It is that time of year again.

On the last Thursday of August, the CMCS class of 1952 held its 55th year celebration as alumni at Mott Park in the Village of Cato.

Class members and their spouses enjoyed a picnic and each couple brought an item to share. After eating, lots of conversations took place with many jokes and laughter. All seemed to think they were teenagers again, reliving their high school days.

A photo of one of two fourth-grade classes made several trips around the crowd. Several of the students were not identified, but no one could add any names. There was a request for a copy of the photo. A copy was made the next day and sent on to a classmate along with a belated 55th wedding anniversary card. Come to find out, Vernon and Janet Koller Amidon's 55th wedding anniversary was Aug. 30, the same day as the reunion.

Bob Gillmore had assembled and displayed the cards and letters he received from classmates that did not attend. Photos of past reunions of the class were in a small album that everyone could look at.

About 2 p.m., the call went out for all class members present to assemble outside the north side of the picnic shelter. On an easel was something (approximately 20 inches by 30 inches) covered up. I had been asked by Mark Fabrizio, son of class member Melanie Tindall Fabrizio, what clout did she have to see that a Class of 1952 graduation photo could be put up in the hallway where other class graduation photos were in what is now the Cato Meridian Middle School. Home I went, found Jim's class photo and within a few days took it to Baldwinsville to have one made up. Class members were very pleased with the framed photo, after it was unveiled. Many went back to look at it several times. Now to get it up in the hallway at the middle school.

While the class members were still gathered in a group, Carol Summerville gave a memorial speech honoring their departed classmate Irene Miller Wilber. Shortly after Carold finished, she called to Bob Gillmore that there was some unfinished business to take care of. Bob stated that he and Carol wished to make me (Jim Southard's wife) an adopted member of the Class of 1952. It was approved unanimously. I wish to thank the class for doing this, but feel spouses of other classmates should also be adopted next year, when the reunion is held again.

Of course, a class photo was taken (15 members were present for the photo) standing behind the stone and plaque telling about the basketball court at Mott Park being named for Fred Pople, a deceased 1952 classmate. Cameras appeared from everywhere.

It was about 3:30 p.m. when a car drove in and out stepped a former teacher, Mrs. Natalie Cook. Many had her as a commercial teacher during their CMCS high school days. She made the rounds visiting most attendees.

With some digital cameras present, Bob Gillmore had brought his photo developing printer, so everyone got to see some of the photos that were taken during the afternoon.

Those attending were: Bob and Nancy Gillmore, Don and Pat Duger, Vern and Janet Amidon, John and Bobbi Calkings, Leigh and Elanor Pittroff, Pat and Carol Hovey, Hank and Jeanie White, Jim and Helen Tyler, Carol Summerville and Chuck Welch, David and Sylvia Lee, Jim and Dorthy Southard, Martha Shaw, Melanie Fabrizio, Frank Cunningham, Ed Sears and Mrs. Natalie Cook.

Cleanup started at 4:30 p.m. Afterwards folks left waving goodbye and shouts of “see you next year - same place, day and time.” Hopefully all will stay healthy and can come again next year to reminisce. It would be nice if the remainder of the class could attend, especially those that live nearby.

See you next year.

Dorothy Southard is the town of Ira historian.