It Happen... It’s Over... but the memories will live on.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Flint Central Class of 1959 had their 50th Reunion on September 3-4-5, 2009 at the Holiday Inn Gateway on Hill Road in Flint.  Before we talk about the numbers let us tell you about what went on.

Thursday, September 3rd the Hospitality room open and people started arriving to check in.  There were squeezles  of excitement as “old” friends were greeted.  Hugs and kisses welcome all.  Firm handshakes and pats on the back with squinted eyes greeted others.  You could see it in the faces.  Immediated recognition or questioning who that really was that just walked in.

It didn’t take long once the name badges with pictures went on for little groups to get together and start talking about Central.  Lot’s of smiling faces.  In the background was some Doo Wop music could be heard.  “Little Darling” by the Diamonds made you want to dance.  As a matter of fact…Kay Morris-Brown from Flint and Lynda Gibson-Johnson from Illinois were dancing and we got it on video.

As the gang signed in each was handed a “Red & Black” tote bag as a gift.  The bags were embroidered with our “Indian” logo and 50th Reunion Flint Central Class of 1959.  Guests were give and “Red & Black” 6 pack cooler with the “Indian” on it.

Lots of photos were taken.   Lots of photos from the 50’s were laid out on the tables.  Addresses and emails were exchanged.  Around the room were memorabilia of Central.  Copies of the year book and the “Arrowhead” school newspaper were laid out.  There was even a map of Michigan and the United States showing where class mates were located.  Dorothy ( Dottie) Needham-Moreno put the map together and it was interesting to see how spread out our classmates lived.  We had someone  from Alaska (Verner Stilner).  From New Hampshire to Oregon.  From California to Florida.  They cam from everywhere to celebrate that “Once a Flint Central Indian..Always a Flint Central Indian”. Of course we were celebrating our 50th Year since graduating in June of 1959.  The Class of 1959 was the largest class of Seniors in a long time, over 800 strong.  In 1960 Southwestern open and class sizes were reduced at Central.

On a sad note Flint Central closed its’ doors on June 12, 2009.  That was 50 years to the date that we graduated from our Alma Mata  No final determination has been made as to the disposition of Central. The Central Alumni Association has a video of the highlight of that day.  It is available for $10. From the Alumni  Association.  We have a link to their site on our website.

Now on to good news.  People continue to drift in to the Hospitality Room to register for the festivities.  Late Thursday afternoon many collected to drive over to Crapo Street.  We collected in front of Central by the last Flint Central Indian signs on campus.  Groups gathered by Junior Highs to have group photos taken.  Many gathered with friends to have individual photos and video as  remembrances  for sharing when they got back home.

After an hour and a half the group moved to Kewpies downtown at Court and S Saginaw.  Locals now know it as Halo Burger but it will always be Kewpies to those returning to Flint after many years.  Our hamburger joint was kept open after regular inside business hours just for the Class of 1959.  We had close to 100 people come for that special taste.  I think they use to say that Kewpies’  “With a pickle on top would make you heart go flippity flop” or something like that.  Remember the Vernors Cream Ales ? Next story use to be a Vernors bottling plant and the outside wall still has the mural of the Vernors gnomes.  Fond memories.  Just like years ago the “KIDS” were hopping from table to table to get the latest gossip.

Service was so great that we passed the hat and collected over $106.00 as a “tip’ for the Kewpies’ crew.  They were surprised.  We gave them big thanks and said the next time we come there they were buying. Yea, right.  We received some discount coupons and a few T-shirts with  the Halo Burger logo.  On very full tummy’s  the crowd broke up and drifted back to the Holiday Inn Gateway.

Originally we would have been going to a Flint Central football game at Atwood Stadium but, with the closing of Central no football game.  Big disappointment.

Crowds gathered all over Gateway.  The lobby, hospitality room and the bar.  Lots of catching up to do and making seating arrangements for the Friday Banquet.

Words cannot  capture the excitement in the air.  Wallets whipped out photos of kids and grandkids maybe even great grandkids. 

So much to tell.  So much to hear and see.
Some could only come Thursday night.  So glad they were there.
Finally the crowd begin to drift off to rested  up for the Main Event on Friday.

More will follow in a few days about Friday and the rest of the 50th Reunion of the Flint Central Class of 1959.  If you have comments or photos please contact us or send to the reunion committee.