Six local residents share memories of graduating Lake Township High in 1934

Iona Herman Baker hosted her 75th reunion for Lake Township High’s Class of 1934 in a beautifully remodeled villa at Otterbein Portage Valley, complete with a catered meal prepared by Otterbein Portage Valley's own Executive Chef Reggie Hall, much to everyone’s delight!

Mrs. Baker was thrilled to be joined by Ethel (Korn) Rideout, Evelyn (Albright) Korn, Pearl (Taylor) Bahnsen, Samuel Layman and Oscar Garner. She said that most of the 36 students who graduated with her have attended past reunions from all over the United States, but this year those they dubbed “The Survivors,” numbered six and all have stayed local.

Mrs. Baker bragged that 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. She noted that for many it was the first experience with indoor plumbing and riding a school bus. Her father served on the school board at the time and she noted that he received many complaints from parents that centralizing the school district would cause widespread diseases such as whooping cough. Mrs. Baker said it turns out it gave students an improved education and opportunities for socialization. The centralized building to which Mrs. Baker refers was demolished a few years ago.

Everyone who attended brought photos of graduates and the many class reunions they’ve enjoyed. They enjoyed Mrs. Baker’s hospitality. Many wonderful team members at Otterbein Portage Valley in Pemberville and the Lake Township Alumni Association helped Mrs. Baker organize this wonderful class reunion.

Shown, front row, from left, Pearl Taylor Bahnsen, Evelyn Albright Korn and Iona Herman Baker; back row, from left, Ethel Korn Rideout, Oscar Garner and Samuel Layman. Iona Baker and Oscar Garner live at Otterbein Portage Valley and Samuel Layman (Otterbein Portage Valley Executive Director Tom Keith's grandfather) just signed up to move in!

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