Holliston Class of 1953 Reunion
HOLLISTON CLASS OF 1953 celebrated its 60th class reunion the weekend of Celebrate Holliston starting with a Meet ‘n Greet at Restaurant 45 Friday night. Tom Laronga and Don Guyton are two of the 23 classmates and spouses who were treated to a ride on a float provided by Don Kramer at Celebrate Holliston. Joining Don and Tom on the float were Ann (Borden) Aldrich, Dot (Kairit) Mailhoit, Barbara (MacManus) Danahy, Paul Kingsbury, Joyce Comstock, Betty Marchand, Ron Greene, Class President Bob Valpey, Don Elliott, Dick Seavey, Lorretta (Charles) Harper, and Doris (Sonior) Mee.
The Class of ’53 graduated with 38 classmates. The first reunion was the 5th year celebrated with a cookout Friday evening at Dave Noble’s home on Washington Street. Saturday night was the dinner dance at the Legion returning to Dave Noble’s house Sunday for a brunch.
They shared memories of the Wilder School in East Holliston providing classes for four grades in two rooms and Andrews School housing grades one through four.
They continue to have reunions every five years remembering walking in the Celebrate Holliston Parade for their 50th and winning a trophy for “Most Energetic and Enthusiastic.”
Tom and Don reminisced about having their Senior Prom at the Town Hall. They decorated the Town Hall entrance from the street up into the hall with a red carpet. Dennison Corp. supplied the paper sky complete with stars. It was made sure that all classmates attended with dates. No one was left out. This night would be remembered as the very first “Socks Hop” at the Town Hall with a Disc Jockey. They have always ended the dance with God Bless America.
One classmate, unidentified, continues to reside in Holliston.
On the weekend of Sept. 20, 21, and 22nd the classmates celebrated their 60th reunion in the same way they have in the 60 years since graduation. The Meet ‘n Greet on Friday night was held at The 45 Restaurant; Saturday, riding on a float in the Celebrate Holliston Parade; Saturday evening, enjoying a private dinner and dance at Manhattan’s, Top of the Court, in Milford; Sunday, the grand finale. All sixteen classmates and seven spouses gathered for a brunch at the Double Tree Hotel to say their good-byes until their 65th reunion. I look forward to seeing all of them in the Celebrate Holliston Parade at that time.
For the 55th reunion they took a tour in a school bus visiting points of
interest including their High School, which had burnt down across Cutler School
and remains an empty lot.
They remembered Miss Crary, their first grade teacher, who lived on Franklin
Street, visited classmates confined to home and ended the tour at Pleasure Point
toasting to “Life.”
Many served in the military during peace time. We thank all of those who served
our great country.
(Don Guyton, left, and Tom Laronga at Pejamajo Cafe)