GQHS Reunion
The Granite Quarry High School Class of 1959, forever known as “The Last and Best Class,” held its 50th reunion on the weekend of Oct. 3. The reunion was held at the Faith American Legion Building in Faith, appropriately so, since that is where the first reunion was held.
On Saturday morning, a group of classmates and friends gathered for a friendly game of golf. The afternoon activities began with a classic car show in the parking area behind Shiloh Reformed Church. For this event, light hors d’oeuvres and punch were served in the Legion building.
Saturday night, 76 classmates and guests were welcomed with opening comments by Lloyd Miller, who served as master of ceremonies. Carroll Cooke gave the invocation, which was followed by a 1950s dinner of southern style grilled chicken and barbeque catered by Bud’s of Richfield.
The tables and building were decorated to recall the “rock ‘n roll” period of the ’50s and ’60s. After the buffet dinner, a class picture was taken by Donnie Moose Photography.
Sue Horton, Shirley Peeler and Sue Lentz conducted a memorial service, lighting a candle beside each picture and tolling a bell, to remember each of the three, out of 19 deceased classmates, who had passed away since the 45th class reunion. Michael Thomas was spotlighted singing Elvis’ rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”
Deceased class members are: Vernon Eller, Larry Stiller, Jack Shope, Millard “Buddy” Rymer, Carol Honbarrier Jones, Janie Barringer Lingle, Gene Wagner, Bobby Mills, Carolyn Wise Curlee, Bobby Kluttz, Clarence Basinger, Sondra Henderson Hall, Larry Davis, Gail Park Thompson, Phyllis Sealey Carson, Calvin Miller, Roy Lumsden, Jerry Deal and Barbara Lyerly.
A picture memorial table and past class picture reunions’ table were set up for all to review and reminisce.
Michael Thomas presented a “True Spirit of Elvis” experience for everyone with his “Mel-vis” program of ’50s and ’60s music. Lloyd Miller recalled facts about classmates and trivia of the 1950s, and Alfred Fink, Paul Peeler and Becky Yost distributed the 50/50 drawing and door prizes, which were donated by classmates.
During this period, Sue Lentz, chairperson, gave each classmate a 50th class reunion booklet, which included dedication pages to all the deceased members, a directory of members including senior high school pictures, the senior Last Wills and Testaments collected by Gail Park and senior poem “The Dragon Way” written by Janie Barringer, a picture of Mr. C. L. Barnhardt, the principal at GQHS; senior class picture in gowns and academic caps, senior baby pictures page and a message page for class members on thoughts to ponder until the next reunion prepared by the 2009 reunion committee: John Earnhardt, Alfred Fink, Sue Horton, Sue Lentz, Paul Peeler, Shirley Peeler and Becky Yost.
Also, a 10 x 13 ink sketch of the original GQHS was presented to each classmate.
The next class reunion was discussed and voted to be held in 2011.
Classmates attending from Salisbury: Dixie M. Williams, Sandra T. Whitson, Sue K. Horton, Lois W. Fowler and Larry, Alice C. Overcash, and Jerry, Margaret Ann “Nan”B. Medley, Judy J. Powell and Jim, Larry Roberts, Elizabeth F. Brady and Jim, Harold Dean Eller and Louise, Sue N. Lentz and Don, Alfred Fink and Linda, Joyce R. Wilhelm and Coy, Rachel W. Blackwelder and Glenn, Joe Linn, Betty R. Conner and Don, Becky L. Yost and Don, and Ken Miller and Judy. From Faith:Voight Brown and Faye, Jerry Peeler and Evelene, J.D. Jackson and Pat, Sylvia C. Bryan and David, and Shirley K. Peeler and Ted. From other North Carolina towns: Judy A. Edminston and Jim, and Sue K. Horton, Gold Hill; Nellie Robinson, China Grove; Carroll Cooke and Brenda, Paul Peeler and Phyllis, Hugh Wilhelm and Kathy, Rockwell; Joe Vaughan and Evelyn, Mt. Pleasant; Lloyd Miller and Barbara, Charlotte; Walter Sebastian and Nancy, Thomasville; Louise F. Collins and Jack, Warrenton; Phyllis L. Vanhoy and Herby, Lincolton; Marlene E. Bollinger, Granite Falls; and Faye R. Clayton, Reidsville.
Classmates attending from out-of-state: James Bell and friend, Woodstock, Ga; Judy H. Potosnak and Jerry, Breinigsville, Pa., Larry McBride and Margaret, Virginia Beach; Larry Miller and Wynette, Goose Creek, S.C.; and Frank Ribelin, Sparks, Nev.
Rockwell class of ’50
Rockwell High School class of 1950 celebrated their 59th reunion Oct. 24, 2009, at Blue Bay Restaurant in Salisbury. Social hour was enjoyed before business and dinner.
Norman File welcomed the 20 class members and 15 guests. Two of their special teachers, Jean McCombs and Anne Rink, were honored guests and were presented with flower arrangements.
Betty P. Setzer read a memorial list of the 15 deceased members.
Reports were given about those unable to attend. The invocation was given by Harold Earnhardt.Betty H. Arey gave a treasurer’s report.
Pete Connor presided as master of ceremonies.
Stories and jokes were told by classmates. The group decided to meet next year in September. Planning committee members were: Norman File, president; Betty H. Arey, treasurer; Betty P. Setzer, secretary.
Officers elected for 2010 were: Norman File, president, Harold Earnhardt, vice president, Helen Earnhardt, secretary, Betty H. Arey, treasurer.
Class members and guests from Salisbury were: Anne Rink, Virginia B. Alexander, Norman and Effie File, Pete Connor, Frances E. Hand, Peggy A. Troutman, Johnny and Betty H. Arey, Ronald Rogers, Greyland Rogers, Martha L. Salerno, Lonzo and Martha S. Arey, Jake and Betty P. Setzer.Attending from Rockwell: Harold and Helen B. Earnhardt, Hugh Fisher, Eula Mae E. Artz, Peggy E. Daniel.From Faith: Jean McCombs, Eva Artz Millsaps. From Concord: Lee and Sue Beaver, Jayand Jenette G. Driggers; from Gold Hill: Ernest and Judy Hoffner, Deborah Holshouser, Angela B. Wagoner.
Also attending were Phil and Frances B. Holshouser of Charlotte and Bill and Beth Lyerly of Dallas.