In 1953 the average life expectancy was 70 years. While the high school in Maiden Rock lasted only until 1956, the Class of 1953 is still going strong. Of the 27 class members, 10 survive and eight gathered on Sept. 7 to celebrate their 70^th anniversary.

Holding a reunion is part of the DNA of the class of 1953. In the 70 years since graduating, we have held 27 complete reunions and two other events where some attended. It is unlikely that very many classes can match that record, especially since Maiden Rock was a small school, has been closed for years and that there was no event facility in Maiden Rock where a reunion could be held.

In addition to the 27, we have included four others who were part of the class but did not graduate from Maiden Rock. Teachers have also been invited and six have attended, some many times. In 1973 the classes of 1952 and 1954 were also invited. For our 55^th in 2008, all who had attended MRHS during the 1950’s were invited. Because most of those classes were small, they were not having reunions. We located 111 living graduates, of whom 53 attended. Total attendance was about 150 which included graduates, teachers and family members.

We agreed on our senior class trip to have a reunion every five years and we did in 1958. However, no plans were made to do it again and none was held in 1963. We then held a reunion in 1968 and a committee was named to hold the next one. We followed that five-year pattern until 2003. Because there was no place to meet in Maiden Rock, they were held in a variety of locations: Plum City, Durand, Hudson, Prescott, Red Wing. These were evening, dinner events.

In 2003 we had a 50^th year reunion and decided that because we were losing people more rapidly, that we should meet every year. We have done so every year except for the Pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Since we are retired and our numbers are smaller, we have met for lunch at a classmate’s home, including a Minneapolis high rise.

The 2023 event was held at Harriet Rothe’s place near Maiden Rock. Eight graduates and one who did not attended. As might be expected with a group in their late 80’s, there were about as many others attending who provided transportation.

The class of 1953 has always been a closely connected group. Eleven of us began first grade together and 23 went through all four years of high school with the class. While none of us now live in Maiden Rock, we are for the most part close enough to get together each year. We send out regular mailings updating on what is happening in our lives. When a classmate dies, we send flowers and as many as possible attend the service.

How much longer will we continue to meet? Only time will tell. But at present there is a lot of energy and determination to keep going. Given our history, I expect that some of us will gather in 2028 to celebrate 75 years.

Submitted by Manley Olson, Maiden Rock High school Class of 1953