.jpg)
Today is the official start of the All Class Reunion, celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Memorial High School Building.
But on Wednesday night it felt like a grand opening of sorts. At Ely’s Historic State Theater were folks gathered to hear a history of the Ely school district and see the premiere of the oral history video featuring 13 graduates of Memorial High School.
Providing an entertaining history talk was Reed Petersen, a board member of the Ely-Winton Historical Society. He spoke on how the building got its name as the great war, now known as World War I was commemorated for the men who served from Ely.
Just inside the front doors of the building are these names: John E. Mattson, Matt Preblish, Otto Pusari, Matt Smuk, Tuurrie Suominen, Joseph Muhvich, George E. Porthan, Philip T. White, John H. Pluth, Frank Lozar, Arthur J. Duggan and Marko Petritz.
Those immigrant American families had likely only been in Ely around 30 years. The city wasn’t formed until 1888 so it hadn’t been too long. Yet these new Americans were so proud of their new country they went to war for it and paid the ultimate price.
That foundation of the Memorial Building has held it strong for 100 years. Built at a cost of $1 million ($18.5 million in today’s dollars), Ely voters had gone to the polls to approve an $800,000 bond referendum. Petersen pointed out more people voted in that election than any previous Ely election. And the approval was by an overwhelming margin.
The grand opening was a community party. They served over 1,500 at a luncheon. Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Harry Stone gave the commemorative speech and when he did, the lights went out. He kept speaking.
There were other schools in Ely at the time, but while Memorial soldiered on, the others were closed and taken out of service. That included the Winton school, which then became a hospital along with the Pioneer, Old High and Lincoln schools.
Ely has a long history of providing students with an education that can set them on a path to success. It was interesting to hear the 13 graduates talk about the importance of education. And to also consider the trades as an option when a student has walked across the stage to receive a diploma from Ely Memorial High School.
Today we welcome over 1,000 for the 2024 All Class Reunion. We especially want to thank all of the volunteers who gave of themselves to make this happen. Every event has alumni who took an idea and made it a reality.
When you see those folks, extend a hand and say thank you for making this happen. Thank you for showing your appreciation for the education you received from the Ely school system.
Thank you volunteers, thank you graduates and enjoy your All Class Reunion this week.
