THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES!
The 55th reunion activities for CHS 1954 kicked off with 19 classmates/spouses gathered at Steak ‘n Shake on Friday, Aug. 21, for lunch to enjoy a steakburger, fries and shake, along with other “In Sight It Must Be Right” menu items. All classmates paid their own tickets with no problem except John McWilliams, who thought the meal was included with the reunion registration fee...nice try, John.
Thanks for the memories!
Later Friday evening at the Elks Lodge, 66 arrived for hors d’ oeuvres and dessert treats prepared by committee members. The conversation got hot when a Styrofoam plate got too close to the warming tray burner causing a small fire. Like the song from the 50s says" “I burned a hole in the dining room table. Now, let me see, I guess that’s all.”
Thanks for the memories!
Early Saturday morning the decorating committee went to work at the CCC setting up the check-in table with items for each attendee...Class Directory, name badge and raffle ticket. Framed pictures of deceased classmates adorned the memorial table. A display tale was a showcase for 50s memorabilia and letters from classmates who could not attend. A “Welcome CHS Class of 1954” banner hung from the ceiling for all to see. Special maroon and white M&M favors were at each place setting. Finished with maroon napkins and white table tops, the room had a definite CHS look...”Maroon and White, fight, fight.” The decorating was completed with 50s music in the background.
Thanks for the memories!
The Champaign Country Club grand ballroom was festive and full of conversation Saturday evening. Total attendance of 93 enjoyed soft music played by a trio of musicians. During the early part of the evening, a video played showing 1954 Maroon pictures, with senior pictures honoring classmates attending the reunion. Prior to dinner, the invocation was given by Donna (Schum) Matteson. After dinner, Jim “Smitty” Smith welcomed the class to start the program. He recognized classmates who attended all 11 reunions, with special mention of Nancy Wisely who was attending her first reunion. A memorial roll call was given by Iris (Arend) Swanson, Isabel (Burgess) O’Neill, Sandra (Cox) Burr, Judy (Dawson) Nicolette, and Jean (Hays) Leach. Upon Mary Lou (Wilson) Gannaway’s recommendation, the hat was passed to continue funding the cost of a plaque honoring the outstanding CHS equipment manager of the year, which was established by the CHS Class of 1954 in honor of James Smith. Jean (Hays) Leach
introduced the song “Champaign Illinois” sung by Carl Perkins, who performed in Champaign during 1959 and 1969. The raffle winners were Regina (Hauersperger) Robinson, Carol Richards, Bill East, and Jim Smith. The program ended with the singing of the “Champaign Loyalty Song.”
Thanks for the memories!
To end the reunion activities, 25 attended a send-off breakfast at the Hilton American Grill. While enjoying breakfast, Mary Beth (Sawyer) Kluge revealed that when she returns to Champaign, she loads up on “Sparkle” glass cleaner, which is hard to find elsewhere, but is sold at Meijer’s. Thanks Mary Beth for the tip.
Thanks for the memories!
Until we meet again in 2014
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