The Herman-Nocross class of 1959 held their 50th class reunion on July 18, 2009. A tour of the school was offered and also “another” picture with a 1959 Chevrolet. Eleven classmates made the trek to Herman for the tour and the picture.

An evening meal was served in Alexandria, with 25 attending from a class of 40.

Front row:  Gary St. Martin, Buddy Berger, Eugene Blascyk, Karen Sjoquist Sullivan, Sharon Nelson Ehlers, Vernell Wagner.

  Middle row:  Patsy Hakenson Arneson, Irene Beninga Stafford, Kay Allen Gieselman, Iloise Itzen Groth, Audrey Van Zomeran Schultz, Connie Gilbertson Larson, Loretta Hurlbut Rininger.

  Back row:  Eddie Hilbrand, Dave Nachbor, Joe Gieselman, Patty Peck Kelly, Bob Vipond, Dick Bauman, Kenny Elrite, Norman Werk, Milton Blasing, Judy Rhyne Crondahl, Bernie Van Zomeran, Jerry Bryson.

    During the evening, we remembered those classmates who are no longer with us:  Ronnie Itzen, Leonard Ward, Judy Flakker, Donnie Shear, Kenny Gulbrandson, and Gary Richards. A few  of us had breakfast together the next morning.  It was decided that we should have the next reunion in five years.  Hawaii, Alaska, and Las Vegas were suggested.  How about it, classmates?!

Do you have old photos of Barrett?

by C. A. Ray, Grant County Herald

    The Barrett Historical Photo Project seeks not only to preserve old photos of Barrett, but let more people see them. So far the project has taken 11 photos, mostly from the archives of the Grant County Historical Society Museum, scanned and digitally enhanced them, and printed them on 30 x 36 inch canvases. The result is stunning clarity of old photos taken during town celebrations, the stone arch bridge, the old flour mill, the ice plant.

   The canvases are displayed at the Community Center and town office for now, but will be brought to the Lakeside Pavilion for summer events so people can see them. Each photo costs $150 to process and print and is sponsored by individuals or businesses. For instance, one family sponsored a beautiful print of the Barrett Lake steamboat taking on passengers. Star Bank has sponsored a print of the old bank building in Barrett.

  Deb Nelson-Pick said the Project has more good photos it plans to print as soon as sponsors are found. For instance there are two stunning old photos of a packed train station and grounds as villagers see Grant County boys off to war during World War I. There are also photos of boating on Barrett Lake, the old Town Hall and businesses, that need to be restored and printed, but the Project is looking for more photos.

    “We think families out there have some old photos that would be nice to be included,” said Nelson-Pick. “Hopefully, during the holidays, as families get together, they might locate some of these photos.”.

For instance, the Project would love any photos of Frank’s Barber Shop or other businesses, Powers Hospital, activities at Powers Park, or the Lakeside Pavilion, and photos of the old Barrett Hotel.

    The project is trying to steer away from photos that feature mostly people because there are so many personalties they would miss. They also know they are in a race against time. As long-time Barrett families become fewer and fewer, the photographic record of the town disappears with them.

   “It’s really sad that there are so few historical photos left of Barrett. We want to preserve what we have.” If you have a photo you think should be included, or are interested is sponsoring a restoration contact Nelson-Pick at 320-528-2597, or City Clerk Marita Rhude at 320-528-2440.