Eighty years have passed since this group of optimistic young people left Tremont High School. Federal programs were beginning, in some cases, to reduce the stress of the Great Depression that had gripped America since the stock market collapse of 1929. Europe and the rise of the fascists seemed a great distance from central Illinois and warlords who had gained control of Japan were beginning to reach out to mainland China to increase their sphere of influence. These faces don't reflect those concerns, for a brief time optimism about the future reigned.
Top left is Dorothy Grubb, she will become the mother of classmate Scott Pflederer and aunt of classmate Deanna Grubb. Third from the left at the top is Wilma Bolliger, she will become a teacher to several of my classmates at Tremont and will be an aunt to classmate Jim Boyle. Middle row, first on left is Jim Moser who will become my boss the year I worked as a bridge carpenter. History is such an interesting study, making connections with the past helps one understand the present and look to future generations in a new understanding.
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