It was a day of memories of learning to read with “Dick, Jane and Sally” readers, and having your own brown leather wallet, despite being in the first grade.
These reminiscences and more were shared during a special reunion between former Northside Elementary School teacher, Lois Luedtke, now 85, and eight of her 34 first-grade students from the class of 1959-60 Saturday, Sept. 24 at the home of Moppy Miller, a former classmate.
“It was fabulous,” said Suzanne Thoele, class of 1971, who reconnected with Luedtke via Facebook several years ago and organized the event to coincide with their 51st reunion. “We had eight former first-graders, and three spouses attend. After several hours of reminiscing, we drove to Northside Elementary to re-enact our original first grade class picture.”
According to Thoele, highlights of the day included taking Luedtke through the Duck Room at Northside and showing her the location of her first-grade class.
“The smile on her face was priceless,” Thoele said.
In addition, fellow classmate Tim Kennedy, brought in the very same wallet from his childhood that he is holding in the original class picture.
Kennedy said the event brought back cherished memories.
“I remember how happy my childhood was growing up,” Kennedy recalled. “I remember teachers like Mrs. Luedtke who taught us how to behave, pay attention and respect others. She was like a second mother to all of us.”
According to Thoele, when asked how Luedtke handled 34 students her first year of being a teacher, she replied, “Well, it was my first year to teach and I didn’t know any different. Plus, you were all really good kids.”
However, Thoele reported that Luedtke said she was relieved to only have 24 students the following year.
Regardless, the reunion was a delight for all who participated.
“What a joy and honor to see Mrs.
Luedtke after 62 years,” Thoele said. “How many can say they had brunch with their firstgrade teacher while attending their 51st class reunion. This was a redletter day for me.”
