The class of 1953 celebrated their 50th class reunion in the
summer of 2003.
One of the alumni gave this speech, and I felt that it should be shared
with all of the Marshall alumni.
Thank you, Clinton!
Clinton Bliss speech at 1953 Class Reunion.
"Let's all pile into my
car and cruise back to the early 50's. Here we are at the corner of 5th Street
and 14th Avenue. Let's park here and hope we don't get towed to Koelers garage.
We can start here and go towards 4th St. We pass Headon Book Store, Ed's
Cleaners and Mert's Grocery. We come to University Florist, we can get our prom
flowers there. Next is Twin Cleaners, Schwerdfeger Meat Market and Jerome's
Fashions.
When we get to the corner we can look to the left and see Robinson's
Beauty School, Crane's Office Supplies and
over the viaduct is the Bridge Cafe. If we want some ice cream we can go across
the street to Bridgeman's. Going towards University Avenue we pass Crane's Gifts
and Al Johnson's, where we can rent our tux for the prom. Over the bridge is
White Castle and if we were in that area we could see if Donna Berge was
home. Across the street we can go to Perine's Book Store, Dinky Town Dime, and
College Inn. I don't think it was ever rated five stars. We could pick up some
popcorn at Ortie's and take in a good movie at the Varsity. Oscar's Barber Shop
is near the corner. Across the street is Don's Campus Cleaners, C.B.Christianson Realty, Ideal Plumbing, Lou's Diner and Campus Jewelers, where we
can get our class rings.
We go by Newberg Studios and arrive at Fanny Farmer on the corner.
Starting down 14th Avenue towards good old Marshall, we pass by Schafer's
Grocery Store, Krauses's Bakery, Simm's Hardware and Loughridge-Bengtson
Studios. May as well stop in and get our senior pictures taken. We can stop and
pick up our paper products and invitations for our graduation open house at
Acme Printing.
We end our stroll on the corner by House of Hanson. If we listen real hard can
hear Bob Hanson or
Fred Leonard telling someone firmly or with authority to "take a
walk".
Hope you enjoyed our stroll and guess what? With the exception of House of
Hanson,
all the other business have one thing in common. They are all gone.
Ah memories!"
We still have some time, let's go across the street to Marshall. Let's use the
5th street door, that was always the main entrance. The trophy case is ahead and
if we go to the right we might see Mr. Patrick or Mr. Carlson in the print shop
or mechanical drawing. If we head down the hall, we may see Miss Trumble or
Turnquist. Might even be able to dissect a frog.
When we came into the building, had we turned left we would pass the auditorium
and the office. I'm sure
Walt Chapman was hard at work. Past the nurse's office we could stop in
and get some counseling from
Miss Coltman or Mrs. Leemhuis. Around the corner we could see if Mrs. Eugene had
baked us a
cake, or maybe we could bake a cake for Mrs. Albitz, she was quiet a looker
wasn't she? At the end of the hall was the metal shop, and then the Boys and
Girls Gym and the Little Gym. They always seemed to smell, didn't they? If we
peek inside we will probably see Mr. Fischer and Shawbold and Miss Stevning
preparing their schedules to make our minds and bodies healthy. Friday is a
great day to visit, because it's sports day. Can't you imagine the terror on the
faces of the athletes, both male and female, from Washburn, Roosevelt and the
other city schools when they saw the Cardinals on their schedule? We were a
proud group. Heck, the senior girls won the basketball championship and the boys
tied for the state title in gymnastics. Some of those team members are here
tonight. Remember the football game with North? After the game the North
players rallied around Jim Sticka, instead of their own quarterback.
Ah memories.
We still have some time, so let's go upstairs. There's Mr. O'Brien and it looks
like Mr. Hume is typing something with one finger. Let's stop into Miss
Stevning's Art Class. Looks like everyone has a small wood box and they are
cutting diamond and triangle shapes on the cover. My mother never did know what
to do with that damn thing. If we find Mr. Olsen or Mr. Severson they might tell
us about a good book to read.
We just passed by Study Hall and the Library, and there's Detention.
Ah memories.
Let's stop in the Music
Department. I see P.J. Birmingham and Miss Vincent. Lynn Roam has got a smile
from ear to ear. He finally convinced the powers that be that the band needed
new uniforms and today is the day. There is electricity in the air and the whole
student body is packed into the auditorium. At a pre-set time the rear doors fly
open and in comes the Cardinal Band. Looking good! On the left side, in comes
Marlo, hat on just right, uniform looking great, carrying his baritone horn in
hand and marching proudly.
When he got down by us, we tripped him.
Ah memories.
Well, we're running out of time now, so we better head downstairs. There's Mr.
Jerdee pushing on a wall, explaining the difference in the theories of work and
force. Should be something brewing in the Chemistry room with Mr. Mikelson.
Wasn't he a great teacher? Oh, and here comes Mrs. Anderson. She was neat also.
Seems to be a lot of activity in this room. Oh, it's Bob Bennetand they're
practicing for the Senior Class Play. It's "Arsenic and Old Lace" this
year. In fact, Teddy Roosevelt is out here tonight. He came a long
way for this shindig. Hey Tom, have you got one more CHARGE left in you?
Ah memories.
If we want to use the bathrooms before we leave, they are on each floor and
guess what? No armed guards and you won't get mugged. If we had more time we
could go downstairs and see Mrs. Lundegard and find out what's for the Federal
lunch. If it was Wednesday we could go to Teen Town or shoot some baskets or
play some badminton. If it was Tuesday or Thursday at E.M.R.A. Oh well, we can
do that another day. Just think, we were lucky enough to have the U of M
Homecoming activities right in our back yard. When we leave now, we can use the
other door on 5th street. Oh, there's Luke Setter talking to a small group of
male students.
Wow, I know those students and we are trying to convince Mr. Satter that the Jim
Beam and wine he found in our lockers was for medical purposes.
Ah memories.
When my father and mother had their 50th reunion, they spent a lot of time
talking about the changes in 50 years. Not to be outdone, I did some research on
our 50 years. Just think of the technology and innovations from 1953 to now,
that have changed our lives. Advancements that have enabled us to do the
things we enjoy better, more often and for longer periods of time. And I'm just
talking about Viagra! Ah, everyone has some memories. Gretch will probably shoot
me for sharing this one, but what the heck.
We fondly refer to it as our Lens Crafter moment. I pop a pill and I'm ready to
go in about an hour.
Ah memories.
Well, let's load back into the car, but before we leave, let me shift gear and
get a little serious. By the way, my bride claims the word serious is not part
of my vocabulary, but I'll give it a shot. I am still a cancer survivor
and I knock on wood often. My sister Florence was not that lucky. We did learn
things from that wretched ass disease. We learned that the people at Kodak are
right when they say memories are priceless. We learned it's okay to think ahead,
just not too far. But the most important thing we learned was, if you have your
health, no matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, the BEST time of
your life is right now.
No exceptions.
So, while we're in the car riding back to the present, let's make a pact with
each other. Let's cherish our memories, let's look forward to tomorrow, but
let's have the best damn time of our lives tonight!
Thanks for coming, and let's continue to wave the flag for Dear Old
Marshall."
PEACE!
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Marshall
High School Minneapolis, MN