Crawfordsville alumni gather

"Lest We Forget" was the theme for the Crawfordsville High School gathering held at the United Church of Crawfordsville Fellowship Hall on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

The meeting opened with the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. Only 23 were in attendance but fun, laughter, visiting and memories flowed freely.

Gerry Chalupa Farrier conducted the short meeting by reading correspondence from former teacher/coach Joe Rupe and JoAnn McNeill Newquist. JoAnn now resides in a care center. A call was received from a granddaughter of Mildred Whiting Mathers, as well.

Four deaths have been reported since June 11, 2022. Those being Don Monson, class of 1948; Barbara Rathmel Koskamp, class of 1949; Patricia Fisher Owens, class of 1954 and Gyneth Jones Augustine, class of 1958. No deaths have been reported in 2023.

The treasurer's report was given. Even with the low number in attendance, the group voted to hold the annual meeting again next year.

The rest of the afternoon was spent viewing a table filled with items relating to Crawfordsville or Crawfordsville High School. Attendees were asked to bring such items, along with memories or stories relating to their school days. Phyllis Lowe Eisele brought all of notebooks with the history of the school, deaths of former students/teachers and other information relating to the school and students. She has put much effort into compiling all this over the years. Sharing of the memories, stories and items brought much laughter and led to other topics of conversation.

Potted sunflowers were presented to Phyllis Eisele, Ruth Erwin and Larry and Donna Fletcher for their many years of continued organization, making it possible to host these great gatherings.

It was noted that six people started and finished their entire schooling at CHS. Those being Calvin Graber, Phyllis Lowe Eisele, Ken Lee, Shari Hamil Frantz, Carol Thomas Hawkins and Larry Fletcher.

Ruth Erwin, along with the United Church Women provided cookies, bars , lemonade and coffee for refreshments. These were served by Cathy Williams and Debbie Lowe. Each person, including the church ladies received a red soft touch organizer and pen set which had the imprinting of CHS= "Lest We Forget" Alumni 2023.

This year's committee members were Phyllis Eisele, Ruth Erwin, Larry and Donna Fletcher, Carl and Marta Chalupa and Gerry Farrier.

The group plans to meet again June 8, 2024.

LOWE FAMILY REUNION

The descendants of Clarence and Nina Lowe met Sunday, June 11, 2023 in the Fellowship Hall at the United Church of Crawfordsville.

The group enjoyed a bountiful potluck dinner and an afternoon of visiting. Those attending representing the Earl and Ina Mae Lowe family were Wayne and Debbie Lowe of Crawfordsville and Renee Lowe of WY.; the Lyle and Marie Lowe family were Phyllis Eisele of Washington, Mary Fabian of Coralville and Larry and Tammy Lowe of Crawfordsville; the Don and Maxine Lowe Miller family: Peg Twait of MN.: the Cleo and Arlene Lowe Fletcher family: Larry and Donna Fletcher of Crawfordsville and Steve and Pam Green of Washington and Kathy and Mick Garris of Winfield; and the Cleo and Betty McCoy family: Bob and Robyn Lamb of Washington and Lorna McCoy of Iowa City. Phyllis Eisele's friend, Allaire George from Waterloo, was present as well.