Iona Herman Baker recently hosted her 75th reunion for Lake Township High’s Class of 1934 at Otterbein Portage Valley in Pemberville. The gathering included a catered meal prepared by Otterbein’s executive chef Reggie Hall.

Baker was joined by Ethel (Korn) Rideout, Evelyn (Albright) Korn, Pearl (Taylor) Bahnsen, Samuel Layman and Oscar Garner.

Baker noted said that most of the 36 students who graduated with her have attended past reunion from all over the United States but this year, those they dubbed “The Survivors” numbered six and all have stayed local all their lives. The Class of 1934 was the first to go all 12 years of school in the “new” centralized school district instead of starting in a one-room school, Baker said. She noted that for many, it was the first experience with indoor plumbing and riding a school bus.

Members of the Lake High School class of 1934

Her father served on the school board at the time and he received many complaints from parents that centralizing the school district would cause widespread diseases such as whooping cough, she recalled. 

Of course, it turns it out it gave students an improved education and opportunities for socialization,” Baker said.  The centralized building to which Baker refers was demolished a few years ago.

Those who attended brought photos and reminisced about the many class reunions they’ve enjoyed.

Baker expressed gratitude to the team members at Otterbein Portage Valley who pulled the many details together and the Lake Township Alumni Association for their help in organizing another great class reunion.

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