​Looking Back: Homecoming, the Early 1950s

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 

While Grain Valley no longer has a Homecoming Parade, we do have a Fall Fair Parade and it’s coming up this Saturday, September 7.  It made me think of the of the Homecoming memories I have, growing up in Grain Valley. After looking through some old yearbooks, here are some photographs from Homecoming in 1952, 1953 and 1954. Some readers may recognize a face or two.

And speaking of photographs, I’m on the search for any pictures from a homecoming bonfire when it used to take place “right on Main Street” in the middle of town. We’re taking a “snake dance” that started in the high school parking lot and wound its’ way 2 blocks down Main Street to the bonfire. If you or anyone you know might have attended one of these pep rallies and have any photographs, please share!

​The bonfire is returning this year to the City Garden at the corner of Main and Walnut Streets on Wednesday, September 18. Put it on your calendar; it promises to be a good time!

It looks like Grain Valley’s Marching Band had 31 members, including the drum major, mascot, and three majorettes. Circa, 1953

The majorettes were (left to right) Sandra Temple, Janice Thompson, and Florene Brown.

Every student, 1st grade through seniors marched in the parade!

Jean Wiggins (Herron) was the 1953 Homecoming Queen, crowned by Jimmy Booker, captain of the football team if I remember correctly. And the parades always had floats! 

We must have played the Odessa Bulldogs for homecoming in 1954!  

Yours truly, rode on the senior class float, the theme was “It’s in the cards – VICTORY”