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Class of 1958 50th
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Homecoming Assembly – October 3, 2008
MHS ’58 Alumni Speech to Mankato West High School Students & Guests
I am honored to represent the class of 1958 at your 2008 homecoming assembly. And to have the opportunity to share a few brief snapshots of the way we were in 1958.
Our athletes did very well. Wrestlers were second in the state, Tracksters took districts and regionals. Golfers were Big Nine duel meet champions for the 3rd year. Tennis and baseball teams were Big Nine champs. A memorable sports event was a trip to the state basketball tournament where we placed 4th. The cheerleaders were named “best cheerleaders” for the 1958 state basketball tourney. Our debaters won regionals and earned fifth at state. Our principal was the father of our own Peggy Vihstadt Warren, so this building has lots of history with the class of 1958. You may have noticed that none of the athletic awards included girls’ sports. You are fortunate in this regard to enjoy so many opportunities to compete. This was not an option for the girls in our class.
At school, some of us remember most a special teacher we had. Others the class plays, Time Out for Ginger and The Robe. Music concerts, homecoming and Christmas caroling, the clubs, High News, Otaknam staff, student council, potlucks before football games, football, the state basket ball tournaments, and other sports. There was truly something for everyone. Much of it probably sounds familiar to you.
It was a time when the Whamo Co. introduced the hula hoop, selling over a million hula hoops in 1958. Computers were a long way off and we endured typewriters to do our reports. American bandstand hosted by Dick Clark was launched. We enjoyed the music of the Everly Brothers, Ella Fitzgerald, Perry Como, Ricky Nelson and others.
Gas prices soared from $.19 to $.20 a gallon during our junior year. We must remember, however, that our earnings as carhops and cooks at a drive-in like Jovaag’s root beer stand were a mere $.50 an hour.
The hottest car in the school parking lot for several of our high school years was a pink and black 1957 Ford convertible. Pink and black—Elvis colors. We danced to his music decked out in our felt poodle skirts.
Our advice to you--especially as we gather this weekend—is that when you graduate, whether you remain in Mankato or venture miles away, stay in touch with your good high school friends. In 50 years we have all experienced some wonderful times and also some sad events. To share all of that with good friends from high school, always gaining their support, encouragement and good wishes has been an amazing gift.
And if by chance you lose track or don’t feel that you have time to keep in touch, be sure that you have the likes of our Fred Lutz and Mary Hesla Huntley in town to cover the local news and keep track of class members. They have always been the class of ‘58’s welcoming committee. And what a special feeling it is to come home to such good friends. They also organized the committee which has planned a spectacular reunion for all of us with support from your high school staff.
So our wish for you is that you may return in 50 years to the same warm welcome you have given us. And so from the class of 1958 thank you so much. And enjoy your weekend.
Liz Nelson Shriver, now residing in Cleveland Heights, Ohio
Mankato High Student Council President and first gal to be named to this role, 1957-58.