By Staff
Ramona James, Special to the Enquirer
Much anticipation and celebration awaited those in the Danville High School graduating class of 1953 for their 50-year class reunion held recently at David's Catfish Restaurant. The group has met regularly every five years for the past 50 years. There have also been activities held at different intervals and at Christmas time.
There were 36 graduates in 1953 and seven are now deceased. Those not able to attend due to illness were Vivian Preuitt of Missouri and Fred King of Michigan. They both sent their regards.
Euel James, president, presided over the informal business session. The group voted to begin meeting every year instead of every five years beginning in 2004. James asked everyone to introduce their spouse, tell about their family, and share any comments they wished. Some of the memories shared were our big senior trip to Nashville, the senior boys basketball team, the senior class play, junior/senior prom and graduation.
One classmate from out of town said he was reading the daily news from his computer and saw where his former classmate, Cliff Holladay, had been inducted into the Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame for 2003 and Euel James was inducted into the Lawrence County Sports Hall of Fame for 2003.
The 1953 basketball team had a great year by winning the Morgan County championship, co-championship of the Eighth District and the state quarter finals. There was only one state tournament then for all schools. Senior team members were Cliff Holladay, Euel James, Fred King, Lester Turner, Jack Garner, Billy McCaghren and Billy Johnson.
As we glanced back over the past 50 years, we realized many of our goals have been met. Our class members include successful coaches, school administrators, engineers, accountants, contractors, firemen, salesmen, utility supervisors, secretaries, cosmetologists, telephone company employees, teachers, horticulturists, and two minister's wives.
The most important job of the ladies was being homemakers and raising their children.
The group congratulated Helen Doyle Hogan Adair on her marriage to Blanton Adair for one week.
The Rev. Hank Smith gave the invocation. Gloria Penn presented the memorial service and Ramona James read a comical poem about "How to know we are getting old."
The group enjoyed the meal with much chattering and visiting going on. After the meal, Billy and Mevaline McCaghren invited the group to their home for more reminiscing, sharing of the class scrapbook and delicious refreshments.