~by Kevin Wand for the class of ‘69
The Jefferson Community High School class of ’69 held its 50th reunion Sept. 20-21. Two steering committees planned the weekend activities and the online digital reunion yearbook. There were numerous activities from which to choose.
One of the choices was to view the inside of a wind turbine. Several attempted the 265’ climb to the top of the tower. Some were satisfied to climb the ladder only part of the way. DeLois Middleton, wife of Bill Middleton, now has bragging rights for life, because she made it all the way to the top of the nacelle.
Many classmates attended the football game where the Rams defeated Gilbert. Veterans of the class, led by Earl Luft, were honored to raise the flag before the game started. Before and after the game, Deal’s Orchard provided various snacks and entertainment- hayride, bonfire, etc.
Saturday’s daytime line-up included four tours of Jefferson. The Nostalgia tour was an opportunity to see the old Kendall’s Pool Hall (now Sensibly Chic), the roller rink (now Spare Time Lanes), and the B & E Ice Cream Shop (now Catherine’s Hairem).
The Past, Present, & Future of Jefferson tour included a walk around the courthouse square to try to name all the stores in business in 1969. Tom Wind and Greene County Development Corporation director Ken Paxton informed the group of current business endeavors and future plans for Jefferson. Chris Deal, son of classmates Gerald and Cindy Deal, gave an informative tour of the Forge and an overview of how this new business came to be located in Jefferson.
The third expedition involved touring the Greene County courthouse to learn historical tidbits there, plus riding to the top of the Mahanay Tower for a view of the town and countryside. Saturday’s last tour gave classmates an opportunity to view the hallowed halls of yesteryear at the Greene County Middle School and high school.
The evening festivities included a social hour at the Elks lodge and a meal served by the Does. During the dinner, a series of 186 pictures was shown of classmates from the last 50 years. Following the dinner, Pat McNulty regaled everyone with comical comments about pictures he had gleaned from the yearbook and other sources. Bruce Banister and the Bushmen provided a 45-minute set of ‘60s music for the final entertainment of the evening.
Five tables of memorabilia allowed much reminiscing throughout the weekend. Most important of all were the stories and hugs that were shared by all the classmates that attended.
Tim Donovan, Deb Klinzman Stewart, Bill McVicker, Nancy Durlam Gerken, Steve McPherson, Tom Wind, Dan Turner, Bill Smith, Dave Fountain, Phil Kennedy, Dave Benson, David Lehman, Dave Carlson, Ann Ryerson Carlson, Kevin Wand, JoAnne Rose, Steve Nelson, Mike Florman and Earl Luft. Classmate Bruce Smith Banister is on stage (left). Not visible in the picture are Cindy Deal, Pat McNulty and Steve Hance.
