Dowagiac Central High School held its 64-year class reunion Saturday, July 23, at Sister Lakes Lions Club with 41 in attendance.
Song “Is It True” written by Roy Miller playing in background donated to the class by Roy’s wife, Millie.
John Murphy, class member and resident of Hines, Ill., VA Hospital, called to say hello to everyone. It was a treat to hear his voice and know that he was thinking of us.
Ivan Gwilt selling raffle tickets for the head table floral centerpiece. Emerson Emmons was the successful winner.
Jack introduced committee members: Jack and Phyllis Cooper, Martha Cox, Helen Leich, Roger Staley, Stan and Arlene Sarabyn, Ivan and Bernice Gwilt, Ed and Lila Corwin, Bob and Doris Cox and George and Myra Melvin.
He also acknowledged the setting up of tables and chairs and table decorations.
Individual vases with flowers were on each table. The flowers may be taken home, but the vases remain here.
Class photo taken outside by Larry Hewitt, photographer.
Large class photo will be available for $10 each.
A delicious meal with the entree of Swiss stake, mashed potatoes, green beans, seven-layer salad and fresh fruit and rolls was enjoyed and ready to be served upon classmates return to building.
The cake was decorated with orange and black trim.
The entertainment group The Misfits performed at 7 p.m., mainly with patriotic songs. They informed us this will be their last performance after seven years. They will certainly be missed.
Roll call was held and the minutes of the 62nd reunion read. It was noted that 22 class members are present this evening.
Jack welcomed the new member participants to the committee and its bi-monthly luncheons. Anyone interested in joining should leave their name and phone number with Helen in order to be contacted on place and time of meetings.
A moment of silence was held for known deceased classmates: Pearl Benson, Jack Deming, Russell Pence, Minnie Speck and Isabelle Schoetzow Merrill.
Communications were read from David Cargo, Don LaPorte, Jean Monaghan, John Murphy, Jack Means, Carlene Johnson Lambert and Robert Sisson.
It was moved by Lowell Hartsell and seconded by Darwin Evans that we hold our 65th reunion in 2012. Motion carried.
Jack dedicated the 64th class reunion to Helen Leich, who has kept everything together.
Classmates were reminded to send address changes.
We will meet Sunday morning at 10 a.m. for breakfast at Dowagiac Conservation Club. Jack acknowledged Tom and Bill, our reunion bartenders who have served us well over the years. The meeting adjourned at 9 p.m.

— Helen Keyser Leich
Class secretary