For the Marple Newtown High School (MNHS) class of 1973, their 50th reunion was more than just a few hours of mingling with former classmates. It was a weekend packed with activities that kicked off with a Friday night gathering at Springfield Ale House. It ended with a nostalgic breakfast at the Country Squire Diner, the popular hangout back in 1973. The reunion brought more than 150 members of the Class of ‘73 together and was filled with smiles, laughter and a flood of memories.
Barb (Dash) Mealmaker, along with co-chair John Dutton, have been planning the class of 1973 reunions since they held their ten-year in 1983. “Back then we used the phone book to invite people to come,” Barb recalled. Since then, they’ve held a reunion every five years, including their 45th, which was held at the Hall of Fame Club at Citizens Bank Park. “The MN 73ers are an exceptional class,” she added. “Ever since high school, we’ve always connected.”
For the 50th, Barb assembled a great committee that helped plan every detail from outreach and events to gift bags with a copy of the June 1973 Senior edition of The Mar News, the school’s newspaper. The group created a Facebook page to gather interest, but what made it more personal was that the reunion committee reached out by phone to individually invite former classmates. “It’s really that personal touch that made people even more excited about coming,” Barb explained.
Reunion festivities began on October 20, with classmates meeting up at the Springfield Ale House, an establishment owned by fellow 1973 grad Frank White. Some headed to MNHS to watch the Marple Tigers play Garnet Valley under the Friday night lights. On Saturday, dozens of classmates met in front of MNHS for coffee and donut tailgate. Thanks to help from Athletic Director Chris Gicking and Principal John Beltrante, the group was then led on a guided tour of the school by current MNHS students Kyria Brennan and Margo Gebey. “It was neat to see the significant changes since we graduated in 1973,” said Barb. Fellow committee member Dave Robbins said he enjoyed seeing all the changes, especially the Performing Arts Center. “As a former MNHS actor and member of the stage crew, the quality of new facilities and equipment now available to the students is really impressive,” said Dave.
The main event of the reunion weekend was a reception at the Hilton Garden Inn in Newtown Square, with more than 200 people in attendance. “There were Marple Tigers everywhere,” said Barb, referring to both the people and the decorations designed by classmate Marie Wolfington Jones. “The best part was the excitement on everyone’s faces as they arrived.” MNHS grad and committee member Nancy Gross said that seeing a copy of the school’s newspaper from 1973 brought tears to her eyes. “As editor of The Mar News, our senior year, I became flooded with the memories of so many good times and gratitude for our newspaper sponsor and my mentor, teacher Miriam Bedein, who influenced my career choice as a journalist.”
During the evening, guests were treated to a video montage of photos as well as live music from Joe Grasso, the son-in-law of alumna Andrea (Suny) Szczepkowski. Barb said that not only did Joe and his wife, Grace Szczepkowski, treat guests to an amazing rendition of Forever Young and Lady Gaga’s Shallow, but he also served as the event’s photographer. Groups gathered for photos of various elementary schools that existed back then, including Alice Grimm, Culbertson, Marple Elementary, Russell, St. Pius X, Loomis, Worrall and St. Anastasia School.
Classmates came from all over the country; one traveled from Alaska. For members of the class who weren’t able to come in person, they were able to attend the party via Zoom®. Surprise guests included Russell Elementary School teacher Mr. Ollie Rhine and MNHS teachers Mitchell Itzko and Bill Scott. “These teachers cared deeply about students and their education, and many of our children had them as teachers,” said Barb. “To reconnect with them was heartwarming.”
For the class of 1973, the reunion was more than just reminiscing and nostalgia, it was also about the future. “What was unique about celebrating 50 years is that there are no preconceived notions,” said Nancy. “We’re all on a level playing field. Now it’s all about making connections. Even if we didn’t know someone in high school, now we are making a point to get to know each other. Many classmates are making plans to get together.” Barb agreed. She said that as soon as the reunion was over, the most popular question was: “When are we getting together again?” The committee is already planning the 55th!