65 years and counting
PHS Class of ‘53 reminisces and honors
A group of almost 30 people gathered Saturday afternoon at the Porterville Elks Lodge to commemorate their 65th year since graduating from Porterville High School.
“We were a class of 300-plus students,” said PHS class of 1953 graduate Marlene Mainford as she looked around the room at all of her high school friends. “Many, many years have gone by and now we are expecting about 28 folks tonight to attend.”
Mainford said she and her classmates would spend the evening mingling around and dining together like they have for many reunions since graduation, but this particular reunion wouldn’t be quite as animated as others of years gone by.
“We don’t do that now, I don’t think we can handle dancing now,” laughed Mainford. With so many years gone by since graduation day and the
passing of many classmates, the organizers decided to hold the reunions more frequently to capture as many opportunities as possible to get together.
“We would normally do our high school reunion every 10 years, but this is the first time we do it in five years,” she said.
Joe Faure, former Porterville mayor and veterinarian Alfred Adams were both at the bar remembering the good old days.
“This is great. We were talking about my years of involvement in the city,” said Faure. “My pal and I get to catch up.”
Jerry and Elaine Orton flew all the way from Alaska to attend the reunion.
“I have attended every class reunion since my graduation,” said Mr. Orton.
Class president Jim Braly thanked people for what they did to put the reunion together. Every classmate at the event had a list of names of all the people who graduated in 1953, and he also asked if anyone know of somebody who is not on the list of those who passed away added the class president.
“They’ve asked me to have a prayer, not only for those who have passed, but also for many people who are not in good enough health to come,” said Braly.
The class proceeded to stand up and bow their heads as he prayed and thanked God for the many years they’ve all been together as a class.
“We pray Lord for those who are ill and were not able to make it. Give them comfort and ease in their trials that they are going through,” said Braly.
The class remained standing, faced the American flag and began to recite the pledge of allegiance — a gesture that drew a humorous remark from one of the classmates.
“After sixty five years, we are lucky to even stand up,” said Mainford.
Ray Camarena was in the company of his wife Linda Camarena, who said her husband loves his class reunions, and is part of the committee who puts them together.
“I remember when PHS had wooden floors and my years as a cross country member. I was number one in my class,” said Ray Camarena as he made his way across the room greeting fellow class mates. “Everyone enjoys it, and this is a way for us to keep in touch and up to date with each other.”
The class of 1953 will hold their next reunion in five years, and Camarena and Mainford are hopeful that many of those in attendance Saturday night are able to make it.