HAMPTON -- The Hampton Academy and High School graduating Class of 1946 recently celebrated its 60th reunion in the Goody Cole Room at the Old Salt Dining and Eating Place in Hampton.

The Class of 1946 has been meeting each year since its 50th reunion, when classmate Carroll Brown suggested the class meet each year until there are no members left.

This year, 13 of 25 remaining classmates out of an original class of 37 were able to attend. Spouses and guests attending brought the total who gathered to enjoy the Old Salt’s Sunday Brunch to 19.

The annual class meeting, which has been held each year the class has celebrated reunions, was opened by President Donald Palmer. President Palmer led those present in a moment of silence and appreciation for departed classmates, including Wilson Page Dennett, Harvey Owen Elliot, Dorothy Hromada Courtemanche, Doris Jenness Bates, James Stanley Knowles, Barbara Scruton Rawson, Toni Pat Violet Lessard, Kathleen Quinn Job, Dorothy Webber Schubert, John Leslie Whenal and June Wilson Higgins.

Class Vice President, Wayne Elliot and classmate Priscilla MacCullum Patrick commented on phone calls, e-mail and letters received from classmates who were unable to attend, including Jackie Cann Bartz, Betty Stonesifer Lyons, Alice Dyer Laliberty, Lucky Nudd Savage, Beth Hobbs Lewis, Carol Jones Jackson, Betty Cassell McMillan, Gail Janvrin Wales and Marjorie Merrill Davies.

Also remembered but unable to attend were Armand Gagne, Mary Pevear Briere and Charlotte Reddy Kantrlakos.

In addition to "housekeeping" items covered during the class meeting the classmates shared many memories and spent much time reminiscing their elementary and high school days. Pictures and news clippings were distributed for all to peruse and enjoy.

Classmates in attendance along with their spouses/ guests were Wayne Elliot and wife Betty, Priscilla MacCullum Patrick and husband John, Ted Wentworth and wife Sally, Connie Hamilton Jardis, Sam Hoyt, Carroll Brown and wife Lorraine, Robert Perkins, Dale Clayton and wife Maggie, Jane McGaw Palmer, Donald Palmer, Ray Paul, Gloria Whenal Ajemian and Harriet Laughlin Siemer and daughter Heidi.

During the meeting it was discovered that marriage longevity seemed to be prevalent among those classmates who were still able to attend the reunions. The Ajemians led the list with 57 years married, followed by the Wentworths, the Palmers and the Elliots with 56 years of marriage. Ray and Betsy Paul have been united for 49 years and the Claytons for 47.

The class held its commencement exercises on June 14, 1946. Class officers included Donald Palmer, president; Wayne Elliot, vice president; Jane McGaw Palmer, secretary; and Mrs. Helen K. Brown, treasurer. Class Marshal was Sam Hoyt. Mr. Bruce E. Russell was headmaster and Roy W. Gillmore was superintendent. The school board consisted of Mr. O. Raymond Garland, Mrs. Deborah Gale and Dr. Harold L. Pierson. The class motto is "Wisdom, Justice and Moderation;" the class flower is the yellow tea rose; and the class colors are blue and gold.