Fifty years ago, high school students here in Grand Forks wore bell bottom trousers, mini skirts, sweater vests. They listened to rock 'n roll, the Beatles and Bob Dylan.
This weekend, the classes of Central High School and the former St. James Catholic School are holding 50-year reunions in Grand Forks.
And memories flow.
The weekend rendezvous or gathering place for St. James classmates is the Knights of Columbus. Saturday's fare includes walks and runs around Grand Forks and the Greenway.
There will be a sentimental journey to Kegs Drive In and golf on Saturday. St. James grads will meet at the Eagles Club in East Grand Forks for dinner. There they will hear music by Fred Seidl's "Shake Rattle and Roll" band as well as the "Fabulous Cornerstones."
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During the weekend, classmates will mingle with old friends from Central. Merrie Rolland and Dr. Casey Ryan are heading up the CHS committee.
There's an early bird picnic tonight. Then, on Saturday, there's golf, a tour of Central and lunch at the Kegs.
Gary Van Hunnik, now a retired pastor, will offer the prayer and invocation before dinner Saturday at the Alerus Center.
There were 465 in the Central before Red River opened in the fall. The hockey team reigned as state champions.
Tonight, an impromptu CHS '67 chorus, organized by Mike Tangen, will sing. Steve Quaday will lead a game of 20 Questions - all about life and getting older.
St. James alumni will close out their reunion with Mass on Sunday at Holy Family. It will be followed by a brunch farewell on the patio at Eagles Crest Grill.
Ask Marilyn
Q. How many golf trophies did Nancy Koch win?
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A. You couldn't keep track. Her mantle was full. She was for a couple of decades the Grand Forks women's champion. She loved helping others trying to settle into a good swing.
She will be remembered during funeral services at 2 p.m. Sunday in Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Q. Whatever happened to Ernie the Angler?
A. Nothing. Rob Horken is the emcee in LaFave Park right below Cabela's this weekend during the Cats Incredible Catfish Tournament.
Don and Edie
Cheerful persons of the week: Don Palmiscno and Edie Dahlen.
