The Calhoun High alumni group awarded
a $1000 scholarship to Timothy R. Butler Class of 2005
Hundreds came to enjoy the homecoming and dinner
Calhoun High's 18th All-Class reunion was held today, a time of remembering and a time for re-newing old friendships.
Emcee William Ice (above left) of the Class of '48 welcomed the returning students and their family members and Superintendent of Schools Ron Blankenship (Class of '65) said "We extend to you the warmest welcome."
The alumni group's $1000 scholarship was awarded to Timothy R. Butler of the Class of 2005.
Four classes celebrated special anniversaries.
"We listened to Elvis, the Beach Boys, the Stones and the Big Bopper," said Roger Propst (above center)
of the Class of 1965, who took the risk to read the Class Prophecy and recalled with fondness some memorable teachers. He said everyone recalls the assassination of John F. Kennedy in 1963.
Propst, alluding to the likely demise of old Calhoun County High School building in Grantsville, said "School was not about a building, it was about the people."
Bill Umstead (above right), speaking for the class of 1960, recalled receiving inspiration from Social Studies teacher Kenneth Hall. "I knew he was about to impart inspiration when his face turned red," Umstead said.
"He went to get his inspiration from another room and returned to inspire me. His inspiration broke in several pieces, flaying across the room. No one received more inspiration than I did," he said.
"It was hula hoop time. We were listening to tunes like "Young Love" and "Wake Up Little Susie," and watching TV shows like "The Real McCoys" and "Maverick." Elvis was hot.
Fred Barnes helped us appreciate flowers. The class heard the news that Russia had launched the first satellite - Sputnik, and Hawaii and Alaska increased the 48 states.
Umstead said "We learned about caring and compassion for others and even a little about love."
Sonny (Loyd) Wright (above left) of the Class of 1955 spoke about the great exodus of Calhoun residents to Ohio after World War II - "readin', writin' and Route 21."
He recalled life in Grantsville. "You always knew you could go to the Loyd Haynes residence (Calhoun's only State Policeman) and get a warm slice of homemade bread."
Wright said the late "Ox" Johnson, president of the class, was preparing to give "this address," but he passed away. "I intend to carry on his work to build his vision, the Wayne Underwood Museum," Wright said. "Just before Ox died we had raised $8,000 for the project. I'm pleased to announce that amount is $16,000 since his death," he said.
Wright praised Calhoun's current athletes. "For the first time five have been named as all-state athletes, first team," he said.
He said there is 71 still living out of his graduating class of 91.
Local veterinarian Joe Cain (above right), representing the Class of 1945, recalled hard times at Calhoun High during the war years. "Many of our classmates went off to war, graduating early. Mother's accepted diplomas for their sons," he said.
"It was during our years the high school burned to the ground, and classes were held in buildings all over town," Cain recalled.
Alumni members were served a luncheon and several classes had individual class reunions.
They came from all over America ...
...and the hills of West Virginia
The 18th annual Calhoun High Alumni Celebration ...
... held at Calhoun Middle-High School
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