From: A.C. Reeves
Columbus
The Aug. 16 column by Tom Jekel struck a chord with others of us.
A less-recognized group has also been consistent with class reunions every five years. Hauser High School Class of 1961 was the first class to attend all four of our high school years under the new name of Hauser. Hauser came about when Hawcreek and Flatrock Townships merged, bringing together schools from Hartsville, Clifford and Hope.
Obviously Hauser is a much smaller school than Columbus North, and maybe due to that — and that a number of graduates have remained in this area — this class has retained friendships over the years.
Every five-year reunion has been held since the 1961 graduation. We are in the "thinking" stages for celebrating in 2021 our 60 years since graduation.
Can that be possible? This group has also included six students who attended most of their high school years at Hauser, but did not complete their education or moved to another school district. They are invited to join in our celebrations.
Of our 58 graduates, 16 are known to be deceased. The first four were female. Five are unaccounted for. Gatherings were traditionally scheduled the third Saturday in May, as that has been the date for the Hope/Clifford/Hauser Alumni Banquet. The Class of ’61 has gathered separately for such things as lunch, buffet dinners at Otter Creek, picnics at Brown County State Park, casino night, buffet dinners at the Ramada Inn, at the Hope American Legion and Masonic Lodge facilities, and at other venues.
For the 50th reunion, events were centered in Hope. It began with a tour of the old Hope/Hauser gymnasium and followed with a tour of the town square, which noted all the changes since 50 years earlier. The Yellow Trail Museum was open for visits and dinner was enjoyed at Auntie Amiee’s Country Tea Room on the town square. Participants included 36 class members and 14 guests, as well as one former teacher and his wife. A published and bound history of Hauser and our class was presented to all attendees.
After 55 years, 21 class members, 10 guests and one honorary graduate returned to dine at Hope at the same location as five years earlier, but under the name of WILLow LeaVes.
A few years ago, we realized there will likely be fewer of us each year. So, for some time, we have scheduled a meeting the second Tuesday of each month for lunch; attended by whomever is able to participate.
As we think ahead to number 60 next year…who knows what can be planned? Current life is very fluid. With two teachers, 39 classmates and honorary ones surviving, according to our records, we are in the "thinking" stages. We remain proud Hauser Jets!
