​Looking Back: 1978

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society

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Before I leave the topic of GVHS football stadiums, I have two photographs to share with readers. They were taken nearly 50 years ago and I found them in the 1978 yearbook.

In my attempt to locate a good photograph of the football or track team on the field located behind the Grain Valley Community Center, I was unsuccessful. However, I did find the marching band lined up on the old field.

1977-78 Marching Band
Grain Valley High School
 
The field ran east to west and this photograph was taken from the north side of the field. In the fall of 1977, the track had evidently not been added. The land just south of the field was obviously still farmland, as cattle can be seen grazing. It would be another nearly 20 years before the field was moved to Eagles Parkway, and another 25 years before the Community Center was completed to the right of this field. The baseball field now exist where the cattle once roamed.

The Concession and Press Box
Photo from the 1978 Treasure Chest

The photo above was labeled Industrial Arts Club. It makes one wonder if they might have built the structure.  However, I believe it was constructed by volunteers from the booster club! The two windows at the bottom were used by the classes or various school clubs and organizations to sell concessions at the football games. I vaguely remember going to a few games and buying hotdogs from a crockpot, cold popcorn from a 2- pound bag, and soda pop poured from 2-liter bottles into plastic cups with ice from a bag.

The top windows were where the PA announcer sat with the spotters and statisticians. Compared to the huge press box at the present field and the modern concession stand and rest rooms, it really makes you question if these were “…the good old days!”