Five Mile Beat > 50-year reunion, ’50s weekend
Written by Joyce Gould Wednesday, October 19, 2011 02:57 pm
It’s been 50 years since the class of 1961 graduated Wildwood High School.
Most people just have their year for a 50th class reunion at their respective school, but Wildwood does it differently, with reunions including the classes from the beginning of the school in the 1930s, although not too many from those days still attend. However, many who graduated in the 1940s and later turn out each year.
The event is a dinner dance although few dance because they are so busy visiting with their former classmates. It is amazing to hear about where and when everyone has been, especially those who have stayed in the Wildwoods. The dinner was held at the Wildwoods Convention Center.
Chairwoman of the event is Snooks Bailie, class of 1954, Treasurer Chris Taglialatela, class of 1952, and Secretary Eileen Carlson Fausey, class of 1960.
Committee members are: Helen Fulginiti Rague, ’46, Connie D’Amico Petrosino, ’48, Marge Nestor Koester, ’48, James Bratten, ’49, Janet Polis Blackmore, ’55, Louise Barber McHugh, ’56, Beverly Gross Clark, ’56, Anne Vinci, ’57, Phyliss Bilotti Bethel, ’58, Pat Schramm Flanagan, ’58, Mary McBride Carlson, ’59. and Dorothy Coloangelo Stitt, ’61.
Every year, class friends donate to the Wildwood High School scholarship fund for new students coming into the high school. This past year Irma Friesenborg McVey, class of ’53, died, and she left a substantial donation to the 50-plus committee with instructions to use it as they wished. The flowers on the tables that night were in her memory. The remaining money will go the scholarship fund.
Those present from the class of ’61 were Bill Baker, June Bogushesky, Allen Johnson, Margaret Thompson, Gail Cohen, Wayne Vogel, Martin Way, Mo Bixler, Bill Bramble, Dorothy Stitt, John Moyer, Doris Minore, Lola Borden, General Jeffrey Pierson, Edith Mortorano, George Schmidt, Terry Allen and Virginia Wood.
This past weekend was the “Fabulous Fifties Weekend” at Fox Park and the Wildwoods Convention Center. The weekend started with the Jerry Blavat dance party, where more than 1,400 attended, and they had a blast. Saturday day was at Fox Park with music galore “Love Affair,” “Bandstand,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll.” There were also food vendors, craft vendors and marketplace, and the Philly Phantic.
The biggest portion of the weekend is the concert at the Wildwoods Convention Center. As always the musical groups were sensational. The “Cadillacs” had to cancel so the Capris replaced them and sang some of their greatest hits including “Run around Sue,” and “There’s a Moon out Tonight,” from 1959.
Vito Picone and the Elegants sang their hits “Little Star,” “Sea Cruise,” “Love Potion #9,” and delighted the crowd with their anecdotes. Jimmy Beaumont and the Skyliners, also sang their hits “This I Swear,” and “Since I Don’t Have You.”
Diamond Dave Sommerville, who is 78 and looks fabulous sang, his hits from the “Diamonds,” “Why do fools fall in love,” “The Stroll and Silouettes.”
The headliner was Little Anthony and the Imperials and their smash hit “Tears on my Pillow.” Also they sang “Hurts so Much” and “Going out of my head.” The highlight of the night was when the Philly Phanatic came on stage with Little Anthony.
It was a great night and kudos to Tracey Du Fault, Lori and Dave Roach and all who helped make the weekend great. More than 3,000 had a great time.
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|