This October the East St. Louis high school Class of 1957, will celebrate its 60th Anniversary.
Holy Cow! Now THAT is SURREAL! The "Flyers' of '57 have gathered every five-years for a reunion. Those times have been most enjoyable social-engagements. I would suspect most reading this blog can relate to the fun of reuniting with high school friends and revisiting stories and sharing current updates.
Actually, the January and June East Side Classes of 1957 have held not 12-reunions but 13 such homecomings. We must count that gathering that marked classmates 'turning sixty-five.' That was thirteen years ago. 😲 Perhaps the word 'homecoming' is a misnomer. We have never returned to the aeadt Side river city proper for our reunions. Two reasons prompt East Side high school classes to meet in nearby Fairview Heights, IL. There is no banquet facility venue suitable in East St. Louis and safety is a concern. Before a reader concludes this reasoning to be grounded in racial issues let me clarify. East St. Louis' inner-city decay driven by industrial decline caused 'white flight' in the 1960's and the escalation of crime in subsequent years caused upward mobility 'black flight.' I truly wish it wasn't so.
On a personal note, I have mixed emotions about this reunion. Since my classmates last assembled, I have seen the passing of three of my dear and closest friends. It's just a different feeling 'going-in.'
Smitty, Blackie and Lumpy, I'll miss you guys. Thanks for the friendships and thanks so much for the memories.
(Touch)
Four Lads
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