It was the year Disneyland opened, Captain Kangaroo ruled the airwaves on TV and Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus when the Vernon High School class of ‘55 received their diplomas.
And 60 years later, the gang is getting back together to celebrate Sept. 4, 5 and 6.
The reunion marks just the second time the group has gathered just to celebrate the class of ‘55.
For Jean (Ferguson) Wetherill, the reunion is a chance to share the stories of hanging out at Nick’s Candy Kitchen in downtown Vernon, to recall the music of the era, with hits such as Rock Around the Clock, and to spend time with friends she has known all of her life.
“The school was all about teamwork, so I want to recognize everyone who worked so hard to make this reunion a reality,” said Wetherill. “Lydia (Price) Cumming travelled all year from Kamloops, Nellie (Fandrich) Thompson assisted from Victoria, George Parchomchuk from Saskatoon is the team leader, holding all the strings that connect the Vernon planners.
“And good advice came from 1954 grad Lorna (French) Thorburn after their 60th reunion.”
Those in attendance at the reunion, which takes place at The Pantry, Schubert Centre and O’Keefe Ranch, will have the chance to enjoy a display filled with memorabilia, including yearbooks, Vernon history, newspaper collections, a tribute to classmates who have died — more than 45 — teachers’ obituaries and complete school history albums donated by George Parchomchuk to the Vernon Greater Museum.
Also on hand will be Reconnection 2005, the 144-page biography of the grads of 1955, written by classmate Helmut Fandrich, as well as a later 160-page follow-up hard cover book. The book includes valedictorian Jerry Jellison’s DVD transcript address from the 2005 reunion and Wetherill’s story, Emotions Soar, printed in The Morning Star in July 2005.
“The interest shown by Katherine Mortimer in publishing articles and search ads has been overwhelming and motivated the team to plan memorable life-long memories and keepsakes,” she said. “For many classmates, this will be hello again, and goodbye again.
“Responses of classmates attending the reunion have come in from as far as California, New York, Halifax and Vancouver Island.”
The reunion takes place Sept. 4 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Pantry, Sept. 5 at the Schubert Centre all day, with a banquet at 6 p.m.; and Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to noon for brunch at O’Keefe Ranch.
For more information on the reunion or to put your name on the list, please call Helen at 250-545-2640 or Miyoko at 250-542-8741.
