Decades of grads return

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Oct 9, 2004 by Barbara Hollingsworth Capital-Journal

Homecoming events kick off

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

From left, Martha Goodrich Coate, Nancy Lindemuth Laster and Mary Lewis Kresie shield themselves from the afternoon sun with a banner announcing them as members of the Class of 1944 before the start of Topeka High School's homecoming parade. Kresie was that year's queen of the all-school party.

Topeka High Marine Corps Junior ROTC raise flags during Friday's dedication of the flag mast from the USS Constitution and Constitution Plaza.

By Barbara Hollingsworth

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Homecoming queens spanning 60 years paraded Friday afternoon through downtown Topeka.

From the Topeka High School Class of 1944, homecoming and the all- school party royalty sat in the back of a convertible waiting for the start of this year's homecoming parade. It was a first for the women.

"We did not have any parade because there was gas rationing," said Lois Bradstreet Dove, a former homecoming queen who lives in Great Bend.

Ahead of the '44 royalty were this year's homecoming queen hopefuls, wearing formal gowns. The junior class had an informal take on the occasion as they rode on their "Dis-Go Trojans" '70s-themed float. Junior Cheyanne Williams wore a purple boa and sparkling silver sunglasses.

"We look good," she said.

On Friday morning, Topeka High dedicated Constitution Plaza on the east side of the school. The plaza features a flag pole that --- like its deteriorated predecessor --- was once part of the USS Constitution "Old Ironsides."

At 2 p.m. Sunday, the Topeka High School Historical Society will induct three graduates into the school's hall of fame. The inductees are Richard E. Davis, Class of '44; Thomas F. "Swiftwater" Hahn, '44; and David H. Roe, '58. The ceremony will take place in the library on the second floor.

Also celebrating its homecoming Friday was Shawnee Heights High School.

HIGH PRIDE

Lois Bradstreet Dove

was Topeka High's 1944 homecoming queen

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