The 1960s was a defining decade in American history. The assassinations of John and Robert Kennedy and Martin Luther King, man’s first walk on the Moon, the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam war and protests, The Beatles, Elvis, Woodstock, and more changed the country forever.
Memories of those days at Wethersfield High School were shared Friday evening, June 23, at the 19th Hole restaurant for the first-ever reunion of former students from the classes of 1960 through 1969 — with former classmates now ranging in age between 70 and 80 years old. Over 80 alumni attended from 10 states including Texas, Kansas, Colorado, California, Iowa, Indiana, Florida, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Illinois. Including spouses and other guests, attendance easily exceeded 100.
According to organizer, 1967 graduate Kristen Koehler Parish, of Kewanee, the idea for a decadal reunion originated with classmate, Doug Whisker, now living in San Marcos, Calif., who suggested organizing a multi-year reunion inviting members of their class and expanding it to include three or four adjacent classes.
Multi-year reunions involving two or three classes are not uncommon, but, as Parish explained, “One thing led to another, and finally, Doug said ‘How about a 60s reunion?” inviting classes from all 10 years.
Parish enlisted the help of another classmate, Carol Huggins Nauman, of Lancaster, Calif., and alumni from several other classes with the goal to have one contact in each class who would spread the word to their classmates.
Three of Parish’s four Koehler siblings — Mary (Garrett), Andy and Tom — all graduated from Wethersfield in the 60’s which helped with access to those classes.
“Everything was done on Facebook, by email, and word-of-mouth. No R.S.V.P.’s” Parish said. “The staff at the 19th Hole was great to work with providing plenty of space inside and outside and fortunately, it was a beautiful night, weather wise and otherwise, to reminisce.”
The event was scheduled from 4 to 9 p.m. with alumni from the era recalling exploits, experiences and memories of their high school days including some that could only be told now, years later.
Many spoke about the special bond they felt while in school at Wethersfield, and that it was like “one big family.” One yearbook from each of the 10 classes was acquired and senior class pictures were copied from each then used to make name tags to help people identify each other after all these years.
“We lived in interesting times, back then,” said Gerald “Beekie” Patridge,” of the Class of 1966, who now lives in Iowa City. “We all remember where we were when (President) Kennedy was shot and when man took his first step on the moon.”
Six classmates from the 60s were remembered for making the ultimate sacrifice while serving in the military in Vietnam. Dan E. Bryan (’65), Alan DeCraene (’63), Allan Benson (’67), and Don Jones and Jim Werderman (both ’64), were killed in action, while Marshall Price (’64) was reported Missing in Action and his fate is still unknown.
“Sadly, they are not able to be with us, but must not be forgotten,” Parish told the gathering.
She said classes from other years have asked if they could join the group but, for now, they plan to keep it a more manageable 60s-only reunion. She said tentative plans are to have another 60s gathering in two years.
It was announced that for those who graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1973 or earlier, the annual Frank H. Craig Wethersfield Alumni Reunion is being restarted after missing a few years due to the pandemic and will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 20 in the cafeteria at the high school.
A committee led by Donna Bennett Ericson (’69) has been resurrecting address lists for classes who graduated 50 or more years ago. Cards have been mailed to over 700 WHS alumni. More details of that event will be announced soon.
