Ida Grove, IA High School Class of 1911 50th Reunion

Graduation Class of 1911 Holds Anniversary Reunion

Members of the class of 1911 held an informal party and reunion in the Methodist church parlors Wednesday evening, August 22, their 40th anniversary since graduation from Ida Grove high school. The affair was in courtesy to D. D. "Duke" Bennett, a member of that class.

Calvin Besore of Holstein served as toastmaster. He announced that the program was entirely impromptu as he had notified no member that he or she would appear on the program.

The first speaker was Duke Bennett, famed composer and arranger of music. He stated that he was very happy to see his classmates and not having a speech prepared he asked them what they would like to hear. They immediately asked that he tell of his musical career, what pieces he had composed, how he composed and about making a musical arrangement.

Mr. Bennett displayed his published orchestra and band arrangements and unpublished manuscript in its original form. His first popular tune was "Bye Bye Blues," which has been recorded by all leading bands.

He explained that any person or company who uses music for a profit pays a fee of A. S. C. A. P.--American Society of Composers and Publishers. This money goes to the composers of the society. To be eligible for membership a person must have a B rating in composing. Duke is the only composer in the state of Illinois who is a member of the society.

Jean Gonger, accompanied by Clarann Bekman sang three vocal selections, "The Lord's Prayer," "Without a Song" and "Perfect Day."

Lee Horn told of the accomplishments of the class members and reminisced about some of the faculty members. He said "Why even I have become Justice of the Peace, but I will never arrest a member of the 1911 class."

George Witters complimented the ladies serving such and excellent dinner. He also said, "The accomplishments of Bennett just prove that the class prankster sometimes turn out well.

The group then sang the birthday song for Eva Waldo as her birthday came on that day.

Mr. Bennett was called to the telephone for a long distance message which was from another member of the class Forrest Macomber of Santa Monica, Calif., sending his best wishes.

Mrs. Lida Parker read regrets from the members who could not attend. All bowed their heads for a few minutes of silent prayer in memory of the deceased members, Harold McCabe, Arthur Carlson and Mary Blanche Ross Todd.

A number of Old Gold and Blue booklets of 1911, containing articles and jokes written by members of the class, the class day program, class invitations and some old pictures proved very interesting. A May 1911 issue of the Ida County Pioneer containing pictures of all of the members of the class was also in evidence. The group then gathered around the piano and sang the class song.

At the close of the program the group entered the church and enjoyed a 2½ hours of music by Duke on the Hammond organ. He played many request numbers.

Ten members of the class were present including, Lee Horn and wife, Calvin Besore and wife, Lida Crane Parker and husband, Geo. S. Witters and wife, Forrest Moorehead and mother, Earl Stern, Marguerite Lord, Eva Waldo, Mrs. Catharine Snell, D. D. Bennett and wife and his sister, Mrs. Lucille Jeffreys.

Pioneer Record, Ida Grove, IA 20 Aug 1951