundreds of hours you and your committee put into ours.

Marlene Ringenberg Schultz