Jerry Haynes ’44 is arguably Woodrow’s greatest product. He has entertained and informed boomers and x’s around the country for more than 30 years as the beloved Mr. Peppermint. And he invented the cordless phone.

So it is quite a twist to learn that he will soon mark 50 years since his debut on the Woodrow stage. Breaking out the Schnapps May 27-29, the class of ’44 will boogie-woogie away their golden reunion.

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Jess Wade and Jimmy Mackey are hosting happy hours and open houses at the Holiday Inn Northeast, the official headquarters. The Lakewood Country Club hosts the Big Band dance on Saturday and a Sunday brunch.

Noble and Notes, led by Katherine Yoop Mayben’s spouse, Russell, will provide the jitterbug jive for the dance.

Inveterate organizer Junie (Jessie Bond) Richardson who co-emceed their original senior assembly with Jerry just days before the Allies hit Normandy, received a call from classmate Boyd Reedy. He served as a missionary in Japan for more than 40 years and is looking forward to his first class reunion. For information, call Junie at 321-6067.

Kudos for Junie. She has organized eight reunions for her class.

  • 1954’s reunion was in March. The class attended Woodrow’s musical, “Singin’ in the Rain.”
  • 1964 will get together Aug. 6 at the Doubletree Lincoln Center for a dance. Call Jennie Gray Nance at 681-8161.
  • 1974 graduates can call Susan Towne Russell at 341-7777 for information on their fete, to be held Oct. 21-22.
  • It is hard to believe, but 10 years have passed since Tim Brown scored a touchdown for Woodrow. Coming off his best season in the NFL, he recently signed a new contract with the LA Raiders for $11 million. Tim was vice-president of the class of ’84, which will make merry with Madonna-music June 10-11. Call another former Wildcat athletic star, Joanie Pate Dickson, at 826-3340 for details.

Woodrowstock

Saving the great for last, Steve Hargrove ’69 is a class organizer for their 25-year celebration. Wonder what happened to his ’65 GTO – the fastest car at Woodrow since Carroll Shelby’s?

Now a respectable electric company president and City Plan Commissioner, Steve invites all ’69 Cats to call him at 742-3059 or D’ann Smith Carpenter at 240-1125.

The class plans events at Winfrey Point on July 1, a dance at the Radisson on July 2 and at Charco’s on July 3.

“We’re in the midst of the middle-age crazies,” Steve says. “Billy Brown was wild in school, then he settled down. But now he’s bought a Harley for the reunion.”

I’ve always admired that class.