Ten members of the 50th Reunion Committee met in Cushing Jan. 25, 2001 for a planning session in the home of co chair Mary Louise Pancoast Smith. Co chair Neta (Darnaby) Blake also was present. Class officers attending were John Leftwich, president, and Mary Lou (Quick) Phillips, vice president. Events were discussed and information has been sent by mail to all class members whose addresses are known.

At this writing, the following classmates still had not been located: Donald Allen, Carolyn Franklin Hinsley, Russell C. Hays, William E. Kidwell, Jack Murray, Ruby Lee Mayfield Quimby, Robert Steel, Billie Cecil Wood, and Duane F. Wood. Information provided about any of the “missing” will be very welcome. Call Mary Louise Pancoast Smith at 1-800-259-4198.

Several special sessions just for the "Golden Class" are scheduled among the all-classes reunion festivities. Friday evening, the 25th, has been set aside for decorating the Class of ‘51’s float entry for the big parade Saturday morning. All available '51 alumni will meet Friday at 7 p.m. to create the float in Buck and Neta Blake's building on the northeast corner of Main and Steele (across Main north of the old Bunny's site). Food will be provided and there will be plenty of time for talk and "catching up." The “Golden Grads” will meet at a designated site (TBA) at 10 a.m. Saturday to ride on the float. If decorating goes as planned Friday evening, there should be time also to attend the Reunion Mixer (all classes), which continues until midnight in the old Walters Furniture Store downtown.

Prior to the parade Saturday morning, a pancake breakfast will be available from 7:30 to 10 at the Lions Den, 124 W. Broadway. The charge will be minimal.

Following the parade, a “Class of ’51 Welcoming Station” will be open at the Cushing Senior Citizens’ Center, 203 E. Cherry. Until approximately 4 p.m., old friends can nibble on provided snacks while continuing to enjoy stories and memorabilia. Everyone is asked to bring pictures, scrapbooks, yearbooks, old programs, and other varieties of "memory nudgers" to share!

An awards assembly for the entire reunion is scheduled at 1 p.m. Saturday in Cushing's Community Theater (near the site of the old Paramount Theater).

The Class of '51 has planned its reunion dinner at the Cushing Country Club (on Ninth Street, 2.75 miles east of Linwood) Saturday, May 26. It will begin with a class photo session at 5:30 p.m., with dinner and a brief program to follow. Suggested attire is dressy, but not formal.

The contracted photographer has a reputation for excellent pictures and prompt service, so the problems experienced after the 45th reunion are not a concern.

Following the dinner, class members are welcome to attend the big all-classes reunion dance at the Elks Lodge on Highway 33 east of Cushing.

No official events are scheduled Sunday.

Total cost for the Class of '51 special gatherings (float party, welcome station, banquet) will be $25 per person. Prices of the class photo, pancake breakfast or any other all-classes events are separate. Registration and fees (checks payable to Class of ’51) should be sent PRIOR TO MAY 1 to: Mary Louise Smith, c/o PO Box 1387, Cushing, OK 74023-1387.

All alumni are responsible for obtaining their own lodging, and space in Cushing is very limited. However, Mary Lou Phillips, now a Stillwater resident, notes that Stillwater has a number of motels, which would be within easy driving distance.

The Cushing High Alumni Center downtown has honored the Class of ’51 by asking members to display items in the front windows representative of their special year. Photos will highlight hairstyles and fashions, but no other specifics about the exhibition were unavailable at press time. Everyone is encouraged to visit the CHS Alumni Hall during the reunion. Memorabilia and financial donations always are welcome.

Other 1950-51 class members attending the committee meeting in January included: Kenneth Case, Jane Bryant, Jeanne Burke Ryan, Martha Mull Phillips, Connie Odom Sharp, and Jan Fairbanks Burton. J.Lyall Smith and Martha's husband, Ray, provided experienced consultation.

For further information regarding Class of ’51 events, contact Mary Louise Pancoast Smith (1-800-259-4198, weekdays; or at home 918-225-3110). In the Tulsa area: Martha Phillips, 918-494-5089; in the Oklahoma City area: Jane Bryant, 405-321-5429, or Jan Burton, 405-321-6654.