When 54 students graduated on May 25, 1939, from Salem-Oak Harbor High School (located in the building at 315 North Church Street in Oak Harbor, which is now home to Oak Harbor Middle School), The Wizard of Oz movie was still three months away from being released. At the time of their graduation ceremony, the first air mail route from the U.S. to France was established, and the first night game in major league baseball would be played a month later at Cleveland Municipal Stadium.
Those present at 75th class reunion used their time to reminisce and socialize. For example, I heard stories on how boys asked girls to “walk the halls” after lunch when they were in school. I enjoyed these stories, and getting an insight into the remarkably spry and engaging individuals who sat to enjoy a special lunch and each others’ company.
I learned that the Class of 1939 had met annually since their 50th reunion in 1989, and that Phyllis Bensch, wife of class president Carl Bensch, was instrumental in helping to convene the reunions the past few years. Mrs. Bensch took special care to track the living members of the Class of 1939 and to make sure that they were invited to the reunion in recent years. Mrs. Bensch, along with the help of her daughters, provided home cooked meal, which included her home grown green beans. The meal was served on fine china and silverware which she brought in to commemorate the special gathering. Members of the Class of 1939 made sure that they were there even though some of them no longer drove, and moved a little slower than they used to. They seemed to know that their presence at the reunion was important to the group. Spouses and children from far and wide joined members of the Class of 1939 to make sure that their loved-ones were present, and had a good time.
The reunion of the Class of 1939 was not only a reunion, but also a renewal in the timeless values of commitment and community-mindedness, and of the importance of sustaining the bonds that hold humanity together. Opportunities for reunion and renewal in the values that make life meaningful regardless of your beliefs or background are around us every day. Some days we must look harder to find it and appreciate it, but the reunion of the Class of 1939 confirmed for me that the work of seeking reunion and renewal each day has great rewards for you and those around you.
I will remember that the Class of 1939 has the colors of maroon and gray, has the motto of “He conquers who conquers himself,” and has the class flower of a red rose. More importantly, I will remember the spirit of commitment, community, and fellowship that brought this group together each year to mark their graduation from high school. I wish to extend a thank you to the Salem-Oak Harbor High School Class of 1939 and their families for their example of which we can all be proud. Go Rockets!”