DECATUR56 Fifty-Year Reunion

Photo Albums: Before Dinner Vol. 1 Before Dinner Vol. 2 During Dinner

Streaming Video: Slide Show Presented During the Reunion
Video recorded in the ballroom
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Class of 1956 reminisces with ‘Those Were the Days’ talent show

Most high school reunions feature dinner, maybe a few old yearbooks and photos and some light conversation to catch up with each other, but Decatur High School's Class of 1956 wanted something different. Its 50th reunion night would feature a talent show showcasing class members and favorite songs of the year. It was appropriately titled "Those Were the Days."

Aug. 12 at Holiday Inn was a night to remember, as this class reminisced the years.

Emceed by Janet Nungester Bentley, a video of photographs opened the night. Nancy Terry, wife of classmate Scotty Terry, provided background vocals for the video with her performance of several memory-themed songs. Bentley also provided the technical assistance for the video presentation.

While many classmates went different ways after graduation, several stayed together with wedding bells in the air. The night would honor seven couples from the class who had walked down the aisle, along with 10 others who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversaries. Carol Cook (Cookie) Magnusson and Dan Herrin sang "Puppy Love" and "Goin' to the Chapel" in their honor.

Following a trip down memory lane, the fun was just beginning with the re-enactment of a 1954 talent show. Peggy Francis Atkins performed "A Good Man is Hard to Find" and "Silver Dollar," accompanied by her sister Betty Francis Allen. Later in the evening, she sang the Patsy Cline favorite "Crazy."

Barbara Bumpus Dawes shared her rendition of "Teach Me Tonight," while Janice Hornbuckle Allison did her impersonation of Minnie Pearl.

Elvis impersonator Roger Hill also entertained the more than 140 guests in attendance while classmates enjoyed a buffet dinner and some "flicks" from Decatur featuring such hometown memories as the downtown shops, bowling, the drive-in and Seneca Springs. Social hour piano selections of '50s music were performed by Mary Virginia Roan, and a trumpet tribute to Bobby Cain was played by Robbie Stout.

Don Meek offered the evening prayer. Pat Cornell, class president, was also present.

"We just had the best time being a part of it," said Atkins.

Also part of the reunion was a brunch at Bill and Suzanne Stone's river cabin. This was attended by classmates from California, Texas, Virginia, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Georgia, the Carolinas and, of course, all over Alabama.

The committee heading the weekend festivities included the Stones, Pat and Ellen Cornell, Patsy Byars Cassimus, Patsy Segars Grisham, Sharon Hastings Hurst and husband Ralph, Betsy and James Hurst, Meme Hudson Dupes, Magnusson, Allison, Bentley, Atkins and Allison.

Correspondence following the weekend agreed, "We had a wonderful time."

Story by Wendy N. McDougal
DECATUR DAILY Staff Writer