Be Well
“We’ll Preth Your Panth Thir!”
Just in case you are wondering “Is she okay?” when reading my quote this week, please be assured that I am as okay as I usually am! I was asked to write my article this time with a slightly different focus, although fond memories can be a very healthy focus as we struggle along in this bad-news-everyday world!
So take a trip down memory lane with me please, to Friday, September 22, 1967… but actually let’s first take a look at the week leading up to that momentous date, known as “Homecoming Week.” I have experienced many years of NHS Homecomings, as have many of you, and these memories are very special to recall – rain or shine, and win or lose!
The float – ah yes, the infamous Senior float, which actually won first place that year, perhaps in small part due to the fact that the Class of ’68 had not won for any floats in previous years! The float theme? Yes, it is true. See above. I will not type it again. However it was very well done thanks in large part to an industrious senior class determined to win! And yes, there were those who worked very hard on the floats and those (no names) who just “hung around” to socialize – remember those were the days when people actually spoke to each other for their “social media” time … The bonfire was always exciting, although some wandered more than a few yards from the action (no names) with a special person.
Of course, showing off our Class float at the Homecoming parade was exciting, and years of watching Homecoming parades in Noblesville growing up was a true small-town Americana event. From my childhood days through high school and then as a mother to two NHS boys, Homecoming has always been important in my household.
One of my most special and enduring memories from years of attending NHS football games was being on site at Memorial Field (present day North Elementary) and hearing those first faint sounds of metal cleats on brick as the football team marched from the high school (present day Ivy Tech) down Harrison Street to the Field. At first you had to strain a little to hear; you could just pick up the “clicks on the bricks” and shortly those clicks became louder and louder until you just knew the other team had to be intimidated, and the excitement of the NHS fans grew to a thundering shout when they ran onto the field. If you experienced it as I did especially during my four years at NHS you never forget it!
My good friend Alice Tucker was crowned Homecoming Queen that year, with other friends Debbie Lohman, Diann Guilkey, Debbie Shaffer and Vicki Wright as her Court. Dennis Millikan was named Mr. Football. And the Homecoming Dance was always special, a step or two above our regular post-game “canteens” or “sock hops” often to the sounds of the our high school rock band, The British Walkers.
And let us not dwell on that final score on 9/22/67 when we were blown away by the North Central Panthers, 52-0. Sigh.
This year’s Homecoming game, September 20, will be special to me as well as my husband Bruce and his fellow teammates who graduated in 1970, as they will be honored as the 50-year players who played their last season in 1969. I look forward to attending the game on September 20 as these autumn days I spend Friday nights at my grandson’s Heritage Christian games where he is a junior and plays OL and DL positions.
Homecoming in Noblesville? Always amazing, win or lose, because it is a time when we all feel like friends and neighbors and rejoice that no matter what else is out there to remind us that when the world can often be a strange and scary place we have a HOME here in Noblesville, Indiana, and we can feel “homecoming in our hearts” no matter the season or the reason. And always remember …
“We are fine, we are great, we’re the Class of ’68!” Sorry, could not resist.
Next article – back to our fitness regimens and delicious fall favorites! Meanwhile – it is Miller Time!
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.
This brought back memories of my high school years. 1961-1965, were great for football and basketball at NHS. Sharon is correct about the bon fire, crowning of the Homecoming queen. The game itself was great, but the week building up to that night, was what we kicked school off with. Sort of a rite of passage. Only thing that could top homecoming was prom. But that’s for a another day. Our class motto should be. ’65 and still alive.