Reunions change with time

Talk about it

WORTHINGTON — The idea of going to a class reunion never really entered my mind throughout the years after I graduated from high school in 1939. Notices of high school reunions were never received. If any found my various addresses, they probably were ignored. If I get notice of a reunion this year, I would be attending a 70-year reunion.

These questions might come to mind. How many are left? Even if I studied the 1939 annual, would I recognize those graduates of 1939? Also, would they recognize me?

If a 70th reunion takes place, the notice might never reach me, so the thought of going back has left me.

Now, the college reunion might be another matter. If I wait until next year, it will be the 60th. The same thoughts as before come to mind. There were 10 years between my high school and college graduation. This might be sensible, but the year, 2009 might be another year in my life. I have been retired for two decades and probably many of the 1949 graduates are retirees. But I will go if? If it happens, it will be a column in the Daily Globe.

Now, the questions could be very different. Are you still married? Are you a widow or widower? Are you a grandparent? If so, how many grandchildren? What is your physical condition? And your mental condition?

And there are other reunions than my high school and college ones. I taught high school for 38 years in three schools: Sturgis and Milbank in South Dakota and Worthington in Minnesota. I have received invitations and attended some of them. There are questions that could have been asked. Did you go further in your education? If so, how far? Did you get married? If so, what is your status now? Are you a grandparent? How many? Are you a widow or widower? These questions are valid. I know, because I have asked them at the reunions I attended.

Of the reunions that I have attended, I have enjoyed comparing my expectations with reality. In some I was surprised; some I was disappointed. But that’s what reunions are for. Try them, if you haven’t. If you did go, was it as you expected? I was surprised at some and disappointed in others. Try it, you might like it. I did!

Al Swanson is president emeritus of the Nobles County Historical Society.

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