Daily Newsletters
Account
Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Williamsburg Class of 1974 hosts 50th reunion
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
WILLIAMSBURG — The Williamsburg High School Class of 1974 met Sept. 21, during Homecoming weekend, to rekindle friendships and share stories at its 50th class reunion
The weekend kicked off Friday with a tour of Williamsburg High School, stirring up forgotten anecdotes and prompting conversations about how much the school has changed in 50 years.
That evening, classmates gathered to watch the Raiders take on the Fort Madison Bloodhounds in the Homecoming football game.
Later, at Sundown Bar & Grill, Richard Bohrn (on guitar and vocals) and Tamara Belland (doing vocals) teamed up with Randy Redington (a harmonica player from Northeast Iowa) to play familiar tunes from the 1970s.
On Saturday, classmates explored local history with stops at the Williamsburg Historical Museum, the 1800s Schoolhouse, the Train Depot and a well-preserved 19th-century home, providing a sense of connection to the past.
The main reunion event took place at St. Mary’s Hall with a meet-and-greet for classmates and their spouses and partners followed by a banquet catered by HIM Catering of Kalona.
The event provided food, laughter, and a Then and Now slideshow.
Name badges ensured that graduates knew who they were talking to. Each classmate received a booklet of class biographies covering the last 50 years.
A Celebration of Life honored classmates who have passed on.
A few class members who were hesitant to attend found comfort in the words of the class’s unofficial ambassador, Randy Schmidt, “We’re not in 8th grade anymore.”
A spirit of inclusiveness and warmth defined the weekend, making it clear that members of the WHS Class of ’74 will always be special to each other.
The Reunion Committee included Richard Bohrn, Randy Schmidt, Patti Jones Tiernan, Mary Sue Vesely Hopp, Dave Hocker, Rod Garringer, Terrance O'Rourke, and Tamara Belland.
Mark Armstrong served as Master of Ceremonies. Christine Hocker captured the moments as photographer, and Lynnae Garringer provided cakes for the event.
Ninety-five students began the WHS Class of ’74, 91 graduated, and 55 were present at the Reunion.
