Don Garrard presents Ann (Cleveland) Williams with a bouquet in appreciation for her work in organizing the Walnut Grove reunion. All students who attended the school -- which closed in 1966 -- were invited to the reunion at Sarah’s Cafe in Walnut Grove.By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Walnut Grove High School ceased to exist in 1966, after fire destroyed the neighboring high school and led to the merger of the two schools, as West End High School.
But the students who attended Walnut Grove gathered June 8 for the third annual reunion not just of one graduating class, but of all those who attended Walnut Grove.
The reunion was at Sarah’s Café in Walnut Grove. The café now displays some Walnut Grove memorablia – a diploma, some photos of graduating classes and photos of the school as it looked as far back as 1926. There are photos of former custodian Samuel R. Higdon and his wife, first grade teacher Eiddessa C. Higdon.
Those attending the reunion ranged from the class of 1949 to the class of 1968 – students who attended Walnut Grove but were graduated from West End.
Good-natured touches of the old rivalry resurfaced as everyone stood and gave their names and the year they graduated. The West End grads got a few boos.
Some recalled how intense the rivalry was: one graduate remembered a car load of his classmates passing a woman on the street who hailed from the rival town. She was with her children, he said, and obviously had gotten food for the family, which she was carrying in bags. The guys in the car taunted her and she threw the bags of food at them.
Stanley Pruett, of the class of 1962, served as master of ceremonies for the reunion, joking that he was “ad libbing it.” He had collected some facts and figures about Walnut Grove, and about events of 1963 – the class celebrating the 50th anniversary of graduation.
Pruett gave Ann (Cleveland) Williams credit for making phone calls to get as many classmates as possible together for the reunion. She said it was not hard to do. Some classmates still live in the area or nearby, or maintain ties with people in the area.
The classmates gave special recognition to those graduates who became teachers, and those who served their country in the military.
There were many of those, who served in Korea or Vietnam, and several who specifically mentioned serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
“You know those pictures that showed the missiles?” one veteran said, “I was on the aircraft that took those pictures.”
“I was up for discharge,” another said, “and I couldn’t leave.”
In reviewing events of 1963, another Walnut Grove alum recalled the assassination of President John. F. Kennedy.
“Me and (another classmate) had skipped school and were playing pool in Boaz,” he said.
Many of the former students took the opportunity not only to recall Walnut Grove with pride, but to brag about their individual classes.
Flonnie (Walls) Bellamy proclaimed the class of 1956 as the “best class that ever graduated.”
Another graduate said the class of 1957 might have been one of the smallest – with 19 students – but it was the best.
Yet another graduate offered that his class had only 13 graduating seniors.
“There were 13 girls and three boys,” he said. “Those were good proportions.”
When Ollie Lee introduced himself, classmates recalled how he got a scholarship for $500 – full tuition, at that time – to Lee University, and some teachers told him he shouldn’t take it. He did, and after studying at Lee, he became a sociology professor there.
“How long have you been at Lee?” someone asked.
“Forty-six years,”
The former students of Walnut Grove enjoyed a good meal at Sarah’s buffet, and cakes decorated in school colors. They had the chance to renew some acquaintances, to reminisce about years gone by and to reflect on classmates who’ve passed on.
Then the students started to drift away, too soon for some. “After they eat, everybody starts to leave,” Annie Green, of the class of 1965, said. She said about seven members of her class attended this year.
Carpenters for Christ based at Cherry Street Baptist Church in Attalla brought together a team of construction workers from several states to work on Mt. Olive Church outside the Altoona town limits on U.S. 278. Churchmembers said on Monday, June 3. there was nothing but a slab at the building site across the street from their present church. By June 8, when this photos was taken, walls had been raised and workers were putting the roof on.Carpenters for Christ work with Mt. Olive to build church
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Construction of a new church for the congregation at Mt. Olive Church in the Altoona area has been a long process, but it has made great progress in the last two weeks, as a crew “Carpenters for Christ” went to work framing the building.
Dave Tidwell heads the Carpenters for Christ group based at Cherry Street
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Riverview Regional Medical CenterRiverview to replace cross, rededicate new one June 23
On June 23 Riverview Regional Medical Center will hold a Cross Rededication Ceremony from 2 p.m.to 4 p.m. to celebrate the unveiling of a new, more efficient cross that will replace the existing one that is need of repair.
The cross located atop of Riverview Regional has always been a prominent symbol of Gadsden and has offered a sense of hope
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Riverview Regional Medical CenterRiverview nurses collecting ‘Bedtime Backpacks’ for Oklahoma storm victims
A group of nurses at Riverview Regional Medical Center is rallying together once again to support those affected by disaster.
The “Bedtime Backpacks” drive was organized two years ago by Jean Scott after the devastating tornadoes of April 27, 2011. The program is now providing disaster relief to children and teenagers affected by the recent Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes.
“Bedtime Backpacks” accepts
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Jason Smoots, center, was featured speaker at Delta Sigma Theta’s recent EMBODI program. Pictured above, Smoots poses with his mother, Dr. Donna Smoots and his father George Smoots. Delta Sigma Theta seeks to empower
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Gadsden Alumnae Chapter recently presented EMBODI – Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Developing Independence.
The program is designed to refocus the efforts of Delta Sigma Theta with the support and action of other major organizations on the plight of African American males.
The feature speaker was Jason Smoots.
Smoots is a 1998 graduate of
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A view of the current conditions of Sixth Street Cemetery.Sixth Street Cemetery added to state’s historic register
The Alabama Historical Commission recently added the Southern Hills Cemetery in Gadsden to the Alabama Historic Cemetery Register - making it the fourth cemetery listed in Etowah County.
Many people today may know the cemetery as the Sixth Street Cemetery, but still more probably have no idea it even exists.
The cemetery is located at the end of Sixth Street, inside the
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Youth course offered again for Barbarians
By Gene Stanley/Staff Correspondent
Young Barbarians, get ready for a Challenge on June 22 at Noccalula Falls Park in Gadsden.
This is the third year for the adult Barbarian event but only the second for the kids’ competition. Gadsden is one of very few cities to offer the event for children.
The YMCA is responsible for there being a kids’ event.
“There were
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Competition has been fierce at previous Barbarian Challenges. June 15 is the deadline to preregister for the Third Annual Barbarian Challenge in Gadsden.Third Annual Barbarian Challenge on tap
Towns and cities lived in fear of invading barbarians thousands of years ago, but the horde that will invade Gadsden on June 22 will arrive as welcomed guests.
Participants will seek to conquer a specially-designed 4.25-mile course through the rugged terrain of Noccalula Falls Park as part of the Third Annual Gadsden Barbarian Challenge, the ultimate competitive event for anyone seeking
Pictured above, Rep. Becky Nordgren and Hokes Bluff High School Principal Scott Calhoun visit Hokes Bluff High’s recently completed outdoor classroom.Grants help Hokes Bluff High School build outdoor classroom
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Hokes Bluff High School Principal Scott Calhoun credits teacher Lannis Marbut with coming up for the idea, but several people and organizations played a role in the school’s new outdoor classroom.
The classroom, a concreted area with decorative iron fencing had picnic tables and benches, to give students a place to spend break time, and for teachers
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DJ Buster Porch provided tunes June 3 for Musical Monday at the Water Wall.Many musical offerings on tap -- free of charge
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
The sound of summer in the Gadsden area is music, with a variety of musical offerings to entertain residents and visitors – much of it free.
Downtown Gadsden Inc. Director Kay Moore invites everyone to make Mondays in June less manic by taking a lunch break with DJ Buster Porch, who will be spinning cool jazz tunes at
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Several people braved the rain to help Melissa and Brayden Taylor celebrate groundbreaking on their home. From left, Ben Johnston, Pudden McArthur, Traci Pondick, Melissa and Brayden Taylor, Melissa’s mother, and Pastor Ty Dillon of Living Truth Church Center.Habitat, Taylors break ground on #43
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
A steady rain didn’t dampen spirits June 4 as Melissa Taylor and her son Brayden gathered with Gadsden-Etowah Habitat for Humanity volunteers for the groundbreaking on her first house and Habitat’s 43rd.
Without Habitat and its sweat-equity program enabling people in substandard housing to seek funding for a home at much lower than conventional costs as they work
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The staff at The Cupboard, from left, first row: Steve Bryant, Sandra Dobbins, June Farmer, Misti Hyatt; second row, owner Terry Bryant and Charlotte Suttles, took a moment from preparations to pose for a photo. The Cupboard staff prepares for 2nd Saturday
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Downtown Attalla business owners are busy as they prepare for Second Saturday – the city’s monthly summer street festival that brings music, vendors and hundreds of visitors in for a night on the town.
None could be more busy than Terry Bryant, owner of The Cupboard restaurant in Attalla. Bryant’s business is open for lunch from 10:30 a.m.
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Proposal made to care for park deer
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Terry Turk of Sardis City said his family’s love of Noccalula Falls Park led him to make a proposal to the City of Gadsden to restock – and provide much of the care for – the deer at the park.
Turk owns Bama Bucks, a deer-breeding facility in Sardis City. He said under state law, the
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Graffiti artist, author Scape Martinez to visit Gadsden on June 6-8, conducting a series of workshops.Graffiti artist in Gadsden
Scape Martinez, graffiti artist and author, will present a series of workshops and events, including a live graffiti painting set, about urban art June 6 through June 8.
He will make special appearances at both the Gadsden Museum of Art and the Gadsden Public Library.
During this visit, Martinez will demonstrate his urban art styles and techniques with the focus on stylistic
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Tonya ReidTonya Reid thriving, not just surviving cancer
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
June 2 is National Cancer Survivors Day, a time to honor and encourage those who are successfully battling cancer of any kind.
Friends of one local cancer survivor will tell you, talk to Tonya Reid, and you’re the one who will be encouraged.
Reid said she found a lump in her breast herself. “I was reading in bed and
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Mayor offers good deal on abandoned property
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
As the Gadsden City Council discussed the progress being made in keeping grass cut on lots that have become the city’s responsibility, Mayor Sherman Guyton invited neighboring property owners to make offers – hinting the city is not likely to refuse.
The city has a large number of lots that fall into one of three categories: those the
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Summer Enrichment program in 12th year
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
The Summer Enrichment Mentoring Program of Gadsden/Etowah County will kick off its 12th year of providing educational enrichment and character-building guidance - free of charge - for young people in the community.
Dr. Gertie Thompson-Lowe, founder and director of the program, said space limits the number of children who can participate to about 100.
Registration is underway now, and
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Musical Mondays back at Water Wall
June is going to be jazzy in downtown Gadsden, said Downtown Gadsden Inc. Executive Director Kay Moore, with Musical Mondays at the Water Wall.
On Mondays in June (June 3, 10, 17 and 24, weather permitting) people are cordially invited to share a jazzy lunch time with DJ Buster Porch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The Water Wall is located
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Walnut Grove High Reunion is June 8
The third annual reunion of all former students of Walnut Grove High School is scheduled for 2 p.m. June 8 at Sarah’s Cafe, 3225 U.S. 278 in Altoona.
Walnut Grove High School was consolidated in the fall of 1966 with West End High School. Anyone who attended Walnut Grove is invited to Sarah’s Cafe to enjoy food and fellowship with former
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A crowd gathered at Col. Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park on Memorial Day watched in reverence as members of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office retired the colors.Veterans honored in Memorial Day event
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
The sacrifice of our na-tion’s veterans was honored May 27 in Gadsden with a solemn ceremony at the Col. Ola Lee Mize Patriots Park adjacent to Noccalula Falls.
The ceremony, organized by the Gadsden-Etowah Patriots Association, brought speaker retired CSM Leon Caffie to Gadsden.
“We come here today not to mourn but to celebrate,” Caffie said, the strength of
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City of Gadsden recognized for latest alternative fuel innovation
By Donna Thornton/News Editor
Mark Bentley, Executive Director of the Alabama Clean Fuels Commission praised the City of Gadsden and its leaders for taking initiative to use and even produced alternative fuels that are better for the environment and more cost-effective for the city.
Bentley spoke May 29 at a press conference at the Gadsden Public Works Department’s new dedicated B20 biodiesel
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