BHS Class of ’57 prepares for annual reunion
“What it means to every one of us is the friendship that we have. That friendship is number one, because we’re all very good friends …”
Carole Maclaren
For Bridgewater High
School's Class of 1957, their connection remains strong even after 65 years.
Following their 10-year reunion in 1967, the group liked the idea of gathering so much that they gradually increased their meetups, from every 10 years to every five before moving to every three years and, finally, every year. The only time since then that they haven't met up was in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We know it's unique,” says reunion committee member and classmate Carole Maclaren. “What it means to every one of us is the friendship that we have. That friendship is number one, because we're all very good friends … We all think so much of it. We're very loyal to each other.”
Now into their 80s, their group has dwindled from 21 to 10, but there's never been a suggestion from anyone that they should stop. As a small class, Maclaren says they grew up with each other, attending school together from primary right up until graduation. She says the group was always “very close” and “very social.”
“We don't let go of it because we really think a lot of each other,” she says.
Another secret to their longevity is the organizing committee, which has remained dedicated to making sure the reunion happens, if everyone wants it to.
“That's been the success of this because we wouldn't let go,” she says. “And we will take a vote every time (with the entire class) to see if they want to continue and they do.”
Once it's decided they should continue, Maclaren
says they immediately book next year's venue. And while
it's up to each person to book their own stay, Maclaren does follow up with any “scallywags” closer to the event to see if they are coming.
Along with the 10 classmates this year, four spouses will also be attending, something that has been included since the beginning. Reunions also included former teachers, who Maclaren says they “remember with great respect” as they were always supportive of the class, even after they graduated.
Events have varied over the years. During one reunion, she says, they dressed up as cheerleaders and football players and did a routine at a local restaurant.
“We had somebody local drive us in his convertible with a Class of 57 playing by the Statler Brothers,” says Maclaren. “And then we went in there, and we did our performance; I don't know how we did that.”
This year's reunion will take place at White Point Lodge on Sept. 8. The group will first meet for lunch, then supper before finishing the weekend off with a breakfast the next morning.
“It's like old home week when we get together," says Maclaren.