Their last class reunion was held ten years ago and was hosted by the Alumni Association through Deer Valley. Mrs. Johnson used to coordinate those class reunions, including the 25th and 40th for the Class of 1976, but this year’s reunion was spearheaded by ’76 alumni Chris Morgan, Peggy (Calsyn) Deetz, and Jenny Lench.
Jeff Scanlan said the former classmates met for food and drinks and “reminisced about sports, football games, track, baseball, and Homecoming activities,” such as going around local farms to find some small structures to burn at the Homecoming bonfire (which the farmers didn’t like). They recalled some cherished Tampico traditions and growing up in simpler times, with the classmates fondly remembering “all the things we did when we were younger.”
Scanlan also brought some old photo albums and scrapbooks that his late mom compiled and saved for him, noting that his family barn was the place where classmates would build their Homecoming floats. “We were so lucky to have what we had during that time,” he said, crediting the farming community who supported the school, and all the school board members who “did the right things for kids’ education” in the community.
The Class of 1976 had 35 or 36 students in the graduating class, back when Tampico had a population of around 650. Students also came from neighboring farm communities of Deer Grove and Yorktown, and some graduated early to pursue career opportunities. All three communities had their own elementary schools, though Deer Grove consolidated with Tampico’s junior high while the classmates were in 8th grade. The girls who grew up on farms versus living in town were about 3 to 1 in those days.
The group also remembered their classmates and spouses who have passed away since their last gathering, recalling the “fun times and sad times.” Many in the community would marry their classmates, with a few pairs of husband and wives attending the reunion.
Traveling the furthest for the 50th reunion was Ann Widolff from Missouri. Most of the alumni have settled in the area, with one also coming from Cedar Rapids. The group agreed to meet “more often instead of later,” and have set another reunion for five years down the road.
Though their alma mater is no longer around, the classmates all agreed they were lucky to have a great school and a great gym for both their high school and elementary years. Tampico High School closed in 1996 due to declining enrollment and financial concerns, with the school district consolidating with Prophetstown and Lyndon. The building was later used for junior high classes before being partially torn down in 2012, with the gym (built in 1959) and an addition serving as the foundation for the current Tampico Elementary School.
“The years have passed and time goes by in the blink of an eye,” Scanlan said, though the Spirit of ’76 continues to live on in Tampico.
“These pictures brought to you by Pet Rocks, Mood Rings, Bell Bottoms, Saturday Night Live and The Hustle…” Jenee Blackert said of the group photos on the Tampico Area Historical Society page. Photos courtesy of Jeff Scanlan.
