Ashley Class of 1961 Celebrates at 50th Reunion
by Marcia Holland Phillips
What began with blank pages in green spiral notebooks, culminated in a memorable and fun-filled 50th high school reunion of Ashley High School's Class of 1961. The notebooks, presented by Jerry and Rita Rhodes Wallace at an organizational meeting in August 2010, were soon filled with many ideas for the school's most important reunion.
During the three-day weekend of festivities October 7-9, 2011, 126 class members and 85 spouses and guests gathered to reconnect and renew high school friendships. Many classmates hadn't seen each other since graduation day.
Cook-Out at Wood Duck Farm
The weekend began Friday evening with an informal gathering at Wood Duck Farm, Robinson Road, for registration, beverages, appetizers and dinner. Tunes from the 1950s and 1960s played throughout the evening. A cookout-style dinner was catered by Linwood Restaurant, Kings Mountain. During the evening, announcements were made regarding the scheduled weekend activities, and door prizes were awarded. Photos and other memorabilia from Ashley's feeder schools were on display during the evening. Feeder schools at that time were Arlington, Flint Groves, Grier, Myrtle, South Gastonia, Victory, and Wray Junior High Schools.
Tour of Ashley Arms
On Saturday morning, some of the members toured Ashley Arms, the building which formerly housed the group's alma mater. The highlight of this tour for many members was the apartment being constructed in the room that had been the chemistry classroom of Fannie Holmes Smith, remembered fondly by many students.
Lunch at Baker Buffalo Creek Winery
The group gathered for lunch at Baker Buffalo Creek Vineyard and Winery, Lawndale. Hosts for this event were classmate Charles Edwards and wife, Ann, owners. The winery and vineyard are located at Ann's family homeplace. During the afternoon, guests were treated to wine tasting, and a tour of the Baker winery and farm house.
A buffet lunch that included local favorites, R.O.'s barbeque and Sundrop, was served under a festive decorated canopy. Carol Killian Caldwell prepared potato salad and chicken croissants as well as specialty cupcakes that were a special hit with the group. Tables covered with colorful, vintage tablecloths, and centered with seasonal flowers were set up on the lawn under giant walnut trees.
Dinner-Dance at Country Club
On Saturday evening, a dinner-dance was held at the Gaston Country Club. A group photo was made by Johnny Holland, spouse of classmate Mary Alice Payseur Holland, who also made photographs throughout the weekend events. Fruit, a variety of cheeses, and beverages were available for guests upon arrival.
Charlotte Forbes Matherlee and Steve Wright welcomed class members and guests and served as emcees during the evening. They also recognized special guests Ashley High School teachers Jane Froneberger and Larry Rhodes, who were accompained by their spouses. The Rev. John Lingle, class member, gave the invocation.
A letter from Jacques Mottet expressing his regret at not being able to attend was read by Nancy Hoffman Wallace to the group. Jacques, a French foreign exchange student during our senior year, now resides with his wife in Switzerland.
Entertainment for the evening was provided by "guest" performers Dr. Ellis Fisher and John Turner, who performed a comical routine as alter egos Billy Bob and Cleatus from "West Virginie." Carol Killian Caldwell performed Patsy Cline's "She's Got You" song to the delight of the audience. Several class members revived a popular dance number originally presented during the class' sophomore talent show in the fall of 1958. Donning glow-in-the-dark costumes, Ann Lovingood Helms, Joyce Holfeld, Roxie Clark Lankford, Charlotte Forbes Matherlee, Judy Cross Sauer, Dee Peach Upchurch, and Nancy Hoffman Wallace performed a dance routine to the musical number, "Dem Bones."
D.J. Johnny B provided music for dinner, special performances, and dancing during the evening.
A buffet-style dinner of London broil, chicken, rice pilaf, vegetable medley, potatoes and green beans was catered by the staff at the Gaston Country Club. Desserts included cheese cake, chocolate cake, and a local favorite, Tony's ice cream. A special 50th anniversary cake, decorated in Ashley's green and white colors, was made by Carol Killian Caldwell.
Prizes were awarded at the conclusion of this event. Wine baskets were donated by Charles and Ann Edwards. In addition, three grand prizes were awarded. A weekend stay at the White Doe Inn, in Manteo was provided by owners Bob and Bebe Woody. Carol Killian Caldwell awarded a weekend stay at her beach condominium near Myrtle Beach. A $100 gift card packet was donated by ReadingWorks, Inc. owned by Marcia Holland Phillips.
In addition, Carol Killian Caldwell, remembered each class member with a copy of Tried and True From Me to You, her recently published cookbook. A DVD, produced by Dana Glenn, was also given to each class member. This DVD contains photos of class members from the 1961 yearbook, The Spinner, as well as recent photos of classmates and their families.
Gordon Joines, a resident of Phoenix, Arizona, was recognized as having traveled the farthest to attend the reunion.
During the evening events, a special memory board was displayed honoring all classmates who have passed away. Candles illuminated the board where photos, names, and dates of death were listed. This memory board was rendered beautifully by Dana Glenn, daugther of Diane Flanagan and Fabian Glenn. Special recognition goes to Dana for her tireless work in developing and maintaining the Ashley Class of '61 website, designing and producing identification badges, producing the DVDs, compiling and assembling the memory board and recording all celebration events through photography. She will continue to update the AHS Class of '61 website in the future.
Memorial Service
On Sunday morning, classmates met at Bradley Memorial Methodist Church for a continental breakfast and a special memorial service for those classmates who have passed away. A special musically enhanced DVD presentation with phots of deceased classmates played during the event.
Neil Styers welcomed members and presented a special tribute to deceased classmates. A devotional message was presented by Mary Alice Payseur Holland. A beautiful solo was presented by Blake Griffin, granddaughter of classmate Rick Bradley.
Following the memorial service, two class members made presentations about their special careers. Joyce Holfeld shared her experiences with the Peace Corps in Niger, West Africa, where she worked as a public health educator for two years. After earning her master's degree, she launched a 37-career in international public health. Although retired now, she continues to serve as a public health consultant with various foundations, universities, and USAID. She has had assignments over the past year in Rwanda, Nigeria, and Kenya.
James England, presented a digital program and shared his experiences as an aerospace engineer with NASA, at the Kennedy Space Center from 1965 to 2006. He was involved with the Apollo Mission at that time. He is currently working as chief engineer with the Space Act Agreement with NASA to develop cryogenic breathing air storage systems for Hazmat-type suits for handling hazardous propellants.
Following the presentations, classmates said their farewells and departed. Based on the consensus, partcipants would like to have another reunion within the next two years.
