LANDER - The 94th annual Lander School Reunion was held recently in the social room of the Lander United Methodist Church with nearly 50 classmates and friends attending. The lunch was soups and salad catered by McNutters. This was the first year for the luncheon format, and it went over well. Attendance was up from the last couple years.
President Russell Thelin opened the event by saying, "It is nice for us to be together again. I thank the committee for all of their hard work preparing for this."
Donna Ostrom read the minutes from the 2011 gathering. She then gave the treasurer's report for the year. Both were approved as presented.
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Norma Mills, historian, conducted a memorial service for those classmates who died since the last reunion. Those remembered with a moment of silence were: Homer Preston class of 1939, Shirlee Swanson Rupp class of 1949, Virginia Spencer Young class of 1938, Claude Nelson class of 1947, Joseph Kaczar class of 1948, John Kaczar class of 1939, Virginia Carlson Roberts class of 1947, and James Stanton class of 1944, who received a GED after he joined the Army.
The nominating committee gave its report. Shirley Hitchcock moved from vice president to president, Donna Ostrom - secretary treasurer, Norma Mills - historian. Dolores Wilkins agreed to be vice president receiving a nomination from the floor.
Bev Church, toastmistress, called on members of the honored classes for comments and observations. Charlie Peterson represented the class of 1932; Margaret Beck Jansen the class of 1937; Neva Mills and Evan Wilcox class of 1942' Ralph Shaffer class of 1947; Eleanor Johnson and Pat Gruber class of 1952. There was no one present from the class of 1957, but it was noted this was the first class to graduate from Eisenhower High School. Fae Rouse represented the class of 1967.
Ms. Rouse said, "Many of you in this community raised me. Thank you. It was a great community to be raised in."
Patrick Bergstrom, who traveled from Lancaster, said that he does not get up this way often, but he was happy to be here. Leslie Firth spoke about a trip to Penn State and about joining an agricultural fraternity which brought much dissension from those at home.
The program was titled "Reminiscing about the Lander Community." Ms. Church started it off, but asked for members of the audience to share memories about those community members mentioned.
It was remembered that Mae Bishop boarded school teachers. Ms. Mills told about enjoying the set of little books that were at the Bishop home when she visited.
Belle White lived in the family home near the parsonage. Ms. Church said that she remembered playing her old victrola.
Elmer Lindell was remembered for the carved wooden chains that he made. Carrie Barkman it was said had a very large flower garden. Albert Almendinger had a horse and cutter that he used to take people for rides. He was also remembered for his skill of training dogs.
Jim Miller lived in the hotel after his farm house on Miller Hill burned.
People in attendance visited and viewed memorabilia that was on display following the singing of the alma mater.