School's Out! But the Waterville School Reunion will still involve plenty of class ...


1959 Waterville Boys Basketball Team

In 1958 the landscape of the Waterville School changed with the closing of the Harpers Ferry High School. Several Harpers Ferry students joined the Waterville High School, bringing with them, and sharing with Waterville classmates, their love of sports and the outdoors, such as the boys basketball team from 1959 pictured at right.

Now it’s like the end of the school term… making final preparations for what is ahead; not tests but the Waterville School Reunion scheduled for Saturday-Sunday, June 25-26. Saturday is Waterville Day, and it is full of all things Waterville. The Reunion Banquet is Sunday at the Waukon Banquet Center. Although time is winding down, registrations are still being accepted and are required for those attending. Registration can take place at the reunion website, www.Waterville.weebly.com, with registration and payment then being mailed to Cletus Mathis at 506 Fifth Street NE, Waukon, IA 52172.

Saturday's Waterville Day will begin at 10 a.m. with the school, Fire Station, Library, City Hall and Open Door to the Soul (former Lutheran Church) all open for visiting. Wagon rides will shuttle attendees from place to place so there's only a need to park once and then be chauffeured around town. Lunch will be available at the Fire Station for a donation, provided by the Waterville Parents for Progress. The Dairy Wagon will also be there with treats, and wine tasting will also be available from Eagles Nest Winery in Marquette. A Granny Basketball scrimmage will take place at 2 p.m. at the school gym, and volunteer players are still being recruited if anyone is interested.

Saturday afternoon a 4 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at St. Ann-St. Joseph Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry. The Mass Intention is for all who, since the founding, attended or served the Waterville School in any capacity. Saturday evening is then open for friends and classes to gather.

Sunday events will move to the Waukon Banquet Center for the banquet and program. Registration will begin at 11 a.m., with dinner and the program to follow. There will also be a display of Waterville memorabilia at the Banquet Center. Following the banquet, George Ashbacher will open his collection of antiques at Scenic View Barn, located 18 miles southeast of Waukon on Hwy. 76 on Antique Lane. Ashbacher has been an avid collector of all things Waterville, Rossville and Allamakee County for years. He will also have Scenic View Barn open after 3 p.m. Monday, June 27. Additional information about the reunion event can be gathered by e-mailing watervilleschoolreunion@gmail.com. Submitted photo.