Finding our Common Cement: A Class Reunion

By Greg Finch, FSHS Class of ‘74

The Frankfort Senior High School Class of ’74 had their 50th Class Reunion the weekend of August 16-18. More than 80 classmates and nearly 70 spouses and guests attended. If you’re having trouble remembering 1974, it was when President Nixon resigned; Archie Bunker had the #1 television show; Hank Aaron tied Babe Ruth’s home run record; and disco was king.

The comedian Ellen DeGeneres was asked to give a commencement address and quipped that the letters of the word ‘commencement’ could also be used to spell ‘common cement’—a fitting definition of the Class of ’74 reunion.

Even though the weekend included both captains and corporals of industry, career climbers and home makers, retirees or never-retirees, there were no haves and have-nots. No cliques, mean girls, nerds or jocks.  All of us were equal, bound by common cement.

It is said that when we are in our 20’s, we worry about what everyone thinks about us. By the time we reach our 40’s, we are only concerned about what those closest to us think of us. But by the time we are in our 60’s, we don’t care much about what anyone thinks about us. That feeling of liberation was evident every moment that weekend.

We were, all of us, our genuine selves, looking to revisit common and forgotten memories from more than five decades ago—and make some new ones.

The weekend started with an informal gathering at the Moose on Friday evening, featuring our very own classmate Sharlee Davis and her songster partner, Willie Devitt, musical artists extraordinaire (https://davisanddevitt.com/home). Sharlee included in their repertoire a soulful song she composed about her elementary alma mater, Riley school, that brought happy tears to everyone (even people who never even went there).  There was a buffet of Shou’ps barbeque and fixin’s and the bar was open.

Saturday morning, FSHS principal and alumna, Jennifer Miller, provided a tour of the high school along with a few National Honor Student guides and some cool dude in a Hot Dog mascot suit. The excellent tour was as much for the benefit of the spouses and guests as it was for classmates to walk the hallowed halls again and remember the people, places and things that meant so much.  

Goodwin’s opened their museum for tours on Saturday morning much to the delight and amazement of classmates and guests who learned these historical treasures reside in Frankfort.

Saturday evening was the main event, a dinner at the Silver Coin Wedding and Event Center. Class President Steve warmly welcomed the classmates, spouses, and VIP guests. Pastor Tom then offered a blessing for the meal. For the next five hours, the evening was filled with stories of remembrances shared; of journeys untold; of heartbreaks endured; joy experienced, and hope renewed.

Sunday morning, a moving memorial service for those classmates who have passed was held at TPA park. Jayne organized this, with Dr. John leading the service. He began by asking who could remember the last five Academy Award winners; the last three sports MVP’s; the names of the last Miss America; and other examples of seemingly famous people. No one could. Then he asked if we could recall the five people we knew best in high school; the three people who helped us most in life; and the people who are our forever friends. We all could because those people matter more to us.  He then asked us all to share a story about our lost classmates, and both poignant and humorous stories flowed. It was mentioned that ‘TPA’ stood for ‘Travelers Protective Association’ and that TPA Park provided a safe haven for travelers on their journey across this country. When we remember and celebrate those who have passed, they become a part of—and are safe in—each of our continuing journeys.

Jayne said that if we knew those friends were to be lost, we would have hugged them tighter, something that cannot happen now or ever again.

While Friday and Saturday’s events fulfilled our hearts and spirits, Sunday was good for the soul.

The Class of ’74 Reunion Committee had a ton of help in making the weekend happen. On both Friday and Saturday evenings, wonderful hosts (and VIP guests!) from the class of ’73, Andi and Susan, volunteered to greet our classmates as they arrived, registering them and handing out nametags and making everyone feel welcome.

Throughout all the events, master photographer and Frankfort’s resident North Pole representative, Randy, captured the many moments that will sustain our memories. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

To the class’s delight and amazement, more than a dozen elementary, junior high and high school teachers and spouses were invited, and most attended at least one event.  Those invited included:

John Milholland began coaching basketball at Frankfort in 1967 and is a member of the Indiana High School Basketball Hall of Fame.  For nearly all of those games and beyond for 50 years, the unflappable algebra teacher Mr. Moyer was the official scorekeeper of every Hot Dog basketball game.

Mrs. Milholland started as a remedial reading teacher in the elementary schools before moving to the high school business department. Of course, Frankfort would not be the same if it wasn’t for the culture, drama and humor of the theater driven by Mr. and Mrs. Henderson (he taught speech and she, business).

Mr. Adamson transitioned from teaching to become an executive with the PGA, now retired in Tennessee. He can shoot his age in golf. Ron McClughen, former teacher and principal who later became a banker is now retired and only dreams about shooting his age.

Mr. Good retired from teaching in 1981 and went to full-time farming—which he and his wife, Suzie, are still working.  Mr. Dinsmore and Mr. Wehr, all former junior high school teachers and coaches, also were invited.

Miss Rosenbaum and Miss Ratliff came, too. They were with us when GAA finally transitioned to IHSAA back in the day. They were the pioneers of girls’ sports.  Mrs. Kersey was there, and classmates remembering both her and the late Mr. Kersey as well.

These teachers made a career making us better, and for that, we forever give them thanks. Our success is their success.

Everyone there last weekend had their own unique story of their journey through life, some of it magic, some of it tragic. But for one weekend, we were just ourselves, celebrating that we were amongst old friends with a chance to make new ones and honor old ones.

That was our common cement.

As for the Class of ’74 classmates who joined us for the weekend…

Mayor Chris and Darcy are classmates who have been married almost as long as we have been out of high school. Amazing. Class President Steve and Diana W. reunited at a past class reunion and fittingly, are married now.

Dr. Dave is more than just a retired world-renown oncologist. He and his wife are competitive ballroom dancers and he’s a recent super senior state champion golfer, a true Renaissance man.

Carol traveled from the east coast and is as bright and witty as ever. Barb casually mentioned she had a 2-year old great grandson, which was hard to believe.

Everyone immediately recognized Sara, Sandra, Nadia, JoLynne and Audrey by their ever-present smiling faces.  We all sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Marilyn Ga. who could have easily passed for 38 instead of…of…well, more than that.

Like her brothers, Julie spent a career in healthcare taking care of others and it showed how she took care of herself in body, mind and spirit. Nancy has not changed a bit, several people said. Becky and Pam slid right into the group seamlessly as if it was 50 years ago and we were in the lunch line together. Mindy was one of several ’74 classmates smitten with ’73 guys and has been married ever since, along with other ’73-married ’74 classmates Marsha from Tennessee and Linda R. from Kilmore.

Dr. John eloquently led the Sunday memorial service and inspired us to see the good in everyone, past, present and future—and to give ourselves grace as we continue our own journey.

Mike (aka ‘Spider’) brought the same laid-back, mellow attitude that made him wear a grass skirt and coconut bra without shame in our class’s South Pacific musical. Another Mike, the happy-go-lucky car buff (who totaled 2 cars our senior year!) proudly wore a manly pink shirt Saturday evening. Tim has a fleet of trucks keeping Frankfort people warm or cool and would do anything to help anyone.

Judge Steve worked to bring hope and justice to those people most at risk in our society. He called out to me the catchphrase we started way back when, and our welcome handshake turned into a genuine guy hug.

Some classmates started high school with us, but changing family dynamics prevented them from graduating with us.  Pam, Paul, Roz and Stephanie belong with us and graced us with their presence.

Mark (A. not K.) came all the way from Florida. He definitely out-kicked his coverage in the marriage department but his wife was not surprised he had so many Frankfort friends. Matt is still the warm-hearted, gentle character he inherited from his folks. Randy looked hale and hearty still sporting his Hollywood, dimpled grin. Eric rode his motorcycle to the Sunday morning memorial, sat on it during the service, and had some kind words to say. He’s a Frankfort mainstay, still sitting in the same Case Arena seats today he did 50+ years ago.

Ralph still had a hint of his former fire-engine red hair, and all were glad to see him. Kris contributed his Riley elementary school class pictures to the website allowing everyone in them to go back in time. Ed could be the backup Santa or an extra in any Lord of the Rings sequel. Bruce appeared to be the same quiet, thoughtful self he always was. Once Scott put his glasses back on, we all recognized him!

Reena, Deb, Janis and Cathy were engaging with everyone as were Marilyn Gu. and Jackie. It was great to see Ramona, Debbie and Sheri and Cindy, too.  Terry came for just Friday evening to be amongst friends.

The last stop on Saturday morning’s high school tour was center court, where three-time sectional winner Mike showed off his free throw skills while Donna, Darilyn and Diana attempted to replicate their 3-D cheerleader poses (they said they didn’t need help getting up from the floor, but they took it anyway).

Jim built a technology company that supports digital medical records around the world.  Steve constructed a civil engineering business that stands up buildings that will last for a hundred years. Nelson still holds the FSHS diving record, and he turned that athleticism into becoming a world-class rock climber. He still looks like he could scale mountains—but now he’s smart enough to keep both feet on the ground. Pete still has a full head of his 70’s hair that, for some reason, is now 50 shades of gray. He still lives in the old neighborhood and walked to the Sunday memorial service.

Former Boy Scout Troop 317 members Chris, Paul, Jerry and yours-truly had our picture taken nearly 55 years after we last camped together. Paul wasn’t in the best of health, and we thanked his spouse and classmate, Diana, for the angel she is by making sure Paul could join us. (Edit: Paul passed away October 4th and many of his classmates met once again, sadly, to honor Paul.)

Jayne and her husband train and deploy search and rescue dogs anywhere and everywhere there is a catastrophe in this nation. What they do is famous amongst all those who race to disasters to save lives—and to the lives they have saved.

DJ Charlie spun his hot stacks of cool wax—gone digital—Saturday evening with a superb collection of 70’s music our grandchildren are just now beginning to recognize as cool. (JoLynn did make a request for Don’t Stop Believin’ from the 80’s, and Charlie obliged).

Keith brought his classy bride from the class of ’75 all the way from the state of Washington. Hot Rod thanked Coach Dinsmore for giving him the nickname we still call him today. Brent continued his family’s legacy as educators, and we wished we could have sat in one of his classes if only to razz him. Steve’s family business is foundational to a century of things that taste good that are made in Frankfort. Jeff served and retired as a Frankfort policeman and was a last-minute and welcomed addition joining his former high school poker-playing crew.

Bob and his lovely wife drove all the way from Phoenix, stopping to visit many of their friends along the way (Bob figuratively saved my skin twice, our first week of first grade and my first semester in college).  Reid had more energy than any five of us and bounced from conversation to conversation with his infectious humor. I don’t think he sat down the entire Saturday evening.

Sherrie handmade a beautiful quilt of an extended Frankfort Hot Dog which she donated for the raffle. Nearly $1,000 in tickets were bought (sorry, Eric, your last-minute tickets didn’t end up on top!) that will fund the next reunion. Linda F. won the quilt drawing with a stunned smile on her face. A complete set of awesome Frankfort landmark coasters made by VIP Guest Randy was the second raffle drawing.

The reunion committee had a blast putting this together. Nothing could have happened without Linda R. and Stacey as the hometown connections for organizing everything. Crys arranged for Sharlee to perform Friday at the Moose with great venue help from Dianna N. Teresa dusted off her CPA skills to keep a keen eye on the finances and in doing so, became a lifetime member of the Cool Kids Club. Jayne and her huge heart made sure we remembered those classmates no longer with us. Jim and Bob (who used to be called Rob) were our Arizona-based reality checks. Perry went back to his family heritage as a printer and colorized all of the black-and-white Cauldron class photos for the nametags, making us all look much better than we were back then. Charlie promised no heavy metal on the music playlist and the music was perfect.  The genuine humility and subtle humor of Drs. Dave and John provided a steady hand throughout the months of reunion planning and especially during the memorial service.

To bring it all together, the reunion committee composed and mailed over 200 classmate invitations; assembled 150 nametags with custom lanyards; built the class website (myevent.com/fshsclassof74) which now includes many pictures of the weekend; set the menu for Friday and Saturday; and produced over 300 slides that ran continuously onscreen at the main event featuring classmates, VIP guests, and Frankfort landmarks (just like Mr. Ostler’s slides seen at the Farmer’s Bank while we were growing up). They also put together takeaway gift bags for every classmate and the VIP’s, including a custom-printed Hot Dog beverage bottles and exclusive, laser-etched Frankfort landmark coasters made by VIP Guest and Photographer, Randy.

A shout out to Shoup’s for Friday night’s delicious barbeque Friday and to Keltie’s crew at The Angry Donkey for an absolutely wonderful Saturday main event menu!

And a great big thanks to Moose for hosting the informal gathering on Friday; to Principal Miller, her students, and the folks at Goodwin’s for the tours; and last but not least, to Mackinze and her team at the Silver Coin Wedding and Event Center. There could not be any more welcoming people and venues to bring us all together.

Above it all, the reunion committee’s fearless leaders, Sherrie and Lisa, started the ball rolling and sustained planning momentum as only a serious schoolmarm and superb software consultant could. All they wanted was to make it memorable for everyone.

Ron said it was the best reunion ever. And we all agree.

Sixteen tables of ten people each were filled on Saturday evening with classmates, spouses and VIP guests. Demographics tell us we will probably need 2-3 fewer tables for the next reunion. We will miss them and never forget them.

And it’s guaranteed there will be even more hugs than handshakes when we meet again.