Memories from the Class of 1950

It’s been 75 years since they were in high school. The Buffalo Class of 1950 came together for their annual reunion. A time reflecting on moments of their youth were brought back to life – if only for a day.

Four of the 76 graduating class from 1950 attended the reunion. There are 14 classmates still around, some unable to make it. These 92-year-olds all drove out from the cities to Bison Creek. A gathering they look forward to every year. 

Roger Schultz, Mary Ann (Middagh) Rosenlund, Chester Dorf, and Jeanne (Lindberg) Olsen all arrived, greeting each other with a smile and a warm hello. It is a treat to be in the midst of this generation. The stories unfold.

They talk about everyday life and reminisce, mostly of their time growing up and the fun they had. All four of them lived on farms and went to country school. 

I asked each one of them some questions about school and life. I started with Roger Schultz. Roger is upbeat, wearing a cheerful countenance and a grin. 

“I walked to a one-room country school until high school and then rode a bus. I had chores to do in the morning before school,” Roger said. 

What did you like best about high school? “I liked participating in sports, mainly football and baseball. I liked music, too, and played the clarinet. I had a music scholarship. Band was my favorite class.”

How has life changed school-wise? “Nobody was running around at 1:00 a.m., we had curfews. And, well, there were no shootings. No one ever thought of doing anything like that,” he said with a somber voice. 

I asked Roger about the quote next to his senior picture. “Life’s no better if you worry. Life’s no better if you hurry.” He told me, “I don’t worry a lot, I look ahead. I don’t hurry, I get things right the first time and on time.” 

What have you learned along life’s journey? “To enjoy life. I have had a wonderful life. Hard times, you work through. I believe respect is important,” said Roger. 

The lively Mary Ann (Middagh) Rosenlund. Mary Ann is full of spirit and radiates a passion for life.

“I went to country school with Dorothy Persian and Raymond Holthaus up to eighth grade. We had a wonderful teacher, Elvira Peterson. I milked cows by hand before going to school. We worked hard but had fun doing it. I also raised a herd of sheep, so I wasn’t involved in activities after school,” Mary Ann said. 

What did you like best about high school? “I was able to drive the Model A to school, and biology was my favorite class. I liked cutting up the frogs, she laughed. Mr. Bozart and Mr. Johnson were the biology teachers.”

How has life changed school-wise? “Kids don’t know how to write. They don’t teach penmanship anymore.”

The quote next to your name in the yearbook, “A girl with a smile, is worthwhile.” Mary Ann beamed, “I keep smiling. I haven’t stopped.”

What have you learned along life’s journey? “Be resourceful; be persistent; follow through; have a plan – foresight. Keep learning. Not a day goes by that I don’t learn something,” said Mary Ann.

Next was Chester Dorf. He exudes a sense of calm and ease. “I rode the bus to high school and came home to do chores. I wasn’t involved in any sports, but I enjoyed them in gym class.” 

What did you like best about high school? “I liked going to football games. History was my favorite class,” Chester replied. 

How has life changed school-wise? “The phone service is different, and classes were smaller. Not everything was publicized, like it is now.”                

The quote next to your name, “Be silent. Silence never betrays anyone.” 

“I was more reserved,” he says with a smile.

What have you learned along life’s journey? “Appreciate time with family. Bad times are like a job; you work through them. Marriage is important and means something,” said Chester. 

Jeanne (Lindberg) Olsen eagerly awaits. “I was an only kid, and my father brought me to high school every day until I was old enough to get my license, which was 15,” Jeanne said. 

What did you like best about high school? “Music and drama classes. I was in every play.  My favorite classes were Latin and English,” she expressed. 

How has life changed school-wise? “Students were respectful of teachers. Very few students challenged a teacher,” she said. 

The quote next to your name reads, “Demure and gentle with big brown eyes that twinkle and sparkle and yet look wise.” Jeanne laughed, “I didn’t pick the quote, but someone else did.” She sparkles. 

What have you learned along life’s journey? “Most importantly, maintain a curiosity about life, and stay in touch with the world; keep active and put one foot in front of the other,” said Jeanne. 

There were interesting and funny stories. Life was different. All of them endured hardships, suffered loss, and yet have a positive outlook on life. You couldn’t help but be lifted by them. 

 I would like to acknowledge Jim and Jean (Wandersee) McDonnell, who were in the Class of 1950. Their impact on the Buffalo community continues through the Journal-Press. To Dwayne Puffer, the Class of 1950 and a friend, who led me to help with the reunions. And, to my dad, Phil Brown, the Class of 1950, whose legacy continues to make me proud.