Nancy Stephens (Dimick) (1967)

Ross, Lynn, David and others....I have not heard one negative.  Great job with what I would have considered an almost impossible effort.  It's like planning 150 class reunions at the same time.  As we know it's difficult to have a volunteer to plan only one.  Kudos.

Karen Stephens (Cox) (1961)

Many, many thanks to "The Committee" for all of your hard work in planning and scheduling and bringing to fruition our fabulous MHS gathering.   I think from all of the reponses that it was truly a success. It was so fun to see so many people from our days of long ago.  We are truly blessed to have been influenced by the great administrators, teachers, and  fellow students of Montpelier High School as well as the town of Montpelier itself. There were so many memories rekindled during the two days, and we can think about those for years to come.  Thank you again for all of your dedication and hard work.  Karen Stephens Cox, class of '61

Jo Ann Stephens (Farnsworth) (1955)

The reunion was wonderful in every way.  There were two jokes I wanted to tell at the assembly, but since I didn't maybe some of you will want to  hear them.

Mr. Munk lived in Georgetown and often took the bus to school, but at times he drove his own car.  After school one day he stayed late for some reason preparing a class perhaps.  The bus left and when he finished his work her went outside and his car was not there.  He called the police that the car was stolen, etc.  Low and behold he had ridden the bus that day.

Charles Kunz from Bern was making a disturbance in study hall so the teacher, Belvina Johnson, went to the desk where he was sitting to make him behave.  When he saw her coming he climbed under the desk and she could not get him out.  So she called the principal for help.  When he went to the table and starting climbing under it, Charles said,"Oh, Mr. Winters, is she after you too!".

Karren Winters (Ashley) (1957)

JoAnn, I have heard this story about Charles Kunz from my Dad.  He told it with a twinkle in his eye and said that it was all he could do to keep from breaking out in laughter at the remark Charles made.  I don't think I heard this story from anyone else.  Thanks for posting it.

Your story about Mr. Munk was so funny and one I had not heard before.

 Karren Winters Ashley

Larry Grimes (1958)

I hardly know where to start.  So many people were involved in making this reunion the best I have ever heard about, let alone attend.  Mega cudos to the leadership; Ross, Kay, Lynn & David especially.  And to many, many others who made this Special.  From a lasting point of view I wonder if it is not possible to capture the good feelings and new (and old) memories in a way that will perpetuate what we all had in MHS.  I challenge us all to give serious thought to what we might collectively do to preserve our history and legacy.  I hope to come up with something and that together we can pass this experience on to those who follow.  We collectively made an important difference in myriad ways and it would be a shame to leave it to die.  Richard, who did as much as anyone I was aware of to rally the troups, perhaps you could address this issue and start the ball rolling.  With the electronics we have today we can exchange ideas easily.  Now that we have seen each other let us not just let this go.  Expect something from me.  I have benefitted so tremendously from my Montpelier background that I owe my past, bigtime!  Thanks to all for making this weekend memorable.  Larry Grimes

Frank Ross Peterson (1959)

Thanks to everyone who came to Montpelier for the weekend of August 8-9.  Tonight we drove to Bountiful, Utah to  pay our respects to Frank Hirschi and his family.  Everyone knew all about the gathering and "wished he could have come."  Lynn and Lee Roderick both called them in the months before the reunion.  We really want to thank Del and Betty Gail Lyons for all of the work done inside the gym.  The banners, registration, chairs, and tables and displays were coordinated by them.  That is not an easy task. Richard and Brenda Anthony and Lee and Yvonne Roderick planned and outlined the  evening assembly.  We did all we could to get people to return and it was thrilling to see children step up and bring their parents.  Lee callled the children of the students and asked them to speak and Richard, who acttually became ill during the day, hung in there and MC'd the program.  Whereever we turned more folks stepped up to help and as I said in the closing remarks:  This is about our past, the place, and the people  who taught us, raised us, and forgave us.  WE have some more chances to return and celebrate some events in the next few years..

 David Dimick's ability to create and maintain this website will serve as an information cource far into the future and as long as there is phone service in Arizona, Lynn Roderick will find you.  ONe reminder for any of you who want to use the banners for reunions or gatherings, they are in a locked and sealed vault in Logan., Utah-available upon request.  Those students from the high school who helped us so much and the members of the BLHS football team who carried in the chairs and tables and returned them-under the cover of night, so Reed Peterson did not get in too much trouble, deserve our thanks.  Watch for scholarship opportunities for them wherever you are.   There were funds from the registration fee left over, so we chose to reward the BLHS groups who helped us, Lakettes and cheerleader organizations as well as the Middle School with the funds  paid at the registration.   We also used money requsted from a Foundation to fund student internships at the Oregon Trail Center.  Thanks again to all.

Ross and Mary Kay Peterson

Steve Pugmire (1960)

I can only echo the sentiments of most everyone I've seen or heard of! This one will go down as the quinitessential gathering for me and I can only look with gratitude to those who made this happen. Your names are known by all and I give a "shout out" for your efforts.  I agree with Larry Grimes that we should maybe use this as a springboard to "rally the troops" for a continued effort to keep our heritage alive.  I'm not certain what format it will take but it will be worth the effort to preserve and perhaps get some folks there at some future happening who couldn't make it to this one. 

On a note of interest, I've shared the story of Dale Munk and his report card from his Dad numerous times to the delight of everyone who has heard it.  P.S. I'm working on a musical anthem that I will submit to the big guys for their critique. Keep writing everybody!

Marcia Meek (Smith) (1958)

We received a gift in Montpelier August 7-9 that we'll  always cherish.  Those of us who attended the Centennial celebration had a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  We were able to see and visit with classmates, teachers, and friends from  all  over.  And thanks  to modern technology,  we'll  be able to keep  in touch with those who attended and those who were unable  to  be there.  Many thanks to  Ross and Mary Kay Peterson, Richard and Brenda Anthony, Betty Gail and Delano Lyons, and all  the members of the committee.  It was a grand occasion, one that will not be forgotten.

                                 --Marcia Meek and Ron W. Smith

Richard Anthony (1960)

Steve Pugmire, Larry Grimes, Ross, and Kay,

We have enjoyed reading the responses from all who attended the reunion.  I think that a book needs to be written, and we have two great writers in Ross, and Lee Roderick.  It seems that what it was like to attend MHS, and to grow up in the Bear Lake Valley, is in the life of each person who was there. I have written many stories, and have shared them with Glay, and Leonard Matthews.  Leonard has a great memory of people and things, and has already written much.  Why couldn't each of us write a story, a chapter, a remembrance of things the way they were for us--send them into this website, have those pros among us edit these and we have an instant book for posterity, and the whole of it will be greater than the individual parts.  By doing this, we can add a great legacy to the history of the valley.  ----Just a thought--there may be other things, and other ways.  Pictures, etc. 

Rich and Brenda Anthony

Jim Adams (1961)

I think Richard's idea is a great one.  I, for one, would be very willing to contribute my part by writing my memories of MHS.  Jim Adams Class of 1961

Leonard Matthews (1954)

I feel that I don't have the capability of using the vocabulary to an extent anywhere near adequate enough to express my gratitude to all involved in putting together and carrying out such an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling reunion celebration.  I was so impressed by not only the number of volunteers but even more by their warmth and friendliness.  It was so good to see so many having a good time and having such a great selection of activities to keep us all involved and busy.  It's true that over the years I have probably had the opportunity to visit with more of you returning for funerals than anyone else in Montpelier, but this was just non-stop renewing acquaintances and talking about old times better than anything I had ever dreamed of.  All I can say is "Thank You" to all of you that worked so hard and accomplished so much.  Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

I did want to make one addition to JoAnn Stephens' story about Charlie Kunz and Mr. Winters.  I was a freshman that year and was seated at the first table inside the Study Hall west door straight across from Miss Johnson's desk.  I think she put me there so she could keep an eye on me.  Charlie was a Senior.  If you remember, only one person at a time was allowed to go into the library part and I noticed that not long after the period started that Charlie took a turn at going into the library.  What I didn't know was that Charlie had somehow acquired a 4 inch diameter steel ball-bearing from an engine in the roundhouse down at the railroad yards.  The mischief that JoAnn referred too was that when Charlie got into the library where Belviina couldn't see him he took out the ball-bearing and rolled it right down the middle of the study hall room like a bowling ball.  Of course the noise was incredible and when it hit the base-board at the other end it put a massive dent in it.  He then ran back to his table and she went after him, but finding that when he saw her coming he climbed under the table, she couldn't do that so she headed for the office to get Mr. Winters.  What he said is true because he said it loud enough that we could all hear him.  Several years later, at one of our reunions when we toured the old school I looked to see if the dent was still in the base board and it was.

Dorothy Grimes (Allsop) (1951)

Thanks to the few who did so much to make this event so special for so many of us!  It was a memorable week-end for all of us.  I had such a good time renewing friendships with  so many and yet missed a lot of classmates who I thought would surely be there.  My daughter accompanied me there and was so impressed by the respect we had for our former teachers.  They truly sent us out into the world well prepared to be the best that we could be.  I thought I would be one of the oldest ones there but was pleasantly surprised to see so many graduates from l938/1939 classes.  I met a classmate of my brother Bob and several who went to school with my older brother Eugene Jr. (Abe).  Thanks so much for Mr. Dimick who made the web site so easy even I at 81 could sort of navigate it!   I loved the assembly, the movie, the melodrama and even learned a thing or two  I didn't know about early Montpelier.  Thanks again and if I can contribute or help in any way to a lasting legacy, please let me know.  Dorothy Grimes Allsop, class of 1951.

Kristin Munk (Williams) (1964)

     I have enjoyed reading the well written letters of appreciation for the fantastic weekend we enjoyed together in Montpelier celebrating our heritage and reconnecting with our past.  I thought how much Mother and Dad (Lewis Munk) would have enjoyed each event as they found and visited with people that had been such an important part of their lives.  Dad often shared his yearbook, some interesting themes, and many amusing stories about you, his students, with our family as we sat around the dinner table.  Consequently, I felt like I knew many more students than those I attended school with from 1960 to 1964.  He told of his first day at Montpelier High School as a teacher and I quote, "I went to school early, eager to begin teaching in a new school.  Instead of going around by the cement walk, I cut across the thick, green lawn to the front door.  Standing there was an attractive young lady by the name of Margaret Malsbury.  She smiled at me and said in a very friendly and half apologetic voice, 'We don't walk across the lawn at Montpelier High, Mr. Munk'.  I apologized, thanked her, and walked inside and immediately met more startling though pleasant surprises.  Wherever I looked, the building shone with a sort of gleaming cleanliness and newness as though it had just been built."  Dad soon learned that the 350 students each year for 17 years had been taught to have pride in their school.  That same pride is alive and well today as evidenced by the number who turned out to remember and to reconnect with one another this past August 8th and 9th.  I, along with my four siblings, Russell, Janel, Marian, and Dale had a wonderful time at each of the well planned events.  Many thanks to Ross and Mary Kay who shared their dream with Del and Betty Gail Lyons, the Anthony's, Lee and Yvonne Roderick, David Dimick, Lynn Roderick, and countless others who rallied to work untold hours to provide all the attendees with a once in a lifetime experience.  As I gloried in the opportunities to visit and get reacquainted, I also realized that  my ability to recognize and connect with all former acquaintances was limited and so, sadly, I missed seeing many friends from the past.  It was much worse than being in an ice cream store and not getting to sample all the flavors.      

     Congratulations and thanks to all  for a job superbly done! 

Kristin Munk Williams-  Class of 1964

Jo Ann Stephens (Farnsworth) (1955)

Some of these comments are food for the book you want to write.  I enjoyed Leonard Matthews finishing the story on Charles Kunz and Mrs. Johnson.  I am going to see that dent in the study hall if possible.

Sherrel Rae Evans Burgyone said there was not a minute in the day during the reunion that there were at least 50 people in the Rails and Trails Museum.  She gave out a nice little history paper telling about the forming of Montpelier High School and the first two graduating students.  In case you did not get one, they plan to sell the paper at the museum.

The 1939 and 1941 Idamont that I had on display in the gym were donated to the museum by Verl Mumford who lives in Vernal, Utah.  I have taken them to the museum.

Someone is looking for a copy of the old ski lodge that once sat in Montpelier Home Canyon.  If you have one why not share it with Rails and Trails Museum?

I am still in wonder or call it a high with the way the reunion turned out and how it made me feel.  Thanks everyone for all your work and for coming.

Larry Grimes (1958)

I cannot adequately express the joy I felt from the moment I walked in the gym on Thursday and that I still feel a week later.  That reunion will ever be etched in my memory.  It made me even prouder to have played a small part in the history of Montpelier and MHS.  Wherever I go people ask me why MHS has produced so many outstanding graduates, particularly, though not exclusively just a few years after the conclusion of World War II.  I have thought long and hard about this because in many respects Montpelier is like countless other "Mormon" towns.  But in other, perhaps more material respects, Montpelier had a unique  array of elements, when combined, resulted in a blue ribbon concoction some people call success.  Let me elaborate.  MHS and its feeder schools were blessed with a unique set of circumstances including time (post World War II and the influx of newly degreed teachers, mostly men and mostly veterans who had spanned the globe courtesy of Uncle Sam); experience (the collective wisdom gained from joining some 13 million other Americans from literally all walks of life and ethnicity that  we clearly would not have encountered in many isolated Mormon Country towns); perspective (one that none of us had much of a chance of obrtaining absent the circumstances of the War and its impact on our teachers; and, heritage (namely our religious and pioneer backgrounds).  Think about it. In addition to Messrs. Winters, Munk, Baker, and many others including many wonderful, mostly local but talented women, we also had teachers who returned for a time to teach here and who brought home the fruits of one of the most important gifts our Government ever bestowed on its citizens.  I refer of course to the GI bill.  That legislation allowed veterans from all walks of life, to bring their world experieces to our schools.  In some cases this benefit lasted only a few years.  In other cases it lasted for the lengths of their respective careers. Though some may differ, I believe that the GI Bill really benefitted us, the students, perhaps even more than the vets who got their tickets in places like Logan, Provo, Salt Lake City, Pocatello and Moscow.  

When taken altogether, and with due recognition to many other people and factors I do not mention, I believe that it was this combination of elements that leads to the answer to the question posed above.  We, the graduates, can only take so much credit for whatever we define as success.  It was our teachers who should get the credit in that time and in this place.      

Of course many distiguished MHS graduates came under the influence of other inspiring non-veteran teachers. But for those of us who were exposed to this combination of talent and experience, I say we were blessed, inspired and that's why many left this beautiful valley and made their way in the world.  These circumstances only lasted a few years.  But they were golden years and we all took with us a boatload of inspiration.  Those are my observations.  What are yours?   

Michael Bateman (1955)

Ross, Thanks for considering me for the the history section on Thursday. I thought your remarks about people power at the end of the assembly really caught the mood of the reunion. For so many great people and so much added to society from such a small high school over the many years of its existance speaks strongly to your theme of People Power. Mike Bateman. MD FACS. 

Richard Anthony (1960)

Well said, Larry, I think you are onto an idea that needs to be fleshed out.  Thanks.  RA

Renee Kunz (Wuska) (1963)

Spending August 8 and 9 in Montpelier for the Montpelier Sesquicentennial Celebration and the All-Class Reunion was wonderful and a time that I will always remember!  I would be remiss to not thank Ross and Mary Kay Peterson, Lee Roderick, Delano and Betty Gail Lyons, Lynn Roderick, David Dimick, and their committees who had to spend countless hours organizing this incredible event!  The website is amazing and is priceless for staying in touch!  Richard Anthony was a perfect MC for the assembly Friday evening, and it was wonderful hearing the tributes of deceased favorite teachers by members of their families! I also cannot express the pride I felt watching the video "Montpelier: A Celebration of its History."  A common thread that was so evident at the Reunion is that we all were proud to have grown up in Montpelier, or the surrounding area, and we all loved our time spent at MHS!  Thanks again to all! 

Reola Phelps (1963)

Renee says it so well.  Thanks to all and a terrific time!  Loved being there

Rosanna Combs (Andersen) (1959)

Is it possible to get that film on this site?

Karen Kunz (Phillips) (1967)

Greetings, better late than never but just wanted to say how grateful I am for Lynn's many calls and e-mails that were not always welcomed at the time,  but now I come before you repented and say THANK YOU ALL WHO WERE ON THE COMMITTEE and allowed me to experience a wonderful weekend that will never be repeated in my life time.   LOVED IT!

Loved the movie and was wondering if it could be made available for purchase?   I for one would like my children to have a copy of the history and pictures of the place I love and call home.  Was thinking if it was made available for purchase that perhaps some of the merchants could sell it and the revenue be used for a scholarship fund for a student  from Bear Lake High-----just a few thoughts I have had .

If there was a downside to the celebration it would be  that more did not realize that it was trully a celebration not only of MHS but also of the town and I am not sure that I even realized that until the movie.

I can't help but feel that for 150 years at MHS we were fortunate enough to have faculty members who loved their profession and took pride in what they were doing as well as doing the right things for the right reasons no matter the sacrifice---like vacations for some faculty members that involved getting school supplies for the coming years :)  so we who went to school there have trully been blessed and it has made us who and what we are---not a bad beginning to propel us into the world to make our mark.

I truly felt that what I felt and experience was what it will be like when I pass from this life and greet my loved ones on the other side so thanks for a glimpse of heaven for a couple of days.

    Karen Kunz Phillips  ( last graduating class)

Rosanna Combs (Andersen) (1959)

I agree with you, Karen.  Please, please,please Make the video available for those of us who tried, but couldn't get there.  We are in route thru historic Nauvoo on our way to Kitrtland and finally our mission in DC.  Want to stay in touch.  Karen, have you done your profile.  We had some fun times and I would love to know more about your life since high school.  Do you remember Almira Allen we stayed with at music clinic in Pocatello?  When I moved there, she became a good friend.  Sending my best,  RCA

Thomas Vaterlaus (1951)

Please add my hope for a a video.  I planned to attend and made all the arrangements only to cancel just a week before due to ill health, so acess to anything I missed would be great.   I was so looking forward to the event.  Not being able to attend was a great disapointment.

Thomas D Vaterlaus (class of '51)

Jennie Warner (Corbett) (1958)

Since  I also missed the reunion, I would like a copy of the video if it is decided to make some.  It would be a grat history .  Jennie Warner Corbett.

Marion Preston (1961)