People often reminisce about the good old days, and last Friday, the Linn School’s Class of 1951 was able to relive them for a few hours.
The reunion, which included seven of the class members, took place at Carol and Billy Simmons’ home in Baird.
Travis Cooper, who now lives in Shaw, planned it and all of the day’s activities were kept a surprise.
As everyone arrived, whispers could be heard throughout the room, “What does Travis Earl have planned for today? Do you know what we are doing today?”
The afternoon started with Cooper pulling up to the Simmons’ front door honking the horn of an old Ford Galaxie convertible, with the top down and a sign stretched across both sides and the back that read “Linn School: Class of 1951.
After everyone had come out to admire the car, they were ushered back inside where they found class sweaters waiting for all of them.
With their class wear on, everyone was guided into the dining room where a delicious Southern lunch was waiting for them, prepared by Carol Simmons.
Chicken, green beans and deviled eggs were just a few of the main menu items and of course a big jar of sweet tea. As everyone enjoyed their food, there were old stories shared and much reminiscing.
Pure joy could be seen on every face.
When lunch was finished, Cooper asked for pencils and paper for everyone.
“We never got to vote for a Class King and Queen, he said, so that’s what we are going to do now.”
Excitement echoed through the room as everyone quickly scribbled down their votes and passed them to the end of the table.
“Well, the votes are in and it looks like everyone is a winner,” Cooper announced as crowns and tiaras were passed around to everyone.
Then they went back outside to the convertible where they all climbed in.
Once they were situated in the car, pom poms were passed out to everyone and Cooper taught them a class cheer.
After the cheer, they took a quick whirl around the block, or rather the Simmons’ circular driveway, and then it was back inside for everyone.
At that point, they were all surprised to learn that they were going to get to take the class trip that they had never gotten to go on their senior year.
However, before they could go, they had to “earn” their way just like they would have done in 1951.
Ruth Hood Gann, Annelle Smithart and Marjory Boone hosted a bake sale. Sarah McGovern, Gann, Smithart and Boone held a car wash. Therrell Pressgrove, Billy Simmons and Cooper picked up aluminum cans.
Cooper then passed out flat caps for everyone to wear on their trip.
“Let these caps remind you that we want to take the right trip,” Cooper said. “Wear these caps anytime one of us passes away to the cemetery and remember we all want to end up in the right place, and we will meet again there.”
Finally, before they took their class trip, which was a train ride from Baird to Moorhead, McGovern passed out snacks that she had brought for everyone.
“You can’t take a trip without some refreshments,” she said.
The refreshments included a glass bottle Coke, peanuts and moon pies.
While many people claim that the good old days are gone, the Linn Class of 1951 proved that anyone can still experience the happiness and simplicity of life if they just slow down for an afternoon.
Of course, it also doesn’t hurt to have a passionate organizer like Travis Cooper.
