FHS Class of ‘56 reunion ‘very special’

Saturday, Aug. 8, was a very special day in the minds of the Fredonia High School Class of 1956. One of the last classes of the true Hillbillies to graduate from the old high school on West Hill celebrated its 70th class reunion. This class has celebrated every five years since 1961 and it is with mixed emotions that they probably celebrated the last one.

The Class of 1956 was 81 members strong 70 years ago. The class members' longevity is a testament to the Fredonia air, water, clean living, or something else because out of a class of 81, 42 survive. They are spread out from California to Maine to Florida. Detailed records have been kept with an informational letter distributed every July that includes classmate updates.

The weather was iffy, but 15 classmates along with 10 spouses and companions gathered at Wally Latimer's home on Central Avenue to renew friendships and a cookout on a beautiful afternoon. They came from as far away as North Carolina, Nebraska, and Ontario, Canada. David and Kathy (Waite) Braunlich drove from Omaha, Nebraska, a trip of three days. The distance winners, however, were Peter and DJ Miller who made it from Cape Coral, Florida.

Latimer was ready for the event with two gas grills and a large charcoal grill fired up to cook the hotdogs, hamburgers, and corn. Potato salad rounded out the menu. One large tent was set up with several round tables. In addition to the place settings were napkins listing the 1956 prices of common items and other interesting information.

Class President Geoge Weissert, our very own George W., conducted the obligatory business meeting. Andrea (LaBarbara) Granto's and Shirley (Lawson) Orton's 1956 senior class song was sung and black balloons were released, representing the 10 classmates who had passed on since the last reunion in 2021.

A Zoom call was attempted with Bill Crocker in California who was unable to attend. The attempt failed. However, Kay Rouse's companion, Mary Mac Ogden, saved the day by helping the classmates connect with a cell phone. Bill enjoyed talking with several attendees. One in particular was a surprise. Duke LaBarbara from the Class of 1957 attended with his sister Andrea (LaBarbara) Granto. Bill knew Duke in high school but had not seen him in 70 years!

This reunion was billed as the last one. The annual letter will continue to be written every July as long as it is possible to do so. Who knows, maybe a few of the surviving locals will meet in 2031.