Remember When: May 13, 2009

class of 1946:
Anderson Union High School’s Class of 1946, pictured here in 1996, will hold its 63rd reunion along with the school’s 100th anniversary in September.

Anderson Union High School's Class of 1946 will hold its 63rd reunion this coming September. Class representatives have timed it to coincide with the 100th anniversary celebration of the high school, which was established in September 1909.

Members of the Class of 1946 started their high school years in 1942 by attending classes in the old Spanish-styled building that was the first structure to be built on the hill where the current campus now stands.

Many of the school's older students either had enlisted in the service for World War II or were enlisting as this group of freshmen started their high school careers. By the time that same group had graduated in 1946, many of the same people were already returning from the war.

In addition, President Franklin D. Roosevelt had died, the war years had ended and many of the young men were returning home to continue their educations in college, setting out to find jobs or getting ready to be married and to settle down.

The school years between 1942 and 1946 were turbulent, at best, with the entire nation suffering under the rationing of gasoline, sugar, tires, shoes and many other items that were in short supply. Despite the shortages, however, the students were still able to fare quite well.

Buses were still available to take the students on trips to other schools for sports events. Coach Raymond "Flea" Bailey, admired by all, coached both football and basketball teams. There was even a roller skating rink in Anderson, and fishing and hunting were popular sports for all that wanted to partake.

In 1996, 15 of the original 34 students held a 50th reunion at the Elks Club in Redding.

On homecoming day that year, the Class of 1946 members climbed aboard a float that transported them onto the football field during half-time.

The former classmates and still good friends spent a portion of their Saturday together on a boat at Shasta Lake. On Sunday, they enjoyed a breakfast served at the high school and then took in a tour of the campus. Kathy Pfrimmer prepared the breakfast, one alumnus remembered.