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Class of 1961
65th Birthday Party
2008
The Class of 1961 held a birthday party in honor of all classmates
turning 65 in 2008. The party was held in Guthrie at the American
Legion on Saturday, June 7.
The committee gathered to decorate and get ready for the “Birthday
Bash”
Classmates and guests began arriving at 11:00 and lunch was
served from decorated tables with classmates contributing food for
the meal.
The First Capital Trolley arrived to take us on a tour of Historical
Guthrie and memorable places as requested by trolley riders. We
had lots of fun visiting and remembering places and events.
We gathered again at 6:00 for dinner. Short welcomed the group and
introduced Terry Jessup to give the blessing. As the crowd gathered
to eat, David & Judith presented the class birthday cake. Mary Ann
(Robinson) Holland prepared the delicious main dishes and others
brought salads.
Short started the program with some announcements including
class events. We have met 10 official times in the last 47 years.
Unofficially, too many times to mention. So the next time you are in
Guthrie, give one of us a call and we will get up a party. Terry Jessup
entertained the group with a humorous monologue then introduced
Danny Murphy . Danny took the stage with a recollection about a 7th
grade illegal football play he and Lee Laliker used to make the
team's only touchdown. He then presented the unforgettable hit
makers, the fabulous “Diamonds.” They had performed for us many
years ago in our high school years. This was their comeback
performance. The crowd went wild as they wowed us again. They lip-
synched "Church Bells May Ring", then their number one hit, “Little
Darlin'." The group consisted of Terry Jessup, Short Johnson, David
Mohler and Gene Burkett.
Gene Burkett gave a little history on their career and answered
questions from the audience. When the crowd got settled down, Mike
Clay our music and sound technologist, played “The Stroll” Terry
Jessup and Judy (DuVal) Roetker led a few in demonstrating how it
was done.
Short then took the stage to visit with the audience. He read several
letters from classmates that weren’t able to attend. We discussed the
many inventions and happenings in our lifetime. He then recognized
our Veterans and guests. We have many Veterans in our class and
appreciate them very much. Our special guest, Don Odom, was
introduced. He entertained us by telling a few stories about his
teaching years and answering questions asked by Short.
Prizes were given for various things and a plea was made for
classmates to contribute pictures and news to our website You can
visit us at www.ghs1961.org The program closed with the committee
girls singing their own version of the song “Happy Happy Birthday
Baby” It was not a well rehearsed group but we sang out with gusto.
We concluded with a group picture and more visiting.
A good time was had by all. Judith (Chappell) Balsiger
65th Birthday Party
2008
The Class of 1961 held a birthday party in honor of all classmates
turning 65 in 2008. The party was held in Guthrie at the American
Legion on Saturday, June 7.
The committee gathered to decorate and get ready for the “Birthday
Bash”
Classmates and guests began arriving at 11:00 and lunch was
served from decorated tables with classmates contributing food for
the meal.
The First Capital Trolley arrived to take us on a tour of Historical
Guthrie and memorable places as requested by trolley riders. We
had lots of fun visiting and remembering places and events.
We gathered again at 6:00 for dinner. Short welcomed the group and
introduced Terry Jessup to give the blessing. As the crowd gathered
to eat, David & Judith presented the class birthday cake. Mary Ann
(Robinson) Holland prepared the delicious main dishes and others
brought salads.
Short started the program with some announcements including
class events. We have met 10 official times in the last 47 years.
Unofficially, too many times to mention. So the next time you are in
Guthrie, give one of us a call and we will get up a party. Terry Jessup
entertained the group with a humorous monologue then introduced
Danny Murphy . Danny took the stage with a recollection about a 7th
grade illegal football play he and Lee Laliker used to make the
team's only touchdown. He then presented the unforgettable hit
makers, the fabulous “Diamonds.” They had performed for us many
years ago in our high school years. This was their comeback
performance. The crowd went wild as they wowed us again. They lip-
synched "Church Bells May Ring", then their number one hit, “Little
Darlin'." The group consisted of Terry Jessup, Short Johnson, David
Mohler and Gene Burkett.
Gene Burkett gave a little history on their career and answered
questions from the audience. When the crowd got settled down, Mike
Clay our music and sound technologist, played “The Stroll” Terry
Jessup and Judy (DuVal) Roetker led a few in demonstrating how it
was done.
Short then took the stage to visit with the audience. He read several
letters from classmates that weren’t able to attend. We discussed the
many inventions and happenings in our lifetime. He then recognized
our Veterans and guests. We have many Veterans in our class and
appreciate them very much. Our special guest, Don Odom, was
introduced. He entertained us by telling a few stories about his
teaching years and answering questions asked by Short.
Prizes were given for various things and a plea was made for
classmates to contribute pictures and news to our website You can
visit us at www.ghs1961.org The program closed with the committee
girls singing their own version of the song “Happy Happy Birthday
Baby” It was not a well rehearsed group but we sang out with gusto.
We concluded with a group picture and more visiting.
A good time was had by all. Judith (Chappell) Balsiger
65th Birthday Party
Saturday, June 7, 2008
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| Here is Judith's 65th Birthday Party Report: |
65th Birthday Party Attendees
This huge birthday cake greeted us at the entrance. Notice
the group photo on it from the 2001 Reunion?
the group photo on it from the 2001 Reunion?
R) Dwaina, Connie & Carol. (below) (L to R) John, Karen,
Jimmy, Lee, & Terry.
Jimmy, Lee, & Terry.
(above): David & Lee remembering good
things we're sure. (below): Judith, Carol
food behind them is J.D.
things we're sure. (below): Judith, Carol
food behind them is J.D.
(below): Short did a great job as usual emceeing the program.
(above) Short asks Mr. Odom questions about how hard it was to put up
with our class. See & hear his answers in the video above.
with our class. See & hear his answers in the video above.
(below): Rehearsal was absolutely necessary,
which the boys took very seriously.
which the boys took very seriously.
we're
(left):
ready for
prime
time, but
(left):
good
enough."
(left):
ready for
prime
time, but
(left):
good
enough."
Everybody loved it
when they did "The
Stroll."
when they did "The
Stroll."
(below): The Diamonds weren't the only musical group
on stage that night. "The Off-Tunes" actually sang the
GHS Class of 1961 version of "Happy Birthday Baby."
on stage that night. "The Off-Tunes" actually sang the
GHS Class of 1961 version of "Happy Birthday Baby."
(above): Mary Ann, Carol, Nola Beth, Jan, Judith, Sherry, Linda
and Gayle.
and Gayle.
(above): Terry, Judy, Linda starting everyone into doing The Stroll.
| VIDEOS of the party can be seen pages. To view and download, jump to Video Pages by clicking the links below: |
(above) Clauddia, Gene, Ann &
Nola Beth.
Nola Beth.
(below) David & Nancy.
| (right) Eddie Joyce & Linda. |
(below) Marilyn,
Mickey, Wilma
& Dwaina.
Mickey, Wilma
& Dwaina.
| (right) Mickey & Gary King. |
(above) Ruth, Karen & John.
| (below) Short & Larry. |
| Danny introduced "The Jewels of The Class of 1961". |
(below) Naomi Burkett talks with
Pearl Griffin.
Pearl Griffin.
Terry
(left)
Jimmy
Crenshaw
(left)
Jimmy
Crenshaw
(above) Carol & Connie talk about school days.
| "Re-introducing the fabulous... Diamonds! |
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