On Saturday, June 13th, the Monterey High School Class of 1976 gathered for their 50 year reunion inside Southwind, the historic dining car located at the Monterey Depot Museum. Balloons in the shape of 7s and 6s were sprinkled along the outside, welcoming guests aboard.
Inside the Southwind, as ’70s music played on the big screen, friends gathered together to catch up, reminisce, and acknowledge those who had since passed or were otherwise unable to attend.
Southwind’s tables were adorned with arrangements of purple and white flowers, where attendees could sit and enjoy a meal from Stroud’s. Just outside, tables and an umbrella were set up, providing optional seating for guests. Desserts included banana pudding, a purple cupcake tray in the shape of the letter “M” from Publix, and cookies provided by yours truly. Monterey police officer and business owner, Martin Walker also made trinkets for the guests in the form of keychains and coasters to commemorate the event.
A few people brought along posters , yearbooks, and copies of the school newspaper, helping to set the tone for a day that was filled with the joy only old friends can bring. In a graduating class of about 30-something people, those childhood bonds were still evident 50 years later.
More than 20 classmates were in attendance on Saturday, bringing along their loved ones to join in the celebration. With the reunion being held inside a 1940s train car, it was a nostalgic day in every sense of the word. More importantly it was an opportunity to renew those friendships made in the most formative years of life.
Go Wildcats!
If you attended the reunion and have photos you’d like to share feel free to post them in the comments below.
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