​Looking Back: Homecoming

by Marcia Napier, Grain Valley Historical Society
 
Last week I received a call from a former GVHS classmate, Katheen (Barnard) Barnett. She had some old school newspapers to donate to the Historical Society. Turns out, she had about 70 old papers including several copies of the Broadcaster from 1938.

Her mother, Earlene Smith, was the “Athletics Editor.” She also had papers from 1962-64 when we were in high school. Kathleen was a typist. And more from 1965 to 1969 when her sister graduated. Needless to say, I have spent several hours perusing  their contents.

Last week, most of this column dealt with the Homecoming Bonfire and Parade. So continuing in that vein, I will share snippets of Homecoming in 1962 (Class of 1963) and 1963 (Class of 1964).
 
October 26, 1962 (Front page) After the Ball is Over
The sophomores had the tasks of decorating the gym and the result was blue and white crepe paper streamers, balloons, and blue letters spelling “Welcome Back Alumni.”

Music was provided by a four-piece band which included a GV student, Roy Robinette.

Fast and slow tunes were played, even during the twist songs; off went the heels and everybody danced.
 
October 26, 1962. Half-time Activities
The themes of the floats were either T.V. shows or commercials…
The senior class had the winning float with the theme Wagon Train, Victory or Bust. The other float themes were: freshmen, Knock’em Popeyed, sophomores, From the Valley of the Jolly Blue Giant, and juniors, Gleem (toothpaste) with Beam (Coach Beam).

Cover of The Eagles Cry
September 27, 1963
 
 
 
September 27 (Lead story) Preparations for Homecoming
The Homecoming theme “Good Neighbors” will be carried out through the parade, football game and dance…

The parade will consist of the high school band and majorettes, floats from each high school class and their queen candidate…
            …grade school students will dress as different people of the world and march in the parade.
            The parade route will begin at school and proceed down Main Street to where Old 40 Highway joins Buckner Tarsney Road, and then return back to the school.

The football game will begin at 8:00 PM, Friday night. The Eagles play the Oak Grove Panthers. At half-time, the float of each class will be brought onto the field and displayed. The Ivy Chain (four girls from each class) proceeds onto the field, followed by the queen candidates. One lucky football player will then crown the Homecoming Queen.

The gym will be decorated by the sophomore class, halls by the seniors, goal post by the freshmen and the outside of the building by the juniors.

As much as life has changed over the 60 years since these stories were written, it is somewhat comforting to know that something never change! GVHS Alumni, family, and friends are invited to view photos and artifacts at the Alumni Tent before the 2024 Homecoming Game at Moody Murry Field on September 20th when the Eagles host the Ruskin Eagles.

NOTE: The dance that we now know as the Twist originated in the late fifties among teenagers, and was popularized by Chubby Checker who debuted the song to a national audience on August 6, 1960, on The Dick Clark Show.

Moody Murry was the superintendent of the Grain Valley Schools for seven years, from 1959 until May 1966.