N. K. H. S. -- CLASS OF 1957
55th-year Reunion
North Kingstown High School Class of 1957
Duffy’s August 17, 2012
Welcome….
It is wonderful to see so many familiar faces here tonight, many our classmates and others our dear friends through marriage, family, commitment or friendship. Since I’m well aware that often I talk to Dave and he pretends to listen but the words go right on by into space, I’ve been reminding him that the class reunion is coming up for the past six months and also when Denise would call, I’d remind him again. In May, I overheard him telling someone that “our class reunion was going to be held in August.” I was stunned. “Our class reunion?” I responded. “Well, I’ve been tagging along for so many years and know so many of the folks, I think of it as mine, too,” he replied. We offer a special welcome to you who have accompanied a member of the Class of ’57 and while not all the names
and references may ring bells for you, we hope the evening will be pleasant.We received messages from several of our classmates who could not be here tonight Sandra Tucker, Ken MacLennan from Arizona, Peggy Hutchins Leeming in Texas, Judy Barta, and Ron Sampson, who lost his wife shortly after our last reunion, responded with regrets, and the gals, Carol, Jackie and Mary Blue, visited with Shirley Wrightington Carney in the nursing home where she happily seems to be running the activities of the place and is very comfortable. We are going to send each of them a packet with some of tonight’s memories, and so we’d like to suggest that you use the pads and writing implements on each table to jot a note to them, and we’ll save you the postage by enclosing your message in their envelope. The notebooks will also be available at tomorrow’s gathering.
When the registration sheet came in my mailbox, I quickly filled it out and wrote a check and sent it on its way with the note that if there was anything I could do to help Carol, Jackie or Mary Blue with the event, to let me know. Well, it didn’t take the three long to respond, and I found myself saying that I’d be happy to act as Mistress of Ceremonies for this evening. To be honest, the constant e-mail correspondence we three have shared has been a great deal of fun, and I think I’ll really miss it. We’ve brainstormed some activities for this evening, and the plans for tomorrow have been carefully drawn as well. I’ve nicknamed Carol, Jackie and Mary Blue “my three Vannas” as they will be doing the sashaying about this evening, though they have left their evening gowns and high heels at home. They have been the wind beneath my wings as these memories have evolved.
Five Years Ago Updated……
I left you five years ago with a parody of the Statler Brothers "Class of '57. " Here's what they'd sing if they were here with us tonight:"The Class of '57" (with apologies to the Statler Brothers)
Jackie still counts our money; in Florida, Ken K's retired.
Bill King and Ted Mason aren't looking to be hired.
Charlotte still loves Ken; Denise is up in Maine;
Mary Blue is back in town, and Wickford's not the same.
And the Class of '57's here tonight,
Even though some are missing, the feeling is just right.
Gail, Doris, Mary and Eileen are such a pleasant sight,
And the Class of '57's here tonight.
Duffy's now seats women, Janet's dating Fred.
Jim H's in California, Don and Carol made sure we're fed
Charlie's here, so is Bill; the campground's home to Jim;
Two Johns are here and so is Mark and Bonnie greeted them.
Betsey now has grandkids, and so do you and I.
Seeing Don, Bob and Helen make us sure that time does fly.
Bob brought Janet; Frieda and Joe are here, too
And the Class of '57 is not through!
We know that in a fishing book Blair is quite a star.
Carol D and Alda Ganz didn't have to travel far.
Nancy and Sharon still can tease; MacLennan's way out West.
Twin Bob is here to celebrate; Kent keeps Mt. Vernon at its best.
We are not quite the same: grey, bald, and even white
In our old clothes back at our homes, we're really quite a sight!
But here tonight we're gussied up and ready to have fun;
The Class of '57 is not done.
Yes, the Class of '57 had a dream.
Our plans have changed, we are mature, and you know what that means!
We know that life is different when you get past 16,
But the Class of '57 can still dream.
Yes, the Class of '57 still has dreams!
We Salute Our Service Veterans….
One of the joys of preparing for tonight was receiving a box of materials from Carol which contained all the responses that class members have sent for some of the most recent reunions. One comment that stood out among those for the 50th was made, I think, by Bill King and Kent. They noted that it would have been nice to know how many of the class served in the military and what branch was represented by their service. It has been said that "a veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of up to and including my life. " That act is Honor personified, and there are way too many people in this country today who no longer understand it.
So, tonight we are going to salute those present who gave years to the service of our country. I'm going to ask the members of the class and any guests who served in the military to rise and remain standing. We have a small token of our appreciation for your service which the ladies will distribute as we move about the room and give each standing an opportunity to state his branch of service and major site of station. Following this, we will all stand and sing "God Bless America" the words of which may be found at your place. (I'll get the introductions started, you guys follow each one with an envelope.)
Veterans, the words that are written on the card you received are from Henry Van Dyke's poem, "America for Me" which some of us who had Mildred Spring for a teacher in Grade 5 memorized. The second stanza has always remained in my memory: "So it's home again, and home again, America for me! My heart is turning home again, and there I long to be. In the land of youth and freedom, beyond the ocean bars, Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars. " George Washington reminded us "The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation. " Thank you one and all for your service.
We Remember Those Who Have Passed….
When we come to class reunions, sparks of those old shared memories come flooding back. Those of us here tonight, as well as the absent members of the Class of '57, came from a variety of elementary educational settings: Lafayette, Providence, Cranston, Quonset, Wickford, Davisville, out of state schools and Allenton. All of us remember the Bette Majors, Avis Willises, and Miss Amadons; the Helene Caswells, Joan Haggertys, Hope Arnolds and Avis Phillipses. They helped form our early selves. When we begin to think of our first years together as a class, we remember Mr. Herschen, Mr. and Mrs. Friend, Charlie Hill, Grace Eastwood, Harry Lewis, John Hellewell, Miss Millette, Esther Tew, and Charlotte Ayres as well as Hiram Davis, Leroy Algren and, George Sprague and Ed Pratt, to name a few. Like our youth, they, and those named five years ago, remain only memories of our Grades 7 - 12 years in school. And so tonight we light a candle in memory of all of those teachers from elementary through high school who tried to teach us subject matter as well as how to live our lives. (Light one of three -)
Teachers change lives. Being the right person at the right time may be enough to change a student's life forever. Human beings are constantly changing. Whether for good or bad, we do not stay the same. Having a positive influence in the form of a teacher can make or break a person. Years after we are out of school, we remember the teachers who changed our lives. In some cases, these were the first people who believed in us, or maybe they were the first to treat us with the dignity and respect due an adult when we were still teens. The experience of having an authority figure believe that we, individually or as a group, could succeed is carried with us forever. Henry Quinn was just such a figure. First and foremost, he was our teacher. He modeled what education, family, sport, and good times were all about. He helped some of us set high goals; he pushed others to try things they never thought they could accomplish. For some he became a fellow professional, for others an adult friend. He remained interested in each and every one of us, and we continued our love and respect for him through almost 50 years. We will never forget him, and so we light a candle in his memory tonight. (Light tallest.)
Like Henry, some of our classmates left us way too soon beginning with Al Blease, and Andrew Shepard and continuing with Mary "Pudge" Rogers, and John O'Mara. We light a candle of remembrance for these classmates. (Light third)
There are some friendships that we remember forever. These are those that were formed when we were young. The quality of sharing was not the same as in adult friendships; however, in a certain way the friendships had a deeper quality and stand out in our memories. They probably lacked the drama and intensity of shared adult friendships. There is a certain carefree quality that exists between and among youngsters. They don't ask themselves complicated questions like whether they have several things in common. It is enough that they are kids and that there is fun to be shared.
Since our last reunion, we have lost nine members of our class, and we celebrate their lives here tonight. (Light a tea light before I speak on each one.)
| Recently Departed | |
|---|---|
| Margaret Austin Webber | January 17, 2008 |
| Ray Bennett | March 15, 2007 |
| Ron Davis | September 13, 2009 |
| John Kenyon | January 1, 2010 |
| Bill Gadrow | July 3, 2010 |
| Doug Smith | December 1, 2010 |
| Joan Bicknell Hall | April 26, 2011 |
| Marjorie Cahoone Clark | July 18, 2011 |
| Dick Cox | June 1, 2012 |
Margaret Austin Webber passed away on January 17, 2008, the result of a valiant struggle with ALS. She was the wife of Kent, and together they shared two daughters and one son. Margaret worked for the New England Telephone Company and served in leadership roles in many organizations over the years. Among many honors, she received the Silver Patrick Henry Medallion for Patriotism and Outstanding Service for the Military Order of World Wars and the Martha Washington Medal for Outstanding Service to George Mason Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution and was named an honorary member of the USS Constitution's crew. On a personal note, Margaret, Kent, and I grew up just a street apart in the Housing Project, and I have never forgotten the verse she wrote in my autograph book which is up in the attic, "I love you, I love you, I love you so much, If I had some peanuts, I'd give you the shells!" She had a terrific sense of humor even as a youngster and a smile that I will long remember.
Raymond Bennett, Jr. passed away on March 15, 2007 in Greenville, North Carolina, at the age of 70 after a struggle with health issues. He is survived by his wife Erika. We remember the strength, smiles, and gregarious character of this classmate. Those of us who lived in Wickford during the years when he was involved in the grocery business remember his upfront, honest attitude with his customers. In my mind, I will always see Ray dressed in his football uniform and running onto the NK field each fall.
Ronald E. Davis passed away at his home on Lindley Avenue on September 13, 2009, at the age of 72. He is survived by his wife Carol and is buried in the Veterans Cemetery in Exeter. Those of us who grew up with Ron remember his fun loving attitude towards life and his sparing with Henry. Loud, big, unassuming and able to crack jokes at a moment's notice, Ron brought much joy to us throughout our years at NK. A member of the football team, he donned his uniform with determination and fought to win on the field, but that did not diminish his charming request of the girl who sat behind him in Room 300. He said, "You have grown up handwriting, how about writing an excuse for my absence? I forgot mine at home. " One smile and the deed was accomplished! Gifts were given in Ron's memory to the North Kingstown Public Library.
On January 1, 2010, John Joseph Kenyon, the third of nine children who grew up on a local dairy farm, passed away unexpectedly in the state of Washington. The husband of Sherrie, John and she shared a daughter and two grandsons. John graduated from URI, served in the Army Special Forces, and spent 36 years in a business he built Western Commercial Mortgage in Tacoma. He was an avid athlete and participated in basketball, baseball and soccer and enjoyed working with youngsters in these sports. The kids in his neighborhood used to knock on his door and ask Sherrie if her husband could come out to play ball with them!
William H. Gadrow passed away on July 3, 2010. This quiet, unassuming and gentle soul gave many of his years to service in the local fire department and even served as a calendar fireman model to raise funds for his community. Billy was a classmate who suffered the tragic loss by fire of his mother in the early years of his time with us at Wickford Grammar School. I will never forget his smile, and the many times that he waited for me to return from lunch at the foot of the shortcut hill on the playground. Bill was special!
On December 1, 2010, in Fairfax, Virginia, Douglas Smith Senior passed away at the age of 71. Doug is survived by a daughter; his son predeceased him. Doug created and ran two businesses over the years: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Company of North Kingstown and California All-Temp Services. He loved travel, golf and good times with his friends. Folks today would say he was one handsome dude! We gals in the class all agree and he was a smooth dancer as well!
Joan Bicknell Hall passed away in Metairie, Louisiana, on April 26, 2011, after a struggle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Donald, with whom she shared four daughters, two sons, ten grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. After high school, Joan served in the U. S. Army and was stationed in the Pentagon. For several years, she was the Administrative Director of the American Cancer Society in Brunswick, Maine, and was very active in her local United Methodist Church's mission work especially the Shawl Ministry. I will never forget the day several years ago when I called Brunswick to report my Waldoboro totals for the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days. The voice at the other end was Joan's and she recognized mine when I said my name. We shared and agreed that, indeed, our world at times can be very small.
Marjorie Cahoone Clark passed away at the age of 72 on July 18, 2011. She and her husband James had been married 52 years and shared a son and daughter and four grandchildren. Marjorie worked in publications, was a Sunday School teacher, Cub Scout, Brownie and Girl Scout leader. We will always remember her beautiful smile, terrific sense of humor and quiet but efficient ways. Certainly her strong faith enabled her to become a wonderful role model, not only for her children but also for others whose lives she touched.
Richard "Dick" Cox passed away on June 1, 2012. He and his wife Jeanette shared a son and daughter and seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. They made their home in East Greenwich and Northport, Florida. While with us at NKHS Dick was in the trombone section of the band and played on the football team. He was the life of the party, and his smile could charm. Even in his "older" years, it was always a joy to see Dick at our reunions and to share memories of good times past.
When at our graduation we sang "The Old Ark's a Movering and I'm Goin' Home" none of us considered that we were launching our own boats on the river of life. We had no idea that a Country Western singer named Garth Brooks would come along thirty years later to remind us that "a dream is like a river ever changing as it flows. And a dreamer's just a vessel that must follow where it goes. Trying to learn from what's behind you and never knowing what's in store makes each day a constant battle just to stay between the shores. So I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry. Like the bird upon the wind, these waters are my sky. I'll never reach my destination if I never try, so I will sail my vessel 'til the river runs dry. "We salute these, our classmates, whose destinations have been reached and who sailed through life with determination, but more importantly, with love.
Scholarship Report….
I'm sure you remember that at our 50th we agreed to give a sum of money to the NKHS Athletic Fund in Henry's memory. Jackie very competently carried out our wishes and sent a check for $500. This is the thank you note: (I have it and will read it. ) The committee would like to suggest sending another donation from the Class of '57 in Henry's memory. The suggestion is that whatever funds remain from this celebration and any extra that you would like to donate tonight or tomorrow be sent in Henry's memory from the Class of 1957 as a scholarship for a deserving senior. Is there anyone who has a better idea or who disagrees with this suggestion? The girls have provided a basket into which anyone may leave an extra donation and it will be available tomorrow as well. Jackie will carry out our wishes.
Fifty Years Plus….
Do you realize that the members of our class were born before television, penicillin, polio shots, frozen foods, Xerox, contact lenses, Frisbees and the pill? There were no credit cards, laser beams or ball-point pens. Man had not invented pantyhose, air conditioners, dishwashers, clothes dryers and had not walked on the moon. No computer dating, daycare centers or group therapy were in existence. Our lives were governed by the Ten Commandments, good judgment, and common sense. We were taught to know the difference between right and wrong and to stand up and take responsibility for our actions. We thought fast food was what people ate during Lent. We never heard of FM radios, tape decks, or yogurt; grass was mowed, coke was a cold drink, pot was something our mothers cooked in and a chip meant a piece of wood. Hardware was found in a hardware store and software wasn't even a word.
Our heroes were Roy and Dale, Gene and Hoppy, the Lone Ranger and Tonto; Sky King, Sgt. Friday and Superman. We watched Capt. Kangaroo, Howdy, and Red Skelton. They taught us patriotism and honor, touched our lives and made them better. We learned how to suffer through disappointment and failure and how to work through hard times.
We know that the old song tells us that "love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage. This I tell you brother, you can't have one without the other!" Time has marched on and now that we've been out of school for 55 years, it's time to honor some in our class who have broken some marriage records. We'd like any couples here tonight who have been married 50 years or more this year to stand and be recognized and to remain standing. The ladies have some gold for each of you. Remain standing as we're not finished yet! (married 50 - 51 please sit; 52-53 please sit. Who is left? Bouquet )
There's another song that says, "Another bride another groom another sunny honeymoon another season another reason for making "Whoopie!" In reading over the sheets Carol sent, I found it apparent that we have "gone forth and multiplied well. " We've raised our children, and most have flown the nest, but see if this scenario doesn't bring back some memories:
Even with all his omnipotence, God had his problems raising children. After creating heaven and earth, God created Adam and Eve. And the very first thing he said was, "Don't!" "Don't what?" Adam replied. "Don't eat the forbidden fruit, "God said. "Forbidden fruit? We have forbidden fruit? Hey, Eve, we have forbidden fruit," Adam called. "No way!" said Eve. "Yes way!" remarked Adam. "Do not eat the fruit!" said God. "Why?" they asked. "Because I am your Father and I said so," God replied, wondering why He hadn't stopped creation after making the elephants. A few minutes later, God saw his children having an apple break, and He was ticked! "Didn't I tell you not to eat the fruit?" God asked. "Uh huh!" Adam replied. "Then why did you?" said the Father. "I don't know" said Eve. "She started it, "replied Adam. "Did not!" "Did, too!" "Did not!" Having had it with the two of them, God's punishment was that Adam and Eve should have children of their own. Thus the pattern was set, and it has never changed! If you have persistently and lovingly tried to give your children, grandchildren or even great grandchildren wisdom and they haven't taken it, don't be hard on yourselves. If God had trouble raising his children, what makes us think it would be a piece of cake for us?
Tonight we have several great grandparents in our midst. Would all who are great grandparents please stand. One good thing about children is that we had them when we were relatively young and could chase them. A good thing about grandchildren and great grandchildren is that they go home at night. (Find the most recent great grandparent! Give cloth book!)
Tomorrow….
Now, we're almost at the end of this portion of our reunion. Tomorrow is another day, and we will meet at the Schartner Farm at 1 P. M. for some visiting, eating and fun. Does anyone present have anything to add to the evening? Have we forgotten anything before we tackle "One Last Thing"?
My Gift for the Class….
Over the years, it has become very clear to me that growing up in the 40's and 50's afforded me an idyllic childhood. I've always had a good memory and read a lot! I'm aware that in reading if one thinks about the message or the setting or even the author, memories of one's own are triggered. Having spent much time in recent years working at recording history through my own writing, losing my dad in 2008 made me realize that my ties to Wickford are almost gone. I wanted my children to know what a wonderful childhood I had and shared with many of you. So I started writing down some memories here and there, and finally, when I knew that our reunion was pretty close at hand, I decided to work earnestly at a book not only for my children but also for you, my classmates. So, my gift to each of the members of the class gathered here tonight is a copy of Growing Up in Wickford: 1940-1960. I hope you'll enjoy going back in time with me as you read it; I hope it sparks memories for you, not only of Wickford but also of maturing no matter where all of the twenty years covered in the book were spent, and last of all, I hope you'll pick up a tape recorder or a pencil and notebook and record some of your own memories for your children and grandchildren. Let me share one example, Donald Cahoone shared with the committee his recollections of this site, Duffy's, on the land that once belonged to his family. Don, the story is precious and you need to share it. If we don't tell the stories of our lives, the memories that we have, they'll never be told. Try it and do it in your own way. If you need any ideas for how to get started, speak with me tomorrow or e-mail me. I'd love to help you. (Gals, pass out books.)
Last but not least, we have a few bits of NK memorabilia that the committee agrees should be archived in order to remain here in Wickford. Jackie has agreed to rattle the NKHS cage to see if they would be willing to add our few pieces to their collection. If you have any items that you feel should be passed on or which you'd like to get out of your attic, let Jackie know. I commend to you the Face book site on North Kingstown if you are a Face book participant; it's great fun to look at the photos and meet people you haven't heard from for years. I don't write much, but I do read it faithfully. Also, if we have a computer person in the crowd that would like to start a Class of '57 Face book page or maybe another type of computer site, let Mary Blue know. We can spread the news and then keep in touch easily during the next five years.
At our graduation, the Meredith Wilson song that follows was sung by a group of us gals. The message of the song is my wish and that of the committee for each and all of you:
May the good Lord bless and keep you
Whether near or far away
May you find that long awaited
Golden day today.
May your troubles all be small ones
And your fortunes ten times ten
May the good Lord bless and keep you
'Til we meet again.
May you walk with sunlight shining
And a bluebird in every tree
May there be a silver lining
Back of every cloud you see.
Fill your dreams with sweet tomorrows
Never mind what might have been
May the good Lord bless and keep you
'Til we meet again.
Good night!
-Jean Bordo Lawrence