ISLAND FALLS, Maine — The Island Falls Class of 1964 was honored as the 50-year graduate class. A total of 14 members were present after a weekend of gatherings.
On Friday evening a meet and greet was held at Hunt’s Law Office, followed by dining at the River Cafe and a social evening. On Saturday afternoon a class gathering was held at the home of Pat and Roseanne Hunt on the shores of Pleasant Lake.
Seated at the head table were Richard Armstrong, Bev Mora Gramour and Robert, Susan Tingley Widden and sister Barbie, Donna Porter Ericson and Eric, Paula Gellerson Lilley and Perry, Brian McNelly and Linda, Camilla Slauenwhite Drew and Frank (‘65’), Fred Crockett and Mary, Delma Michaud Emery and Rod (‘59’) Sheila McGraw Emery and David, Patrick Hunt with Roseanne and daughter Eileen Hunt Botting, Peter Bishop and Betty, Terry Wallace and Taiko, and Keith MacKenzie. Joining as guests were former teacher Henry Joy and Mary and Coach Phil Faulkner and Susie and former classmate Harold Hillman. Each class member updated the group on the years since 1964 and shared some memories from school days.
The evening was opened with flag salute and invocation and a time of silent remembrance for deceased graduates. After a meal served by Big Valley Sno-Club and a brief business meeting the group was entertained by a skit “These Boots Were Made for Walking,” featuring Ted, Terry and Val. M&M Entertainment from Medway, featured 1960’s songs familiar to all. “We’ll Sing in the Sunshine” was led by Sharman Hoar Ball “69 with accompaniment by M&M Entertainment.
The roll call of classes began with 1932. A standing ovation was given to Helen Mitchell Sherman Class of 1932 and age 100. Helen is the oldest living graduate, also the Boston Post Cane holder for Island Falls as its oldest citizen.
Other class members present included, Rodney Palmer with Janice, from 1937; Malcolm Palmer with Priscilla, from ‘43; Leithia Varney Porter, ‘44; and were AnnieJane Porter Smith and Carl Shields with Elfrieda, from ‘45.
Mabel Lenenine Desmond and Ronald Pelkey represented 1946 and Lillian Clukey Little and Marion Lane Hoar ‘47. Harold Sherman was the sole member of ‘48 and Derald Pelkey ‘49 with nephew Kurt..
From the class of 1950 were Edward Quinlan, Almon Townsend with Ruth, Owen Botting with daughter Michelle, Jeanne Porter Smallwood and Ron Edwards attended.
There were four members of Class of 1951, Glenna Grant McNeil with Marsha Roberts and Glenn Cusick. Marjorie Pulkkinen Carter, Richard Olin Morin and Merlyne Porter Ryan with Rudy Raymond.
From 1952, Donna Stevens Curry and Joyce Curry and from 1953 which always has a good attendance were Carole Clark Starr and Sonny, Richard Ryan with Bunny and daughter RoseMarie, Rebekah Tingley Stephens and Royce Smallwood, Marion Grant Burton and Don, Gilbert Sirois and Florence Berube, Marilyn Hartin Noyes with daughter Vicki and Richard Pulkinnen.
The Class of 1954 celebrated 60 years in the afternoon and attending dinner were Elinor Brooks Savage, Rhoda Shur and Vera Muir Butler with Ken. The late ‘50s were represented by Charles Pelkey ‘56, Jeannette Cameron Sherman with Bob Sylvia Morrison, Donna Bishop Furrow and Shirley Sides ‘57, ‘58 Beverly Dickinson Long, Priscilla Stevens Young with Edgar, Merrilee Sherman Kirby and Eric Pettengill with Mary. Ann Michaud Russell and rodney Emnrey 1959 finished the decade.
The 1960’s were better represented than in past years. From 1960 were Connie Walker Hollis with Bill and Leslie MacKenzie with Norma; ‘62 Kathy Desmond Merrill; ‘63 Mary Hathaway Sherwood; ‘65 Gary Mooers, Diana Porter Daniels and Bill, Dianne Curry, and Sharon Desmond Porter.
From 1966 were Frank Drew, Gail Webb Davis and Darrell Hartin; ‘67 Kathy Mooers Beran with David jr, Nancy Palmer Kennedy and Rebecca Joy Drew; and 1969, Valerie Lake Powers and Ralph, Winnie White Desmond, Sharman Hoar Ball, Darlene Hartin, Etta Gellerson Vesey.
The first three years of 1970’s were the last years of the Island Falls High School and from those years were ‘70, Tom Ryan and Susan York Archer; ‘71 Verna White Jones, Elizabeth Ryan Lord, Judy Ryan Porter, Charlene Hartin Cram and former classmate Vicki Roberts Barroso of Carracas, Venzuela; 1972, Patti Desmond Hartin and Randy Curry; and the final year of the classes was 1973, with Roger Webb and Sharon Edwards Porter.
Also attending were Rose Gould Bragdon, Tim Hathaway and Karen Roberts Flores.
The evening was ended with the singing of “God Bless America” and a benediction.