July 2010
New Lexington HS Graduation Resources
Graduations, reunions, and alumni celebrations find many folks experiencing the joy of memories recalled at this time of year. Lexington graduates partied and the alumni again planned a special weekend for all alumni of the local high school, which has had graduates since 1879. Everyone was invited to visit old friends at the Community Center in Lexington on the last Saturday and Sunday of June. Special buffets were held for graduates of 50 years or more on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. The event was certainly enjoyed by the large crowd who came from near and far to celebrate.
One of our own Fort members and a graduate of LHS, Rita Leake, spent months researching and compiling an alumni booklet for the 50 year class. We have a copy at The Fort for research purposes thanks to a donation by Rita.
Another publication called The Purple and White was commissioned by the reunion committee, and researched and compiled by Trish Killian Morrison. Many people made suggestions, helped find pictures, and proofread the book before the final printing. Among those helpers were the following: Louise Hodges Patton, Donna West Neldner, Marlene Sutter Phipps, Elizabeth Hallstein Worth, Betty Ralston Alexander, Sharon Buzzard Payne, Roselma Fritz Powell, Judy Fell Harmon, Doris Jones Mitchell, Barbie Whitman Freed, John Killian, Janet Patton Cole, John Cheever, Linda Grunloh Cheever, Connie Siron Bork, Rick Stephey, Kathy Leake Stephey, Steve Young, Carol Kinsella Young, Margaret Lauher Walker, Karen Hawkins, Judy Haushalter Killian, Joan Killian Thomas, Ann Killian Dady, Lucy Killian Kelley, Kathy Morrison Boehle, Jim Morrison, and Melaine Kunkle, a L.E.A.F. board member. L.E.A.F. paid to have 300 copies of the booklet published so far and has realized over $2000 in profits. The 8 X 11 paperbound booklet lists all the graduates of Lexington classes from 1879 to 2010. We have a copy of the booklet at The Fort and it has already proven to be a great resource in pinpointing dates or confirming questions about possible graduates of our Lexington community. The committee reports it was an enjoyable project and they have had positive feedback from readers.
We at The Fort decided to publicize this resource on our web page for those from far away who have ties to the Lexington community and may want a copy of the booklet for their personal genealogical library. One of our web page articles in the past highlighted the unusual Lexington class of 1889, who all married on the very same day! Their names are listed in the book Check out the true story at http://www.lexingtonillinoisfort.org/Articles/2009/September/LexingtonHighSchoolClassof1889.htm
The booklet was published by the Lexington Education Advancement Foundation (L.E.A.F.) in conjunction with this year’s reunion. All proceeds from the sale of the booklets will go to the foundation to enhance and enrich the educational programs and opportunities in Lexington Community Unit District #7. Read about LEAF at www.lexington.k12.il.us/LEAF/index.htm
Locally, the booklet can be purchased at Lexington’s Heartland Bank, Commerce Bank, or True Value Hardware Store for $10. It can also be purchased through the mail by sending $12.50 to
Lexington Education Advancement Foundation
P.O. Box 191
Lexington, Illinois 61753