Class of 1937 has watched society reach new frontiers
They lived through the depression and World War II. They saw the Berlin wall go up, and watched as it fell, signaling the end of the cold war that existed for most of their lives.
They’ve seen technology evolve from radio to television and on into the computer age. They’ve seen their countrymen land on the moon and watched soldiers in Vietnam on live news programs. They’ve lived through the threat of nuclear holocaust, and watched as the World Trade Center collapsed from a shocking terrorist attack.
The Warren County High School class of 1937 has seen life change. They’ve watched history in the making. And the core group of surviving members has much to talk about at the reunions that bring them together every few years.
Class president John Smartt, who has been instrumental in putting together these events over the years, is understandably impressed with how faithful the class has been.
“This class has really been something in that, starting with our 25th anniversary, we’ve met every five years,” Smartt said. “And occasionally, the last few years, we’ve been meeting kind of once in between. Because when you get up there past the 50-year time, you tend to lose a whole lot of people around there.”
This year’s get-together marked the group’s 67th anniversary. Though some of the remaining class members are no longer physically able to attend, 14 classmates were on hand at the reunion which was held early in July at McMinnville Country Club.
Smartt said he has fond memories of his high school days.
“You’ve got so many memories here,” he said, remarking how times had changed over the long intervening years. “Even though you have all sorts of labor saving devices, everybody seems to be busier now than they were then. Back then the pace wasn’t as terrific as it is now.”
A little over 100 graduated in the class, according to Smartt, with current ages ranging from the youngest at 83, on up to 86.
Classmate Billy Mullican says he has seen changes over the years as well.
“Well, I’m 67 years older for one thing,” he said with a grin. “But we’ve had a good life, enjoyed it.”
Mullican said one of the changes he has noticed is the political atmosphere. “I guess the liberalism in this country for one thing, that’s been one of the biggest. It’s been a nice experience to have seen all the technology changes. Many, many changes have happened in the last 70 years.”
Class valedictorian Frances Womack Locke said she has been amazed by the growth of society in general.
“Seems like there is more of everything,” Locke said. “Automobiles, places to eat, in every way almost.”
Locke said McMinnville has changed too.
“I remember walking through cow pastures to get to grammar school,” she said.
Ora Pearl Locke Cox agreed.
“It was quite different than it is now,” she said. “There’s more people now, more traffic, more crime. I went to school in a two room schoolhouse, and my teacher taught every subject.”
Cox said it’s hard to say if all the changes have been for the best.
“In some ways better and in some ways worse,” she said. “There are too many temptations for the young people today.”
Cox believes the changes in family life have made a big difference as well, particularly with women going into the workplace.
“Through eight years in grammar school and four years in high school I never came home that my mother was not there. I think that has a bearing. Today we think we have to keep up with the Joneses, but we don’t. You know, we could get by on a lot less than what we’re using today.”
Smartt says the thing that has impressed him the most is his classmates and the way they have kept in touch over the years.
“What I’m proudest of is the loyalty of this group,” he said. “The ones who are able to be here are here. After 67 years, that’s something right there.”