Class of 1950 Celebrates Diamond Jubilee

The Madeira High School’s Class of 1950 proved that school spirit never fades as they celebrated their 75th class reunion riding in decorated golf carts in the district’s annual Homecoming Parade.

During their years at Madeira High School (MHS) the Class of 1950 considered themselves a close knit group of classmates. Reunions were organized by class officers Jim ‘Deke’ Decatur and Bernice Brockhage, who were also good friends. “Our class was really close,” Decatur stated. “We never had trouble getting people to help and if we were late getting a reunion together people started calling asking about it.” After Bernie passed away Jim and a group of classmates kept organizing the annual gatherings. In between reunions, many would talk regularly on the phone or meet for lunch to reminisce their days at MHS on the basketball court, at school dances, and in school plays.

After their 60th MHS reunion the group decided they were getting on in years and needed to have a reunion every year. Affectionately known as “The Nifty Fifties,” the classmates have continued to keep in touch and gather once a year to share stories, laughter, and memories from their years at Madeira. Out of the 52 members in the graduating class, ten still carry their memories today. Five of those people gathered to celebrate their 75th reunion from Madeira High School at a luncheon in early September. Several weeks later they celebrated again when they rode in the MHS Homecoming parade wearing blue and gold. Jim Decatur brought along his 1950 letter sweater.

Being back at the high school where the alumni met all those years ago was a treat for the classmates – and for the people who waved to them as they rode down Miami Avenue to MHS. “We were always a close group,” Jim Decatur said of his alma mater. “It was a great place to go to school.”