Class of ’22 Reunion
by Barry Bauer
The St. Johns High School, Class of 1922, celebrated its 50th anniversary Saturday, June 3, 1972. Sixteen members of the class were able to be present along with husbands and wives totaling 25 guests.
A reception was held in the Community Room of Central National Bank in St. Johns, Saturday afternoon from four until six o’clock where guests were registered by Mrs. Lester Lake. Pictures, souvenir programs, and mementos of high school days were displayed which brought back many memories. There were several copies of “Le Cid”, the first annual publication of the SJHS class to enjoy. There were pictures of all graduates, the faculty, group pictures of other classes and school organizations, in addition to the class history, prophecy and will.
It was also noted that Frank P. Buck was superintendent with Hugh Francis as principal. The first issue of “Le Cid” was dedicated by the senior class to their parents “for their efforts, sacrifices, and solicitude.” On display was a copy of “After-Glow,” an autobiography of Elta Jay Martin, who was science instructor in the St. Johns High School from 1971 to 1932. Before his death in 1953, “Daddy” Martin, as he was frequently called, presented copies of “After Glow” to many of his science students in appreciation of pleasant memory of pupil and teacher. A copy is in the local library.
Punch and crackers were served from an attractive refreshment table with Mrs. John Martin in charge, after which many pictures were taken. Following the reception, a dinner was served at “Daley’s Fine Foods.” Invocation was given by Maxwell Smith of Crystal. When the dinner was over a lively sing-a-long of such old favorites as, “Smiles,” and “Ja-Da,” was led by Mr. Smith accompanied at the piano by his wife, the former Opal Creaser. For her classmates, a special request, “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” was sung by Julia Louise Ross of Flint. John Martin emceed the after-dinner program by inviting each member to give a thumbnail sketch of the 50 years since graduation. Interspersed in these sketches were letters received from several who were unable to attend. These were read by Mr. Martin.
Among them were letters from:
Leroy and Alice (Hathaway) Stinebower of Greenwich, Conn.
Stuart H. Ward DDS of Sarasota, Fla.
Mrs. Arlene Daggett Slonaker of Lakeland, Fla.
Russell D. Frank of Logan, Utah
George Woodbury of Moscow, Idaho
Lawrence Hosteller of Santa Monica, Calif.
Percy Fitzpatrick of Montague, Mich.
Mrs. Hugh (Alice Parr) Robinson of Eagle Harbor, Mich.
There were also several pictures enclosed with the letters.
Those members who related their experiences in person were:
Leonard Blakeslee of East Lansing
Maxwell and Opal (Creaser) Smith of Crystal
Herman Ellis and Julia Louise Ross of Flint
Orval Price of Portland
Mrs. Ray (Doris Rice) Nicoson of St. Petersburg, Fla.
Mrs. Marion (Lucille Valentine) Jones of Grand Ledge
Mrs. Arnold (Minnie Shonk) Martin of Ovid
Walter Gohn of Lake City
Mrs, Sidney (Neva Bryant) Keys of Elsie
And from St. Johns:
Irving Eaton
Hazel Halsey
Lester Lake
John Martin
Mrs. Paul (Cressie Matthews) Wakefield.
Evelyn Putnam.
There was a note of sadness in learning that Louise Miller had passed away in May while plans were being made for the reunion. Others from the class taken by death were:
George Atkinson
Mrs. George (Ruby Ellis) Humphrey
John Halstead
Kenneth Jackson
Mrs. Harry (Isabel Kathe) Hulse
Merle Walker
Raymond Workman
John Zabelka
Helen Johnson and Walter Moore were the only members of the class whose addresses could not be established. The committee would appreciate some leads to their whereabouts.
Mr. Martin repeated the class prophecy of 1922 and several others added special incidents and experiences to the enjoyment of the evening. He also expressed appreciation to the members of the committee responsible for the pleasant occasion.
Assisting him in the reunion arrangements were:
Maxwell P. Smith
Evelyn Putnam
Opal Creaser Smith
Cressie Matthews Wakefield
Everyone agreed that the class should meet again in five years. The evening closed with the group singing of “Goodnight Classmates,” and the benediction by Maxwell Smith.