60th Reunion of class of 1947: Anderson Union High School

Photo by Paul Robeson

AUHS CLASS OF '47: Members of the Anderson Union High School class of 1947 met last week to hold their 60th reunion at Riverview Event Center on Gover Road near the Sacramento River. Pictured left to right. Front row: Alma Pitcock, Mary Lou Duncan and Coleen Hawkins. Middle row: Evelyn Cunningham, Gene Vonk, Joyce Sweeney, Charlie Moss, Dennie and Vollie Bisnett. Back row: Larry Ferral, Allen Bruce, Hal Phillips, Roland Bates and Gilbert Cline.

We the students of Anderson Union High School of 1947 started our high school year in 1943 in the Old Spanish Style High School on the hill. Many of our upper classmates either had enlisted in the service for World War II or were enlisting as we entered our freshman year. In 1947 when we graduated, many of the same people had returned after the war. President Roosevelt had died, the war years had ended and many of the young men were returning home to continue their education or be married, find jobs, go on to college and settle down.

Our school years were the time of rationing: gas, sugar, tires, shoes and many other items were in short supply. We still seemed to fare quite well in this era from all the shortages. The buses still were able to take us on trips to other schools for sports events. Our Class of ‘47 six-man football team again won the Sacramento Valley League Championship in football for the second consecutive year. Al Burnham was right end; Charles Moss, left end; Bob Cotter, center; Gordon Williams, halfback: Tom Mollring, fullback and Vollie Bisnett, quarterback. The “A” Basketball team lost only one game to Biggs by a score of 28-22, which cost us the championship. Gilbert Cline, Larry Ferral, Tom Mollring, Neil Greene, Glenn Barnes, Robert Cotter, Allen Bruce, Ray Hopson, Albert Burnham, George Moore and Shelton Meyer were the team. Vollie Bisnett was on the “B” team, which again won the championship. Coach Raymond “Flea” Bailey, admired by us all, coached both football and basketball teams. We swam in the canal and at various creeks in the area. There was a skating rink and fishing and hunting for all that wanted to partake.

Mrs. Elizabeth Corrigan was our class advisor, also admired by all, even though she decided as seniors we needed a course in basic spelling and English. What a teacher! Mrs. Gill was another of our teachers who everyone appreciated after graduation, because she was a no-nonsense strict teacher with her classes, but we learned. As the service men returned from the war she was always the first one they wanted to visit because they appreciated what she had taught them. Mrs. Elise Morgan taught home economics to both the boys and girls. Their classes prepared lunch for the students and teachers.

Our sneak day was a special occasion since gas and tires were available again and we were able to make the trip to Burney Falls and Lake Britton.

We were able to celebrate our 60th anniversary this past week. Our senior class had 36 members and 31 graduated. In the passing years, 18 of our classmates have died. Fifteen of the remaining classmates and their wives or husbands attended our recent reunion. Even though we do not see each other too often, it is still a tight-knit group and a joy to be with. Husband and wives mingle well together for the joyful reunion.

Five of us started the first grade together at the old brick schoolhouse in Anderson: Gilbert Cline, Charles Moss, Allen Bruce, Joyce (Carter) Romero and Gean (Rupert) Vonk. Hal Phillips, Roland Bates and Denie Bales started grammar school in Cottonwood.

Our classmates have become engineers, weathermen, nurses, business people, farmers, public servants, housewives and mothers.

Many thanks need to go to Evelyn Grafe Cunningham for keeping us all together.

Also thanks to Mary Lou Duncan for her assistance in helping Evelyn this year.