LASSOING THE MEMORIES

by Kathy Walker Blackburn

Blunt's
7th School Reunion held June 23-25, 2006 began Friday evening with an
Ice Cream Social in the School Gym, served by the Blunt Methodist
Church.  Thank you
to Lynn's Dakotamart of Pierre for donating the delicious
cookies.  An air of excitement permeated the gym as many hugs &
dialogues were exchanged by classmates arriving from all parts of the United States!

One of
the highlights for me was viewing the brick Memorial of Blunt High School for
the first time, where each graduating senior's name is inscribed.  While
attending Blunt School from 1st grade through my
sophomore year--when I heard the gonging of the bell on top--I knew it was
a signal from my Dad, (R.B.) to 'hit the books'!  It was so loud I could
even hear the first warning bell from our home on the farthest Northwest edge
of town.

Saturday
was a gorgeous day for our thrilling DM&E train ride from Pierre to Blunt & back.  Thank you
to the Engineers who made this trip possible!!  What fun to listen to the
locals point out their farms as we passed--and renew "old"
acquaintances as we were allowed to walk from coach to coach.
Carolyn Williams Fouts was entertaining the kids in
the rear--where Leonda McMullen Wright ('66) & I
had a blast, joining Carolyn playing her accordion, in singing R.B.'s favorite song, "Keep on the Sunny Side of
Life."

It was
especially awesome to view Medicine Creek, where most all of us have fished at
one time or another.  The town of Canning
was another treat for me to experience--as I remember several of our classmates
would drive to Blunt High from there, but it was just a name to me.
Other landmarks in Blunt with special meaning to me were the old Dakota
State Bank where my Mother (Jean Walker) used to work with Stuart McDaniel
& Harry Glans--my Aunt Lola's Band Box Beauty
Salon--Blunt Cash Store (where we bought PENNY candy in the good ole'
days)--Small's Sale Barn, where I recall watching
cattle auctions--the relocation of the old gym--and of course, my former home,
which I now call 611 Walker Place.  Hey, I was totally shocked to find
that the streets of Blunt now have names & address numbers!

A very
special thank you to Di Welch Knox ('67) for emceeing
the very entertaining program for our delicious banquet Saturday evening at the
King's Inn in Pierre, with approx. 250 alumni & spouses in
attendance.  We tip our Cowboy/Cowgirl hats to Harry Kumpula & his
sister, Janis Kumpula DeHaven for their timeless, dedicated hours spent in
making the reunion such a success!  How priceless the alumni pictures are
that were displayed, as well as the video depicting all classes from 1921-1970,
which totally "Lassoed the Memories"!!

It was a
great honor to visit with 2 of Blunt's teachers--i.e.
Mrs. Thelma King and Mrs. Fern Pollman.  I was
doubly surprised to learn that not only had Mrs. King been my 5th grade
teacher--but was also the First grade teacher of my brother, Kevin.

On the
dance floor, it was quite evident everyone was having a wonderful time.
First place award goes to Terry Tople for his
rendition of "The Twist".  YOU GO TERRY!!  What a blast
from the 60's that was...If Chubby Checkers had been in the building, he would
have been proud!

The
Sunday Memorial Service led by Ken Korkow ('64)
sharing his life story of how God rescued him from the depths of hell when he
had given up on everything and everybody--was an inspiration, blessing, &
motivation to all.  Ken shared the trauma caused by his service in Vietnam, where
he saw many of his comrades killed, having to be left on the field.  Only
by God's enabling Grace was he able to get his life back together, and find
purpose and meaning by helping others in sharing his Faith!

The Church
service was followed by a picnic at the Blunt Gym, attended by approx. 200,
where we dined on delicious fried chicken & other goodies, ending with a
pizza dessert.  There was just not enough time to visit as long as we
wished--or enough hours to recall all the precious memories created at
Blunt High during the 49 years it was in operation!

Words are
hard to find to express our thanks to Sharon Harkless
Metzinger for chairing the entire event.  Your efforts are greatly
appreciated, Sharon!
A special thanks also to De Welch Knudson ('67) for selling
100 commemorative T-shirts, and to the rest of the Committee Members who
all worked collectively to allow all of us in attendance to enjoy ourselves
immensely--creating additional memories to last a lifetime.

Out heartfelt
thanks to the following committee members and any others who served behind
the scenes:

Sharon Harkless Metzinger &
Leroy                Carol
Marshall Crain
('68)

Harry
Kumpula                                                 Spike Hazelrigg ('68)

Janis Kumpula
DeHaven                                  Sandy Small Doyle ('70)

De Welch Knudson
('67)                                  Randy & Colleen
Pool

Di Welch Knox
('67)                                        Wayne Pool ('41)

Terry Tople ('67) &
Sue                                    Norma Osterkamp Ogan ('46)

Rod Parks
('67)                                                 Karen
Walker Harsin ('57)

Your hard
work & innovative ideas are greatly appreciated by all attendees who
enjoyed themselves to the max!

Please
check out our website at www.bluntreunion.com to view photos of
the reunion.  We also strongly encourage you to "blog"
on the site, sharing memories of Blunt High, as well as the reunion.  If
you have special requests to individuals for certain pictures you
know were taken at the reunion but not posted, be sure to put
your wishes in writing.

Also,
please make plans now to attend Blunt's 125th
Birthday Party in 2009!!  All the details are online...