Special to Gulf Coast Newspapers

Seventy years after graduating from Foley High School in 1939, seven classmates reunited to share memories and renew acquaintances.  The class originally had 44 members, 42 of whom graduated together.  Today there are nine left to remember those days.

The idea for a reunion originated at a family dinner.  The nieces of  Heddy Summers asked what the plans were for the important reunion year and upon hearing there were no plans decided to host a luncheon honoring the graduates. 

The luncheon was held at the home of Diane Neumann Sims. Her sister, Gayle Neumann Robinson, was co-hostess in preparing and serving a five-course luncheon.

The attendees had many interesting stories to share and the talk was lively.  George Coaker, retired pharmacist, recalled his scholarship which covered books, tuition, room and board and laundry in the value of $34!  Louis Schindler, retired veterinarian, and Heddy Summers (voted prettiest girl) had been engaged after high school, but went on to have happy, long marriages to others.  After both were widowed they reunited in the last few years and have enjoyed the companionship. 

Irma Ulrich and Helen Kaiser still live in Elberta, the home of their youth. Marie Dean, having been a school bus driver, had a surprise visit from one of her former riders. Juanita Anderson, a member of the home economics club, went on to become quite a fine homemaker.