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At the all-class reunion program on July 9, 2005, the emcee announced that a crew would begin on July 11 to raze the three-story, brick section of the Rolfe school building . It was built in 1917.

Rolfe High School had its last senior class in 1990. Then the Rolfe schools merged with the Pocahontas schools. For the past several years, Rolfe had an elementary program and was the site of the Pocahontas Area Community middle school. However, in the spring of 2004, bricks fell from the upper part of the south face, destabilizing the facility. The state fire marshal determined that the building should be evacuated, and the PAC board of directors decided that the building should be razed.

At least one person at the all-class reunion said that the demolition of the school feels akin to having a death in the family. Our condolences. Also, our thanks to those people who struggled with the challenging process of deciding what to do with the facility. We pray for healing for the grief and any hurt feelings that have resulted from the decision-making process. Also, we plan to post photos of and perhaps interviews about the demolition process. Photo taken on July 10, 2005. Click on image for a larger view.
 

The 2005 Reunion — an Editor's Report

Wow! The all-class school reunion and Greater Rolfe Days were great. We've got some audio files from the reunion and photos from the parade to post. But actually, I am sort of on vacation this week. The good news and bad news is that the motel has Internet service. That means I could post some material now. On the other hand, I would like to wait until I get back and do a thorough job of providing you with the new information. But before I close and figure out how to relax while on vacation, a couple of notes are in order.

The reunion committee did a great job of pulling off the all-class event. Over 350 alumni, faculty, and friends attended. Unfortunately, one of the ringleaders, Nancy Martin of the class of 1951, ended up in the hospital on Sunday. We heard she was dehydrated and had an inner ear problem. I would suspect she was totally worn out from all the time, thought, and energy she put into the celebration.

One of the great touches during the weekend was the reunion band that consisted of students who have Rolfe connections, RHS alumni, and a couple other adults. Marilee Kleespies was the one who recruited, trained, and directed the band. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music, Rolfe area piano teacher, organist, and substitute teacher. Her husband Bill Kleespie owns Bill's Food Store. Their daughter, Allie, was in the band.

The band played and a large crew of former RHS cheerleaders led the crowd at the Saturday night program in a rousing rendition of the Rolfe Loyalty song. It is hard to say which left a more lasting impression on me — the feeling of spirit as the crowd sang the school song or the great sound of the reunion choir when it performed On Top of the World (a popular 70s song by the Carpenters), the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and God Bless America. A big thanks to Marilee for directing the band and John Nielsen for directing the chorus and to all the musicians. We hope to be able to post lists of all the musicians.

It was great to have three locations for the various classes to gather: the Community Center, Golf Club, and Lutheran Church. Also, the public library was open throughout the weekend and was a place to relax, browse annuals, look at pictures of the graduating classes, and reminisce. All facilities were air-conditioned and great for handicap accessibility. Thank you to all the people who have worked over the years to make those facilities what they are.

On Saturday night, as people milled around Main Street and the library, it was easy to feel what Saturday nights on Main Street must have felt like decades ago when Main Street was THE PLACE for the community to socialize on Saturday nights.

Of course there is much more to be said and people who need to be thanked. That includes all the individuals and organizations who sponsored various events such as the quilt show, antique car show, parade, and much more. But I'll wait until later this month to do a more thorough job of posting information, including how you can contribute to a newly-organized Rolfe alumni scholarship fund to be given each year to a student who is a Rolfe area resident and graduates from the Pocahontas Area Community School District.

I encourage you to write to the reunion committee and express your thanks. You could also write to Rolfe Betterment, Inc. via Geri Sandvig. Also, if you have photos from or thoughts about the weekend that you would like posted, send them along. Thanks.

And by the way, check out our new E-Postcard section where you can send a cyber postcard from Rolfe.

Helen D. Gunderson
RHS Alumni Web Site Editor
July 12, 2005
  

RHS Book of Essays Available for Purchase

We've published a book of the essays from this website. It includes editorial material not available online as well as photographs and some artwork by Darlene Brinkman. Order yours now or purchase one at the Rolfe State Bank or Mary's Bookshelf at the Pocahontas Pharmacy.  The deadline for submitting essays to be included in the book was September 30, 2001; however,  new essays for the web site are always welcome. 

click here for information about the book
click here for a book order form
click here for essay guidelines
click here to read current essays on-line

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