EHS class of 1968 celebrates 50th reunion
ELKINS – The Elkins High School class of 1968 recently celebrated its 50th class reunion with a full weekend of activities. Classmates, guests and friends were welcomed July 27 at an informal gathering at Vintage restaurant, compliments of Bill Brown and classmate Brenda Gainer Brown where classmates were served an array of appetizers and drinks. It was a time for getting reacquainted as the weekend began.
All men were invited to morning breakfast July 28 at the Alpine Lodge and Restaurant compliments of classmate, G.H. Dornblazer, while nine of the female classmates sponsored a mid-morning tea on the veranda at Graceland Inn for all women attending the weekend activities. The highlight of the tea was the inspiring dulcimer music provided by classmate, Luanna Moore, befitting the mountainous scenery that loomed in the distance while the men enjoyed a hearty “man sized” breakfast in their own rustic retreat. The ladies received corsages, a cookbook that had been compiled by classmate, Dianne Sanders DeMotto, bracelets made by Kaci Zopp and a chance to win a lovely teapot with an assortment of teas and other accessories. A large thank you goes to Jake Gooden of the Davis & Elkins Security who shuttled those attending to and from their cars.
That evening began with appetizers followed by a buffet dinner at the Randolph Room of the 1863 Appalachian Bistro.
Throughout the evening the group was able to peruse an area dedicated to memorabilia of the era that included pictures of classmates throughout their school careers. A “Tiger Den” was home to toy tigers of all sizes along with other gifts that were given away during the evening as door prizes and two large tigers that represented a cheerleader and mascot stood tall and proud on the stage. The EHS fight song and cheers were lead by the class cheerleader, Diana Miller Morrison, with the assistance of the most recent EHS mascot. A trivia game was played throughout the evening that focused on what happened during the years of 1967-1968 taking classmates to a different time and place with Tom Rosier serving as Game Show Host. The surprise of the evening was the display of the 34-feet-long- by-8-feet-high prom mural representing the 1967 prom theme, Mardi Gras. The mural was created by fellow classmates then serving on the junior class prom council of 51 years ago and was recently discover in amazingly good condition in a the basement of a classmate’s home. Along with the mural, a prom gown of the era was on display. Classmates took turns having pictures taken in the created “garden” section featuring wrought iron chairs, tables and large, live ferns.
A special period of time was set aside for a memorial service recognizing the 30 deceased class members that included a picture and candle light ceremony followed by Amazing Grace being played on the bagpipe by classmate, Keith Haddix. The visual presentation was created by classmate Bob Woolwine and wife, Joanne, and the service was lead by classmate, Jackie Boxwell Butts.
Before heading home, classmates gathered on Sunday morning for a farewell breakfast at the Steer Steakhouse, where they were greeted by co-owners Jerry (classmate) and Martha Metheny.
Decorations throughout the weekend sported traditional orange and black colors including table linens and imaginative displays and centerpieces designed and created by classmate, Jane Hinchman Hoxmeier.
The reunion committee for the 2018 50th reunion included: Rick Smith, Elaine Douglas Bonnell, Shelva Blankenship See, Tom Coffman, Brenda Gainer Brown, Jane Hinchman Hoxmeier, Bobbi Hinkle Trimboli, Luanna Moore, Debbie Miller Recknor, Janet Mullins Kittle, Greg Phillips, Tom Rosier, Dianne Sanders DeMotto and Bob Woolwine.
The committee is next planning a 70th birthday party for the year 2020.