Here in a small town in the historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, the only home I knew as I grew from baby to my late teens, is my high school. This past weekend, my graduating class returned to Staunton for the “big” reunion.
Our high school is still perched on its high hill, but instead of halls filled with teenagers at lockers on the way to classes, the building is now home for retired , often ill citizens. I for one, find it sad that if the building is sound enough for apartments, that it is no longer used as a school. A new Lee High was built a few years ago across town. In this instance “progress ruled over tradition” as it often does.
Because I am having a jumble of thoughts about the weekend with no coherent theme, I am starting with a few pictures for you before I tackle the heart of the matter.
The class met in downtown Staunton at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Would you expect a hotel named for anyone less than General Lee’s favorite general?
It is elegantly restored and renovated. Many long years ago, it was the site of our wedding reception.
Ah, but I have gotten off topic already. . . . Here is a little of the background of my home town from http://www.historicstaunton.org
” Staunton is a unique community of six historic districts made up of cohesive neighborhoods and a central business district. Houses and historic businesses with elegant landscapes date back to the 19th century boom town growth. ”
Main Street is busy with unique shops and street theater on the weekends.
TalesAlongTheWay 
School reunions and meeting friends are emotional events. Did you meet your friends? Did you go back to your school days and talk about your then teachers? That should have been emotional, right ?
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I did meet my friends and spend the better part of three days with them. I will share it in upcoming days. I am a very emotional person and was concerned that I would be overcome by it all. More later. . . . . .
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Thank you for connecting with me. Your memories and pictures resonated with me as well. My here were things we took for granted growing up and your pictures made me pause and take a longer look. I am glad you enjoyed the reunion.
Bruce
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Oh thank you so much . I started the blog while in incredible India for four months in 2013. Came home to NY an addicted blogger with over 500 posts! Check it out and if you have question, ask away. Tks for your gracious comment. Loved, loved, loved the reunion.
Do you blog? Big smiles. . .
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What wonderful photos, Staunton looks like a beautiful place 🙂 Your old school building is stunning!
I’ve never been to a reunion or anything like that, I’m happy not revisiting people from my past!! When I went back to Dubai last year for the first time in many many years and it broke my heart to see just how much it had changed – I’ll keep my precious memories thank you!
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Elaine, I do know how you feel. It is a risk to travel back to places long past and visit with people from there. For me, it turned out to be a positive experience. Do you have class reunions in Britain? Maybe you were in Dubai during your school years. Thanks for your honesty! Smiles. . . .
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I went to too many schools to have an allegiance to one really!
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Well that makes sense. I did have another blogger from UK who had no idea of class reunions. I thought maybe it was an American practice.
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I think they are starting to happen more here but definitely not as common as in the US x
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Makes sense. . . . . .
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Who says you can never go back 🙂 I very much enjoy High School class reunions, reconnect to a lost time so to speak.
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Oh, I guess someone who hasn’t had a positive experience. I loved every minute in spite of the trepidation with which I went. Silly me !
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