My 60th High School Reunion

With my daughter driving, I set off with fellow classmate Jane, to go to our 60th reunion. We graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, WV, in 1958 (an eon ago!) The traffic on Friday was horrible nearly all the way to Charleston, so we didn't get into town until 4 pm. We had to be at the first reunion event about 5:30, so it was rush-rush to get into our room, clean-up, change and get to the event site. 

Friday evening was spent getting reacquainted with other classmates, eating heavy hors d'oeuvres and talking about a subject that our class president had given us - mine was something on my bucket list. Other people had other subjects to cover; each spoke for about 2 minutes. BY the way, about 140 of us attended. We had 447 in our class, and 179 have passed away. We think it is amazing that we still have so many people participating, but it is a testament to the class president, David Hart, and the committee who plan the reunions. 

I had eaten a plate of food, and I still had a bite in my mouth when the class president (David) asked for me. My back was to him, so I threw up my hand and he asked me to come forward. I had no idea what was about to happen. David mentioned how much I used to love to shop at The Diamond, a 7-floor department store that was the pride of WV at the time. I also worked there, for a time, and I did love it, especially the shopping.  David handed me a shopping bag of boxes, and I discovered 2 old "Diamond" boxes - abeit empty. I had one at home, so now I have a collection!  

The rest of the evening, we listened to fellow classmates talk about whatever subject they had been given.  My story involved "going to Egypt to see the pyramids", a life-long dream of mine.  My husband was ready to sign on the dotted line for a tour of Egypt, back in the 80's, and the day after he made the decision we could go - the Egyptian army and police began shooting at each other and tourists were in the crossfire. . I don't remember the reason for it, but it changed my husband's mind about going to Egypt and I suppose I'll never get there. Boohoo.

On Saturday morning, a tour of "The Glenwood Mansion" was planned. This house sits across the street from our old school, but I never knew it existed, due to the fact that then, as now, it sits hidden behind thick vegetation. It was built by and inhabited by three families with easily recognizable names if you are from our area. I wanted to combine this post with photos, but there are too many pics and I may just post pics tomorrow. 

The history of the house, the house itself and the furnishings are interesting to an antique lover, as I am. The children's room was especially notable for a lovely iron crib and a beautiful Victorian child's bed, plus clothing and toys of the period.  

After the tour, I had lunch with a few bloggers I have known for a long time, and one woman with whom I am on Facebook, but had never met, until now.  Traci Dolan-Priestly and her husband Gary, Jennifer Blake Waggoner and Nancy Williams met me at Panera. Nancy had never met any of us, so I applaud her bravery at coming to meet us all. My daughter has always been convinced that my blogger friends are axe-murderers and, of course, nothing could be farther from the truth. We had an interesting time, and I enjoyed seeing the others interact.  

Too bad some of our other friends were unable to make it.  

After lunch, my daughter and I went to the Capitol Market, so I could buy half-runner green beans and white sweet-potatoes. They don't seem to be available in North Carolina, so I like to stock up when I am in Charleston. The market is always a treat for the eyes; many growers offer their flowers and plants for sale. I didn't get any pics of them this time, but there were plants I'd love to have brought home, such as lantana and lace-cap hydrangea, about 4 feet tall and well-bloomed.  But there was no room in the car for that!

Saturday night, we had a dinner/dance - although hardly anyone danced. After dinner, special entertainment was announced - an Elvis impersonator. He sang for about 45 minutes (a bit too long, IMO) and he was dressed in a bejeweled jumpsuit, a la Elvis.  Every few minutes or so, he would "lei" a woman - meaning he hung a silk lei around her neck, while serenading.  

Afterward, we spent a while talking to friends, taking photos, etc.  I was so exhausted after my busy day that I left early (unheard of for me) and went back to my hotel. I guess I am truly feeling my age. 

Sunday morning, we had breakfast with my birth-mother's granddaughter, whom we had met, but not had an opportunity to speak with at length. She is delightful and I remind her so much of my birth mom that she was moved to tears.  It was bitter-sweet and we were glad we had the time to meet with her. Then we picked-up Jane from another hotel and started south. 

We stopped at Tamarack to stretch our legs and feast our eyes on the wonderful arts and crafts. I bought a pair of earrings, but nothing else.  When we got into Greensboro, we stopped to see my granddaughter's new apartment. She is a student at UNC-G. 

We arrived home about 3:45 pm, tired, but none the worse for the wear. Jane and I decided we are ready to do it again in 2023, when we hope there will be a 65th reunion.  Come back tomorrow for photos (or maybe a few days).

Photos are coming eventually.