..........

Here they come, 2005

written by Jerry Stensrud

Yes they came as they drove in hoards from the North. Down I-35 from "The Twin Cities". Some flew into Mpls then drove down. Some came from "Up Der in Nort Country you know". They came from the South, up from Des Moines and all over Iowa. They came from the far west, in on I-90 from California and Alden. They came from the East, from Wisconsin, Illinois, Ohio and Florida. They drove in with BMW's that had GPS for tracking and some came in 1984 Chevy's with the taillights draggin and an old coon hound for tracking. Ann wanted to come by sailboat but there was not enough water. They arrived in Albert Lea and crowded its Hotels. All coming for one thing.

The 45th Reunion for the Class of 1960

Friday Night

They arrived at the Legion starting at about 6:00 Such A large band of hooligans had not hit Albert Lea in this magnitude since that Prom night in 1960. I suppose most of them had been out cruising Broadway one more time before coming to the Legion, trying to get the feel for what was about to happen. As each person or couple would walk in the door a loud squeeeeel would erupt from some lady that recognized the other from years past. Soon the introductions flowed and Eyes would light up as recognition was made. The Grey hair would erase and that 17 year old face would appear. Then fade just as fast as the lines only old mother time can place there would reappear. I stood against a table and watched the crowd. I saw the smiles of joy when two old classmates would meet again. I even saw a small twinkle in a few eyes as a former sweetheart would say "Well hi there". For just a second or two her heart would pound a little harder and his breathing would get a little faster. ( That never goes away you know.......I Know). Tonight The Ducktails turned into silver business cuts and the wiggles are now more of a sway than a bounce. The girls are not as Perky ( if you know what I mean Chuckle Chuckle) as they once were. The Men's pants still worn way to low on the hips but for another reason and that is to leave room for that extra baggage we all seem to get. But the smiles and the voices are the things that still remain. I could feel that this room was coming back together. The fences now all mended and the jealousies all but gone. Just some kind of camaraderie that binds us together is left. I shook as many hands as I could and I hugged as many ladies as was allowed. I spoke to people I knew and I spoke to people I thought I never would................ What a nite.

Saturday Mornin

Drizzle and that's all I am going to say about that (Quoting Forrest Gump). Breakfast at 8:00 came early but it was happening everywhere around town. In restaurants and hotel suites everywhere. It was time to eat again. It seemed that's all we did all weekend was eat. after the late nite breakfast with some friends at Perkins, 8:00 came a bit to early. and then after the two hour breakfast it was almost time for the Luncheon. Oh yes the famous "Luncheon". Where I here about 60 gals went down to the Elks and did god knows what behind closed doors. ( there has been a rumor for years that they put on Elk antlers and parade around smoking cigars). Again we will never know cuz after about two hours once again the girls returned no worse for wear and talking about the great time they had. The guys went out for the Usual Golf game but it was not a typical golf day. They quit after a Half a hole as Butch Donovan lifted his 5 Iron to the sky and now his hair will surely never be straight again. Better luck next time fellas.

Saturday Afternoon

More Drizzle. At least we had a few hours to kill before the evening festivities. A time to rest those tired feet and aching legs and backs. Just taking off my shoes and stretching my toes, brought such relief I almost went barefoot that night. It was a time to just get a grasp on what was happening. a nice hot shower, more stinkum and another new outfit and we were off again. It was finally........

Saturday Night

The drizzle was gone but replaced by pouring rain. and that's all I'm going to say about that. We entered the Legion some of us looking like drowned rats. The nicest outfit we had brought and saved for Saturday night was wet and sure to get all wrinkled. But it wasn't long till the wrinkle free material lived up to its name and we were "cool" again. AHHHH "Name Tags" what a godsend I finally was able to walk up and yell hi you old coot what have you been up to for the past 45+ years. Of course the ladies still thought I was starring at the wrong place when I first talked to them. Chuckle. I believe that the class of 1960 was special. I can't find one person that was not a success in some way. some had great credentials and some had great grandkids and some had both but we all turned out just great. The smiles were truly genuine and the hugs, wow they were truly special. Well the night started with a few glasses of wine etc. but before anyone could get to buzzed Joel DeNeui brought us all to order and sat us down. Joel asked Bonnie Nelson to come up and give the invocation. and what a voice we made singing "Be present at our table Lord". The meal was served. The food was tasty but the conversation still outdid the food. Then Joel brought us all back in line again. What an Emcee. Joel could always fall back on this second calling as a stand up comedian. He told us about what it was like on that day in June 1960, and we roared with laughter. Joel introduced all of the committee that worked so very hard to bring you all such a delightful evening. I will now say a couple of words that I mean sincerely. Joel and Larry Bergo "My Friends" said some very wonderful things about me and I want to thank them very much. Then when you all stood up I was shaken . a chill ran down my back and I remember my Sweet wife Carol saying if you build the web site they will come to visit. Well I did and you came. Some of you said it is My Web site and now I tell you it is YOUR Web site. I love all of you. Now enough of that and back to the party. What a blast from the past "1952" it must have been as Joel and Barbara Ives tried once again to show Miss Hammock they could still play that Flutaphone. I laughed so hard tears came to my eyes and I believe Barb was doing the same as every once in a while her note was about three octaves above Joel's. Yes that did bring everyone back to those glorious 50's. We of course acknowledged all of those that passed on before us and it was a solemn occasion as the names were read. The numbers mount and the names are ever so familiar. I know I miss all of them. I believe that the Quilt that was won by Bev Cornelius Schroeder was a true piece of art sewn by Barb Jenner. and then to top it all off the quilt given to Carol Sanborn Stiles was a moment I will cherish as I know how much effort and desire and Courage she had making sure we had a great reunion. ( I thank you Carol ). Well then it was more back pounding and hugging. I even got a chance to sing a couple of fight songs with Harlan. Then it seemed that someone must have said "Its time" as the hall began to disperse. Then it was....................

F I N I

Back to the room, Back to the quiet, The long ride home, The reflections Wow what a memory

Now that it's over

Are You Lonesome Tonight

The 45th reunion pictures have been removed to make room for the 50th reunion stuff. Stand by!

Are You Lonesome Tonight

"Elvis Presley 1960"

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Are you lonesome tonight,

Do you miss me tonight?

Are you sorry we drifted apart?

Does your memory stray to a brighter sunny day

When I kissed you and called you sweetheart?

Do the chairs in your parlor seem empty and bare?

Do you gaze at your doorstep and picture me there?

Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?

Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?

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I wonder if you’re lonesome tonight

You know someone said that the world’s a stage

And each must play a part.

Fate had me playing in love you as my sweet heart.

Act one was when we met, I loved you at first glance

You read your line so cleverly and never missed a cue

Then came act two, you seemed to change and you acted strange

And why I’ll never know.

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Honey, you lied when you said you loved me

And I had no cause to doubt you.

But I’d rather go on hearing your lies

Than go on living without you.

Now the stage is bare and I’m standing there

With emptiness all around

And if you won’t come back to me

Then make them bring the curtain down.

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Is your heart filled with pain, shall I come back again?

Tell me dear, are you lonesome tonight?