Piller Theatre memories

That's the late John Piller standing in front of the theatre he built and owned on Central Avenue in Valley City. He opened the Piller on Armistice Day, November 11, 1925. The movie industry promoted and sold "war bonds" back then and John Piller was instrumental in selling over a milion dollars worth of WWII bonds through his theatre.

His daughter, Frances Piller Holm, now 102 and still residing in her home in Valley City with her daughter and 1961 graduate, Linda Holm, played the theatre's pipe organ. See article below from the Valley City Times-Record of June 16, 1983. For a larger image of the photo or the article, please click on the respective image.

Personally, I remember attending many movies in this theatre with my best buddy, Paul Merrett. We watched "Abott & Costello," and we were "saddle pals" to Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. We just couldn't miss one of those Batman or Superman serials either and every Wednesday, as my Grandmother reminded me, was "Bank Night!" You could win $500 if they drew your ticket number after the movie!

For a quarter, one could get a ticket and a bag of popcorn and maybe even a soft drink. Been to Avatar or any new flick lately? I spent about $18 for two tickets in Tampa during the Christmas season to see that James Cameron movie in 3-D, a technical process we had at the Piller for a lot less, back in the 50s! Please share your memories about the Piller in the comments section below. - der Blogmeister

Remember Lincoln School?

Lincoln School, way back when, was razed a few years ago, according to a note from Jerry Busche, VH61, who submitted this postcard photo. Today, the area's Open Door services is headquartered on this site. Please share your memories in the comments section of this post. For a larger image, click on the photo.

Down by the old mill stream...

Here's the old mill in Valley City, pictured circa the 1900s on a postcard acquired by Jerry Busche, VH61, Jacksonville, in the Sunshine State. Thanks, Jerry. If anyone has any memories of this business or building, please share your memories in the comments section to this post. Jerry believes it has been torn down, but he writes that the old concrete silos may still be standing. I used to go by this landmark every time I headed for the former KXJB-TV studio on Granger Hill. --der Blogmeister.  (click on photo for larger image, use your brower's back-arrow to return to the blog)

Time to register for the 1961 Dinner!

The Hiliners61 Committee needs to come up with a dinner-count estimate as plans move ahead for the 1961 Friday Night Get Together on July 9, 2010, at the Chautauqua Park Pavillion (new and air conditioned!) in Valley City.

The Registration Form is in two formats: Microsoft Word or PDF. If you choose the Word format, you can type your information, print and mail with your check. The PDF, which also contains the latest Hiliners61 schedule, requires you to hand-print very clearly. Whichever form you use, please print it, complete it, and send with your check to Doug Peterson, Treasurer (his address is on the form).

This NOT the registration form for the larger "All-60's reunion." That form is available here. If you have any problems downloading the form, please let me know at Hiliners@gmail.com - der Blogmeister

She's got you: A VIDEO!

Here's a funny video many of us 61ers can relate to: "She Got You." Turn on your speakers - it takes a moment for the audio to start. Use your browser's back-arrow button to return to this blog. The link to this YouTube video was submitted by George Gratz, St. Kates 61. Thanks, George!

Harriette Arlene Lake was born here:

Most 61ers would know Ms. Lake as actress Ann Sothern, born here in the "Lion's Court" on a cold day in January, 1909, in Valley City, according to Wikipedia. The online encyclopedia's article also reports that "Sothern was raised in Minneapolis, where she graduated from Minneapolis Central High School in 1926. Sothern left home and began her film career as an extra in the 1927 film Broadway Nights at the age of 18." She passed away in 2001.

About the time a TV set arrived at our house, 1956-67, I remember seeing Ann Sothern in a show called "Private Secretary." Remember that one? That's when it was very common for an executive to have a "private secretary" and it was always a female.

Thanks to Jerry Busche for sending us this photo of the "Platou Hospital," later transformed into an apartment building named after the two lions' heads that--while not on this photo--would eventually greet visitors at the base of the entrance stairs. Thanks, Jerry!  

BREAKING NEWS:  Your blogmeister had posted that this building is still standing...latest report is: it ain't. Was torn down. And I was looking forward to seeing those lions' heads!  - Larry  Click on photo for larger image.

Winter Show souvenir plate

As all of us 61er's know, the annual North Dakota Winter Show in Valley City goes back to the 1950s and 60s and maybe before. Thanks to Jerry Busche, VH61, now of Jacksonville, FL, for this shot that brings back memories of that busy time every year when the whole town got ready for the Winter Show. As a kid, I remember seeing performances at the Civic Auditorium of the Grand Ol' Opry from Nashville and, from WDAY, the "Agsco Hayloft Jamboree," "Hank & Thelma," and other great regional acts and peformers. Remember those "Winter Show Ties" all the business people wore as a way to generate excitement in the host city for this statewide event? Many of us wore them when we were in high school. Or was it just the nerds like me? -  Larry, der Blogmeister

Library memories

This is the Carnegie Public Library today in Valley City, our home town. Many of us 61er's spent many hours here. I know I did. It was here that I discovered, on a shelf, among those long, narrow rows of shelves, a book called "The Radio Announcer's Handbook." I devoured that book and it helped me get a job at KOVC. It was the first step in a life-long career in mass communications. At the library, I met my friends, we studied together, and explored the world I was about to enter as a high school graduate. Over the years, whenever I talked to young people about their education continuing after they graduate, I always told them that "your library card is more valuable than your Visa." It's true. The library is the key to life-long learning and I have been a direct beneficiary of this resource. - Larry Gauper, VH61 - click on picture for larger image

Co-Valedictorians named!

From the May 26, 1961 Hiliner Herald. Thanks to Linda Holm for lending us this issue. Click on clipping for larger, more readable image.

Victorious 1960-61 Hiliners!

From the March 10, 1961 Hiliner Herald: "Wrapping-up season play in the North Dakota Class A Basketball Tournament are: Don Olafson, Dennis Gillund, Roy Lang, Roger Strom, Dave Johnson, Jack Paulson, Bob Ingstad, Byron Hill, Enno Limvere, Jerry Busche, Leland Samson, and Dick McConn. Kneeling - Manager Dave Henke, Coach Don Dehne, and Manager Joe Lunde." Click on photo for larger image

From the same edition of the Herald: "The VCHS Hi-Liners spelled victory at the Southeastern Division District Tournament last weekend. In their first game, the Hi-Liners met West Fargo's squad and topped them with a final score of 53 to 43. This victory allowed them to go on to meet the Wahpeton Wops on Saturday night for the championship playoff. Having played the Wops twice before with the first one a win, and the latter a loss, the game promised to be an exciting one and to give the Hi-Liners strong opposition...the final score read Valley City--50 and Wahpeton--39." Next stop was the State Tourney in Grand Forks. This photo and text was from the large archive of Hiliner Herald editions lent to this blog by Judge Jack Paulson -- thanks, Jack!

St. Kates' grads, 15 years ago!

This is the "official" 1995 reunion photo of St. Kates' Class of 1961, as submitted by George Gratz. Thanks, George! Below is the caption he sent along (see if you can guess the names first). Click on photo for larger image, use your browser's back arrow to return.

(L-R) Front row: David Kelley, Jean (Kelley) Loh, Bonnie (Michaelson) Flach, Robert Thomsen.

Back row: Pat McCormick, Lewis Morgan, Andy Kozak, James Thilmony, George Gratz.

Your Blogmeister greatly appreciates these submissions from St. Kates - let's hear from College High too!

All the St. Kates' 1961 grads!

George Gratz, St. Kates, 1961, tells me this is the entire St. Kate's class of that year as he scanned it from the 1961 yearbook. For a larger image, click on photo; to return, use your browser's "back" arrow.

(All rows, L-R), Top Row:  Bonnie Flach, Don Schaack, James Thilmony, Robert Thomsen, Christina Vogel, Bernard Winkels.

Second row: Patricia Brovold, Jean Loh, David Kelley, Conrad Riedman, Tim Lorenz, Rose Marie Wieland.

Third row: George Gratz, Pat McCormick, Monte Kammerer, Mary Pat Kopp, Michael Utt, Lewis Morgan.

Fourth row: Jean Marie Wieland, John Amann, James Amann, Lynn Fairfield, Ronald Vandrovec, Andy Kozak

Thanks, George, for this submission. Good to see material from St. Kates. Let's hear from College High! - der Blogmeister

34th Valley High Photo, 15 years ago!

This is the "way were were" back in July, 1995, during Valley High's 34th Reunion, 15 years ago. For a LARGER imagine, simply click on the photo.

(All rows, L-R) Bottom row: Stanley Orness, Elvin Schlotman, Beth Carlisle, Doug Peterson, Barb Sheppard, Colleen Bryngelson, Bonnie VanEnk, LouVay Ruemler.

Middle row: Judy Scully, Jeralyn Olson, Don Dawkins, Larry Gauper, Linda Holm, Dave Maasjo, Daniel Jackson, Rhea DeLaBarre, Marlene Miller, Bob Anderson

Back row: Barb Brown, Susan Van Duyn, Roy Lang, Dave Johnson, Scott Stromme, Tom Kahler, Jerry Busche, Dennis Gillund, Harley Schmidt  (Your Blogmeister thanks Diane (Sauer) Hughes for the IDs. If you can give us the missing names, please email Hiliners61@gmail.com  Thanks!)

The Firetruck Kids, remembering our childhood

Thanks to Jerry Busche, VH61, now of Jacksonville, Florida, for sending along the photo below from our childhood. Jerry writes: "Remember the annual all-school Fire Safety activities we had with Fire Chief Ken Raveling? Maybe you can find yourself in this posed firetruck photo from around 1952 or '53.

Jerry sent along these captions, some names are missing (can anyone help ID the question marks?) and we may not have all of the names spelled right. Will correct as we go along, but wanted to get this larger image and caption loaded.


(L-R) from bottom or "front" row, going UP to the to the top row:

1. Ken Soroos - 2. Rita Hill - 3. Cheryl Thvedt - 4. Nita Evenson - 5. ? - 6. Ron or Bob Brovold - 7. Tom Stine - 8. John Steidl 9. ? - 10. Bruce Redmond - 11. Tony Gervino - 12. Tubby Ertelt - 13. ? 14. Diane Gessner? - 15. Carole Voorhees - 16. Sharon Colville - 17. Susan Clark? - 18. Vernyce Benson - 19. Marybeth Torguson - 20. Doug Peterson - 21. Jim McKay - 22. Enno Limvere - 23. Mark Meske - 24. ? - 25. ? - 26. ? - 27. Mike Morrissey - 28. ? - 29. ? - 30. ? - 31. Dennis Boom? - 32. Rick Luessen - 33. Jim Ott - 34. Bob Nielsen - 35. ? - 36. ? - 37. Tim Lorenz - 38. Bob or Wayne Toring? - 39. George Gratz - 40. Ron Marshall - 41. Larry Gauper - 42. Ron Phillips - 43. Roger Taylor - 44. Jerry Busche.

To see a larger image, simply click on the photo.  Appreciate your sending this along, Jerry!

This was us -- 24 years ago!

Class of 1961 25th Reunion Photo, July 28, 1986. Thanks to Beth (Carlisle) Anderson for submitting this gem (hey, don't we all look GREAT on this shot)? To view a LARGER image, simply click on the photo.

(All rows, L-R) Front Row: Sandi Meyer, Beth Carlisle, Dawn Maasjo, Mary Ellen Koch, Diane Sauer, Margaret Peterson, Bonnie VanEnk, Lou Vay Ruemler, Kay Holcomb

2nd Row: Dave Maasjo, Carolyn Eggert, Barb Sheppard, Colleen Bryngleson, Jim Lang, Virginia Ann Hoff, Barb Wagner, Maureen Pedersen, Rhea De La Barre, Earl Kruschwitz

3rd Row: Grover Peterson, Bob Anderson, Jeralyn Olson, Bonnie Cruff, Vicki Christianson, Grace Norgaard, Ross Noeske, Marleen Miller, Susan Van Dyne, Barry Borg, Leland Sabby

4th Row: Roger Strom, Coral Peterson, Nadene Johnson, Ron Phillips, Gary Swenson, Dorothy James, Dennis Guilland, Arlie Braunberger, Dave Dawkins, Barbara Brown, possibly Eileen Quisberg?, Marilyn Vandestreek

5th Row: Leland Samson, Stanley Orness, Gary Skramstad, Scott Stromme, Gerald Offner, Tom Kahler, Jerry Busche, Roger Taylor, Dave Johnson, Jim Milman, Larry Gauper, Harley Schmidt. 

(Your Blogmeister thanks Diane (Sauer) Hughes for doing the above caption work - if anyone could the missing names, please email Hiliners61@gmail.com - thanks!)

Learning to work with sheet metal, 1958-59

 Ross Noeske, left, and David Maasjo are working in the sheet metal shop practicing soldering and cutting sheet metal with a torch. Caption and photo from the 1959 Sheyenne.

1959 Prom waitresses

"Four little waitresses, Georgia Stephenson, Lou Vay Ruemler, Sharon Guertin and Beth Carlisle poured the punch for all the thirsty dancers during the 1959 Prom with a theme of the Deep South. Their own faces gave way to paint. Hours were spent creating green hedges from high hurdles, lovely flowers of crepe paper and Kleenex, a stone wall and the porch of a columned mansion. Prom was chaired by Marlowe Evenson and Myrna Johnson; banquet chairman, Heather McCrea." Text and photo from 1959 Sheyenne.

State Student Council Committee, 1960

From the Hiliner Herald, Wednesday, October 19, 1960: "A few of the various committee chairmen of the coming State Student Council Convention. (Blogmeister's note: the term chairmen is used when the subjects are all females, and good looking ones at that!) Standing (L-R) are Barbara Sheppard, Dawn Maasjo, Kay Holcomb, and Marilyn Vandestreek. Seated (L-R) are Diane Sauer, Marybeth Torguson, LouVay Ruemler, and Sandra Voorhees." Thanks to Judge John "Jack" Paulson for sending me a stack of Hiliner Heralds. I scanned the above photo from one of those issues. --LG

Dimestore memories: Woolworth's in Valley City

Rhea (DeLaBarre) Mills sent us us some excellent photos of and nostalgic comments about the F. W. Woolworth Store on Central Avenue in Valley City. Its lunch counter and soda fountain were popular with many of us from the three high schools, back during the time we were teens. And she included a scan of the menu from the lunch counter during that same era. "Going to the dimestore," i.e., Woolworth's and/or the Ben Franklin "5 & dime" store were special treats I looked forward to during my early childhood, many years before I became a "Hiliner."

The photos (along with the shot above), together with comments by Charles (Chuck) DeLaBarre (Rhea's brother), and the menu, can be found here in a PDF version of a brief PowerPoint slideshow. Rhea and Chuck's father was the manager of Woolworth's and your Blogmeister can still see him greeting customers and moving around keeping the store ship-shape. Two shots of a 1951 Ford round out this collection.

Rhea adds that she remembers many of the stores in Valley City. She says, "I loved going to Sheppard's (for records, I imagine!), I loved the bakery; loved Ben Franklin's 'cause they had things Dad didn't have in Woolworth's. Loved the Dairy Queen 'cause it was on the way home from the swimming pool where we would always get a nickel cone; loved hanging out at your drive-in, Colleen (Bryngelson, now Zick), and at the A & W. Straus Clothiers was where Dad got so many of his suits, and the list goes on and on!" Thanks, Rhea, and thank you, Chuck, for your excellent essay and photos everyone can view (and/or print) on the PDF.

State "Class A" 1960 Basketball Champs!

Thanks to Dennis Gillund submitting a comment on this, we now have an ID on this 1960 state campionship Hiliner team (L-R): First row front: Don Charnetzki, Lynn Holcolm, Denny Grubb 2nd row: Hank Toring, John Paulson, Bob Ingstad, Stan Amundson, Howard Svenningsoen; 3rd row: Coach Dehne, Coach Hatlestad, Ray Bernston, Denny Gillund, Lee Samson, Jerry Busche, Managers Russ Danielson and Harvey Lerud. Denny adds, "I remember the Class of 1961 team returned to the state tourney and lost to Minot, the eventual state champs. Two years in a row to Grand Forks, a great two years!" If anyone has a photo of that 1961 team, please submit to the Blogmeister at Hiliners61@gmail.com Thanks, Dennis for your help on these names!

1958 Radio Guild "on the air!"

Some of us in the Class of 1961 joined Radio Guild as freshman and the above 1957 photo and the following text is from the 1958 Sheyenne yearbook: "Shown thirty seconds before "on the air" are these members of Radio Guild: (L-R) Scott Stromme, Myrna Johnson, Janna Rae Zaun, Jean Hill and Mrs. Marlys Langemo, Adviser (both at the piano), Linda Bergman, Gary Skramstad, and Larry Gauper.

Blogmeister's note: It was from that desk with the table microphone on it, following a Radio Guild broadast the next year (1958), that KOVC announcer Lyle Peterson asked me to be a "guest disc jockey" on his program. After that trial run, the late Bob Ingstad, Sr., hired me as a KOVC staff announcer and DJ at $1 a hour. This was my first job in a 51-year career in broadcasting and corporate communications. I have Radio Guild, Valley High, the late Mrs. Langemo and KOVC's Lyle Peterson, Glenn Olson and, of course, Mr. Ingstad, to thank for some very valuable and practical vocational training in skills I still use today.

"Tri-School Mixer" honors pigskin royalty

"Pigskin Royalties," the kings and queens from the three Valley City high schools (Valley High, St. Kates, College High), were honored at an inter-high school party at St. Catherine's on October 15, 1960. In photo (L-R): Jerry Clancy, M.C.; attendants, Patricia Brovold and Patrick McCormick; Valley High Royalty, Kay Holcomb and Douglas Peterson; St. Kates Royalty: King James Amann and Queen Jean Loh; and College High Royalty: Sandra O'Connell and Charles Jocobson. Music was provided by Valley High student, Karl Limvere. Source: St. Catherine's High School Yearbook, 1961; submitted by George Gratz, St. Kates, 1961, who points out this was "another example of our small town environment being very inclusive." Thanks, George!

Inter-School Cooperation 1958-1961

"The Valley City Student Safe Driving Council, composed of representatives of the three local high schols (Valley, St. Kates, College) met to outline its program for the coming year. As the name suggests, the Council is concerned in the area of safe driving and at its meeting adopted a program to increase the number of safe drivers; to cut down on noon and after school driving and to cooperate with city officials in maintaining safe driving standards. Two of the schools represented on the Council, St. Catherine's, and College High, won Traveling Trophies in the past.

"Members of the Council, include: (Back row, L-R): Rudy Steidl, Larry Jones, Douglas Peterson, David Kelly, Henry Kroshus, Rudy Hanson, and George Gratz. (Front row, L-R): Woodrow Gagnon, Council adviser; John Overbo, Mary Kruschwitz, Carole Lerud, and Barbara Sheppard."  Thanks to George Gratz, Columbus, Indiana, St. Kates, '61 for submitting this photo and text; name of publication unknown.

Remembering the NuBeats!

These were the NuBeats way back when, circa the late 50s. Here was Valley City's own record-cutting band comprised of (L-R) Bob Ingstad, Jr., Gordy Blaskowski, Tom Stine and Bryce Risser. Sadly, three members of this group passed away already, much too prematurely, and Bryce Risser is, as he says, "the last man standing." Actually, he's sitting in the photograph, taken at Olson's Studio in Valley City--where we all had our photos taken back then--and they're all wearing white socks. Good lookin' bunch! At least that's what the girls tell me.

To learn more about the NuBeats and the record they made at the same studio in which  Bobby Vee recorded in Minneapolis, listen to my INTERVIEW WITH BRYCE RISSER. 

NOTE: We received a comment and message from Derik Olson, Cook, MN, a researcher who happens to own a mint copy of the NuBeats' record. He said: "Bryce indicated the owner of the Soma (recording studio) was Amos B. Alexander. His name was actually Amos Heilicher. He owned the Soma label, but not the recording studio. That was owned by Vernon Bank. It was named after his wife, Kay."  Thank you Derik for this information.  Bryce passed away in 2016 at the age of 73. - LG 2-15-2019

You can also listen to the Nubeats record, side A is Carlotta and Side B is Spring Fever. Click on those links to hear the record. In the interview Bryce explains how the tune Carlotta got it's name. Thanks to Bryce for taking time to talk with me and thanks to his wife, LaRon, for emailing the above photo and sending along the music files. (These musical numbers are are copyrighted and used here with permission) - Larry Gauper, VH61, Blogmeister 

A WALK DOWN MEMORY LANE!

A number of us classmates in the Hiliners61 group have been sending emails to some of us filled with memories about our school (Valley High, St. Kates, or College High), about Valley City, and about life in general during the four years from 1957-1961. Your Blogmeister posted those memories in the "comments" section of this post. But we ALSO want YOUR memories and comments on this post - OR comment on any photo or item on this blog.

To read the memories, click on "comments" below and, when you do, you'll see a blank field for YOU to post your memory or comment. Please do!  Just type your comment and when you click the "profile" button, enter your name (first or full) in the "Name/URL" field. Then click "post comment." You'll then see a screen asking you to identify letters making up a word. That's a security device so Google knows you're human, and not another computer. So do that and you're set.

We'd all LOVE to read YOUR memories!  Click "comments" below, read, and then enter YOUR comments!

IN THAT WONDERFUL YEAR, 1958!

Valley City High School "C" squad members are, front row
(L-R): Gary Swenson, Bob Nielsen, Jerrold Busche, Doug Peterson, David Henke. Middle row, L-R): Roger Taylor, Elvin Schlotman, Ron Phillips, Larry Chase, James Milman, Charles Lee, manager. Back row (L-R): Bob Anderson, Leland Samson, Dennis Plecity, Russell Schroeder, John Paulson, Joel Holden, Scott Stromme.

Finishing strong with four victories in their last five games, Coach Bob Griffin's "C" squad should present the "B" squad coach with some good material next season. With the personnel entirely from the freshman class, the young team ended with a 7-8 season mark. (Photo and Text from 1958 Sheyenne)

Hi-Liner Herald staff "on deadline" 49 years ago!

Hi-Liner Herald staff, from the 1960 Sheyenne (L-R): Jean Hill, Ron Morsch, Marilyn Vandestreek, Mary Koch, Barbara Sheppard, and Kay Holcomb. They appear to be "on deadline" putting the paper "to bed."

Cowboy's Cheerleaders had nothing on our gals!

From the 1960 Sheyenne, presenting the "Senior High Cheerleaders!" (L-R): Sandra Voorhees, Sandra Meyer, LoAnn Evenson, Mary Kankelfritz, Barbara Rome, Diane Gessner. Thanks to Diane (Sauer) Hughes for submitting this great memory from old Valley High. 

Can you identify these political activists?

Although the only "Tea Party" we knew was the one Mr. Don Weiss taught us about in his U. S. History Class, that didn't stop many of our classmates from staging a political rally back in 1960-61. Can you identify some of the characters in the photos below? (Thanks to Linda Holm, Valley High, 1961, for submitting these from her archive of Sheyenne yearbook rejected photos).

Updated Schedule for 1961 Class Events!

Dear 1961 Classmates: Over lunch at Another Time  on Main Street, about a year ago, a few of us contemplated how we might celebrate a special time for our class at the All-60's reunion this summer. Although 2011 is actually our 50th anniversary year, we felt we could celebrate a year early as part of the bigger reunion, assuming most folks would not come back to North Dakota two years in a row. Hope you all agree and that you'll plan to come and enjoy. Our goal is to provide smaller venues for us to gather as a class without the noise and confusion of the larger group. Plans are moving along and below you'll find an updated scheduled for our get-togethers intended for all 1961 classmates from Valley High, St. Kates, and College High. If you have any questions, let us know at Hiliners61@gmail.com.  Below, you'll find the latest schedule for the special events we're planning. See you in Valley City this July! - Barbara (Sheppard) Lang, Valley High, 1961   (Editor's note: 1960 Photo of Barb shows her sending materials for the 1961 Sheyenne yearbook to the publisher.)

 Hiliners61 Updated Preliminary Schedule

Friday, July 9:
5:00 p.m. Chautauqua Park Pavillion (a nice, new facility).
Sign in, meet your friends, guess who's who.
5:30 - VCHS 1961 Class Photo
6:00 — Catered buffet-style supper. Cost to each person is $15 per person, $25 per couple (part of this fee covers the hall and other expenses). No charge for grandchildren under 12. Water, lemonade and coffee provided; bring your own sodas or alcohol. We’ve purchased a liquor permit for the event, but it’s BYOB, including bring your own beer and/or wine. After dinner, stay and enjoy—or move on to the events at the All-60’s Reunion venue.

Saturday, July 10: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m, or beyond
Spend time at the President’s House onVCSU campus. We have rented the house for the weekend. The downstairs area is open to everyone. Coffee and water will be available along with snacks. You’ll find displays of memorabilia and photos and a collection box for classmate booklet pages. We’d love to have you bring whatever memorabilia you have to share with the group. There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy “catching-up” and reminicing.

A PRINTABLE PDF of a 2-page flyer containing the above information, including the updated schedule and more is available to download and print here: Hiliners61 Blog Bulletin.

Fun events as prom approaches!

"With this corsage, I crown thee Mr. Irresistible, chortles Sharon Bastman (Valley High, '62), as she pins the much sought after prize on Tom Kahler's shirt (Valley High, '61). Thus TWIRP Season closed with a tremendous bang; Tom supposedly won his crown by bribing 292 girls into giving him their "twirped" tickets." Photo and caption from the 1961 Sheyenne yearbook.

Learning graphics without computers, 1961

"Rhea De LaBarre (Valley High, '61) smiles as she visualizes her stencil neatly and attractively done with the use of the illuminated drawing board and stylus." Photo and caption from 1961 Sheyenne yearbook

Telephone lessons in Business Ed class

"Mind your p's and q's of telephone usage!" warns John Keller, commerce instructor, as Ruth Bode, Diane Sauer, and Bonnie Van Enk confidently try their hand at using the Northwestern Bell Teletrainer. - photo and caption from the 1961 Sheyenne yearbook

Go Hiliners! 1960-61 Valley High football

(L-R, front row) Roy Lang, Ross Noeske, Dave Nelson, Jerry Jarvis, Willard Jantzen, Jim Welken, Jim Gilsdorf. Second row: Bill Peterson, Mark Meske, Ron Evenson, Ron Phillips (all members of "second" team) -photos and captions from the 1961 Sheyenne yearbook

(L-R, front) Bryce Risser, Fred Schroeder, Bob Toring, Dave Henke, Wayne Toring, Doug Peterson, Jerry Busche. (Top) Bruce Jacobson, Denny Gillund, Bob Ingstad - these are members of the "A" squad. 

1961 Potluck pals

The three photos below, from the 1961 Sheyenne yearbook, show some of the participants in Valley High's "potlucks."

From the 1961 Sheyenne: "This smiling potluck appears to be having an informal gab session. On the floor are Colleen Bryngelson, Barbara Sunde, and Kay Lende. In the back: Eileen Quisberg, Sharon Guertin, Marleen Miller, Shirley Undem, and Mary Ann Musch."

"Seated are: Jean Hill, Sandra Voorhees, Sandra Meyer, and Grace Norgaard. Standing: Georgia Stephenson, Joy Senne, Mary Beth Torguson, Mary Ellen Koch, and Bonnie Cruff."

"This potluck is composed of Diane Sauer, Rhea DeLaBarre, Bonnie Van Enk, Margaret Peterson, Marilyn Vandestreek, Dawn Maasjo, Beth Carlisle, Barbara Sheppard, and LouVay Ruemler. They gather around the piano to try to match their notes to what Kay Holcomb is playing."

A dream come true!

Per alpha order, your blogmeister sat in class next to Linda Holm (Valley High, '61). I was G and she was H. Between lectures by Mr. Kruschwitz, or English instruction from Miss Albertine Steinborn, Linda would tell me of her dream to head for Hollywood after graduation and write about the stars. She did exactly that and landed a job with PhotoPlay magazine. She was an editorial staff member (reporter/writer) for ten years, on board until the magazine closed. Her most exciting interviews were with Elvis Presley in Las Vegas and covering the Golden Globe Awards in Los Angeles.

One of the highlights of her Hollywood years was her appearance on NBC-TV's Elvis Comeback Special, taped at the NBC studios in Burbank, California. It was aired on December 3, 1968. She, along with a number of other attractive young ladies, surrounded  Elvis as he sang what was to become one his many hits: Memories. 

In 1971, an article in the Valley City Times-Record reported:

"Linda Holm, daughter of the Francis W. Holms of Valley, has written an exclusive story on Elvis Presley featured in the July 1971 issue of Photoplay. She's the magazine's west coast editorial assistant. "The article concerned Elvis' recent hospitalization in Nashville for an eye ailment. She will arrive in Valley City the end of June to attend her ten-year high school reunion." - Larry Gauper, Valley High, '61

Projectionists' Club put on the show in 1961!

"Don Dawkins (Valley High '61), Richard Barton, and Karl Limvere (both Valley High '62) assemble and make ready the projector for a class in social problems." - photo and text from 1961 Sheyenne yearbook. 

Your blogmeister remembers how Don and our mutual buddy, Tim Stoflet (St. Kates '61) built a real AM radio station in the Stoflets family basement. Bob Ingstad, Sr. brought the North Dakota Broadcasters Association on a tour of the station during their state convention in Valley City.