ELLSWORTH – In 1935, a lady named Carol Gilbertson told another named Hilma Lawrence she had a “happy inspiration.” That inspiration was to gather “girls” who were home for the summer to meet somewhere. Ten ladies met at a park in River Falls for food, fun, and conversation.

The gathering of ladies continued annually and in 1943 it was suggested that a committee of three be formed to come up with a name for this loosely knit organization. In 1944, the Reunionettes was introduced.

Females who have graduated from Ellsworth Senior High School 50 or more years ago are members of the Reunionettes. While the first gathering numbered 10, the most recent drew over 50 alumni. This group has seen the beginning and ending of a number of wars. They have experienced great joy and suffered great sorrow. Until the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing stopped the group from meeting on an annual basis to enjoy one another’s camaraderie.

Women are resilient and bounce back gracefully. The Reunionettes are meeting at noon on Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021, at The Ridgetop (W10516 US Highway 10, Prescott). Cost is $15 per person payable at the door. All ladies who graduated from Ellsworth Senior High School in 1971 or prior are welcome to come for an afternoon of lunch, prizes, entertainment, and conversation.

RSVP to Karen Cernohous ([email protected] or 715-262-5504), Joyce Engnes ([email protected] or 715-3073935), or Karen Meyer ([email protected] 715-2or735949) prior to Aug. 19.