St. Andrew’s Parish High School celebrates 65th Class Reunion
by Donna Jacobs
Nothing brings on the stories, memories, and fun like high school senior class reunions.
The St. Andrew’s Parish High School Class of 1959’s 65th reunion hit all the marks — two days of food, drinks, laughter and camaraderie. Friday’s social, hosted by Joe Allen and Saturday’s fun, hosted by Mary Alice Elsey Vann. All the festivities punctuated with a scrapbook compiled by Linda Fox Irwin to enjoy.
In the Introduction to Byrnes Downs, I suggest that the concept of six degrees of separation—a person is only six or fewer social connections away from each other—does not apply to St. Andrew’s Parish. Here it is more like two degrees. My recent invitation to join The St. Andrew’s Parish High School Class of 1959’s 65th reunion is the perfect example.
The back story. I met Fran Mellette while waiting in line to be seated for lunch at TW Graham in McClellanville. Fran grew up in West Ashley and suggested I speak with her father as he grew up in West Ashley in the 1940s and 1950s. I called Bill, we had a delightful conversation. Bill was in the Class of 1959.
Next thing I know, I received an email from Hugh Hiott, who helped with the history of Melrose and Shalimer (subject of previous West Ashley Flashback columns). Hugh was in the Class of 1959. Then I was invited to Joe Allen’s for the Friday soiree for the Class of 1959. The alumni graciously accepted me into their festivities. I learned that many had read “West Ashley” or were featured in some way in the book. What an honor to glean more stories, pictures and perspectives about the early suburban days in St. Andrew’s Parish.
There were 126 graduates in the Class of 1959 and close to 30 alumni gathered to celebrate together this year due in large part to the efforts of Linda Fox Irwin. What a testament to community, friendship and school spirit. Conversations contained the continued fond memories of:
1) Bernard Hester, the beloved teacher turned principal, who inspired so many students during his tenure.
2) The musical productions featured in last month’s West Ashley Flashback – these stories are never ending.
3) Favorite teachers with the notation that Mrs. Kline, who taught SC History, was still living.
4) The hallowed ground of the “Senior Steps” and “Senior Lawn” — places where no underclassman dared to tread (underclassman entered the side door at the school).
5) The senior trip to New York City in June of 1959 – a twelve hour train ride.
6) Crossing ditches to meet friends who lived in adjacent neighborhoods like Avondale, Ashley Forest and St. Andrew’s Homes.
7) Paying a quarter to see a movie on Saturday at the Ashley Theater in Avondale.
8) Enjoying one of Mrs. Little’s hamburgers while listening to the jukebox at the Magnolia Drug Store (the restaurant Mex 1 occupies this space today). Time just flew by.
Kudos to your school spirit and camaraderie: Joe Allen, Donna Farrell, Linda Fox, Nancy Carter, Mary Alice Elsey, Cal and Pam Hoffman, Bobbie Doscher, Hugh and Denise Hiott, Ralph Shrivalle, Ada Carter, Bill Mellette, Mary Lou Pendarvis, Weezie Weekley, Kenneth and Salley Davey, Herb Koger, Bobbie and Cecil Boniford, Bobbie’s sister – Joann, Kiki Angelos, John Furlow, Brenda Henderson, Buster Searson, Betsy Burke, Marlene Seigmann, and John Weatherford. May all your reunions continue to be fun
St. Andrew’s Parish High School stories? Contact Donna Jacobs at westashleybook@gmail.com.
