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___________________________________________________
The 50th Reunion Committee
Presents
The Fiftieth Reunion
Of The
BELLEFONTE
HIGH SCHOOL
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania
CLASS OF 1952
INTRODUCTION
In the
early stages of our 50th class reunion, a committee member suggested that
we have a souvenir booklet that would include some history of the Class of
1952. During an "out-of-mind-experience" I offered to work on
the booklet. Having no writing experience and being a novice with a
computer made my job a difficult and time consuming experience, but also
one of the most enjoyable tasks I have ever done.
With help from Joyce Adgate at
the Centre County Library, expert computer help from Dick Houser and Tom
Widmann, and after endless conversations with classmates, information was
collected. The result is the booklet you are reading right now.. Hopefully
it depicts some of the unique history and experiences of the "Class of
'52."
This booklet contains some
factual history, and, some memories. It is not intended to be a scholarly
history and should not be mistaken as such. Unfortunately the history of
the elementary schools in the Bellefonte area is incomplete. I could not
locate anyone who attended the schools that are missing. In addition,
there will be a supplement covering our reunion activities mailed to each
class member.
Our fiftieth class reunion is certainly a memorable experience and
hopefully this booklet will jar some memories from our past. Quoting Jim
Walizer, our class President, "What a great class we were! What a
great class we still are!
(Please Click on the 50th Reunion Button on Home
Page)
Donna Johnson Ellenberger
**********
Publicity Committee
Beryl and Tom Widmann &
Marilyn McKinley Houtz
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50th Reunion
Highlights
"In the Middle of August, Two Thousand Two
A Class with 'Class' Made It's Golden Debut.
The Weather Was Great, The Stage Was Set
Our 50th Reunion Was The Best Ever Yet."
FRIDAY EVENING, AUGUST 16TH
The festivities began with a mixer at the
Bellefonte Elks Club. Classmates began arriving about 8 p.m.; greeted by a
large banner congratulating the Class of 1952. Seventy-Eight class
members and spouses spent the evening socializing and renewing old
friendships. We enjoyed fabulous hors d'oeuvres -- wings, meatballs,
veggies and dip, and fruit. Chances were sold for prizes donated by
friends and committee members. The winners were:
Dorcas Brooks Klinefelter ---------------------- Fifth of Whiskey
Nancy DeLallo Moyer ------------------------- Red Raider Throw
Molly Kellerman Seig -------------------------- Bellefonte Throw
Don Bierly ------------------------------- Victoria's Secret
Basket
Molly Kellerman Seig ----------------------- Bellefonte-oply Game
Ray Walker ----------------------------------------- Wine Basket
It was well after
midnight when the last people left a wonderful beginning to a spectacular
weekend.
SATURDAY MORNING, AUGUST 17TH
The Golf Tournament
was not well attended to say the least. The match turned out to be a
threesome with Gib King, Dave Adams (husband of Barb Bigelow Adams), and
Roy Ellenberger (husband of Donna Johnson Ellenberger). Roy and Dave were
presented a trophy for a tie score of 87. Nobody would tell us what Gib
shot, but we heard he talked a lot.
SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 17TH
The
"new" Nittany Valley Country Club was the setting for our
Saturday night affair. Classmates and guests began arriving at 5:30 p.m.,
and received name tags (thanks to Beryl and Tom Widmann). Larry Rachau,
who didn't have a yearbook picture, and never had a picture name tag at
previous reunions, was surprised to find he was "Clark Gable"
for the fiftieth. The next next hour was spent socializing, enjoying
delicious hors d'oeuvres, and looking at a great picture display set up by
Molly Kellerman Seig. Thanks Molly! Those photos brought back many fond
memories.
Following the class photo, we entered the dinning room to the tune of
"The Stars And Stripes Forever" (BHS Fight Song). The table
decorations included patriotic mugs filled with red and white carnations,
arranged by Jane Dunkle McCartney. Thanks Jane! The printed programs were
lovely, thanks to Eleanor and Dick Houser. Following an inspiring prayer
by Lois Stewart Krebs, and recitation of the Lords Prayer, 120 classmates
and spouses sat down to a delicious dinner.
Dinner Menu
Tossed Salad
Prime Rib / Stuffed Chicken Breast
Red Skin Potatoes
Glazed Carrots
Rolls, Coffee, Tea
Fruit Pie After dinner Ed
Dyke, our Master of Ceremonies, opened the program with the Pledge of
Allegiance and the singing of the Alma Mater. Ed then acknowledged the
reunion committee for their fine efforts. Buzz McCartney and Joann Benner
Wion followed up with individual readings. They were great! The program
continued with the reading of poems composed by Dick Meckes and Beanie
Fahr Hersh ("You haven't lost your touch, Beanie.") highlighting
each class member present. While the class member stood -- with spouse --
their poem was recited by Dick, Beanie, or Stroade Shay, in his
"Verdant Sartorial Presentation."
Although this was a
tough act to follow, the former "Andrews Sisters," Joann Benner
Wion, Molly Kellerman Seig, Carol Love Emery, and Donna Johnson
Ellenberger, joined by Peggy Fisher Bosse, Terry Lindquist, and Dick
Smeltzer led the group in singing "Goodnight Irene" and
"You'll Never Walk Alone".
All class
members were given souvenir booklets and a wooden collectible of
Bellefonte High School. The High School memento, designed
exclusively for the BHS Class of 1952 fiftieth reunion, is a result of the
combined efforts of Joann Wion, Molly Seig, and Molly Terry. Continuing
the program, Ed introduced Jim Walizer, our class president, who made the
closing remarks.
What a wonderful time everyone had. Our "BIG FIVE O" was a
success.
SUNDAY MORNING, AUGUST 18TH
Following the 45th reunion, many classmates suggested that our fiftieth
reunion be extended to a three-day affair. The "Committee"
answered this request by planning a brunch in Tallyrand Park on Sunday
morning at 10 a.m. Forty-nine classmates and spouses attended. Enough
cannot be said about the brunch, prepared and served by the Bellefonte
Elks. We dined on bacon, sausage, eggs, pancakes; even Seafood Newburg.
All kinds of fruit and beverages were also provided. This was our final
opportunity to to just sit around and talk, and get caught up on each
other's lives. The perfect end to a perfect weekend.
The
reunion committee, along with some other talented classmates, worked very
hard to make our fiftieth reunion a memorable one. But the person who made
it "our best reunion ever" was our committee chairman, Ed Dyke.
Our thanks go out to Ed for his tireless efforts and excellent leadership.
We hope he will be our chairman for future reunions.
Quoting from the 45th Reunion Letter:
"How lucky we were to grow up when and where we did. When you are
classmates you have a special bond. When you've "hung out" at
Krapes, played in the band, been in Scouts or 4H, gone to the Saturday
night dances, swam at the Gap, did math with Mr. Miller or typed with Miss
Sahlaney, pushed Jean Houck's car to get it started ... you have memories
that last a lifetime. We are one happy family -- the Class of '52. We are
indeed a mutual admiration society. The reunion is over but the memories
last forever."
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