Every year, on Easter weekend, Tipton Home (as well as Tipton Public Schools) has it's annual Homecoming celebration. This year's theme was: Remembering the...1970's.
As Director of Alumni Relations, Anita (Annetta)Davis, does a WONDERFUL job each year planning for the big event. She works many, many hours preparing for the special occassion.
This year Anita had a helper, Carol H., who painted the yellow bug car to be used for some of the 70's decor. My two youngest, Jacob and Tyler are posing by the bug. Some of the men helped by cutting out the wooden patterns. Notice the 70's clothing hanging in the background.
This lovely leisure suit was borrowed from my brother-in-law, Dan. This picture really doesn't show the "true" lime green color! My husband was surprised that anyone would keep such a thing, but I have a strong suspicion that it's my sister-in-law, Robin, who is the wise keeper of the "oldies" clothing!! What a great addition to the decor!! (**My sister-in-law just reminded me that suit was made by Dan and my husband's grandmother. I had forgotten that, but that also makes it a special keepsake. And another note, his twin brother's suit was kind of a rusty orange color. He didn't keep his, though!)
The 70's style van was a cardboard party store find. You probably notice it as the VW van from Disney's Cars movie! Also, you'll see a few Tipton High cheer leading suits hanging.
This photo prop was also painted by Carol. Such a cute and fun addition. My two oldest, Lauren and Zachary, are trying it out!
Cute tie-dyed and smiley face printed bandanas served as decor for the table. Vases filled with paper flowers and green paper shred filled up the space. The flowers featured black and white copies of photos of many Tipton Home alumni.
Goody bags were passed out to all in attendance. Tyler was impressed with the kaleidoscope.
Calendars featured a 70's cover and more pictures from the past.
Addresses from alumni are bound and given to all in attendance - trying to get everyone connected so that they can keep in touch with each other.
This year's program in 1970's style.
The Putnam Place Cottage presented Tipton Home with a special gift this year. It was Chris Oakley's letter jacket, senior picture, and memorial program booklet. What a special gift! Thanks, Gray, Teresa, and boys! You may remember my previous posts about Chris' passing in September. (To read Chris' stories click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.)
A special guest speaker visited Tipton Home for the first time in 50 years. Jerry Bowers from Montana talked to the alumni and guests about his life growing up at Tipton Home. As an elder in the church for over 30 years, he encouraged the children to remain faithful to God, to follow Jesus, and to be active in the church for the rest of their lives. What an inspiration to all of us!
This pickup from the 1970's reminded me of my own childhood because we had two like this (one light lime green and one yellow). Clayton Smith, former Tipton Home employee who is now deceased, used this truck for mail, The Messenger (the Tipton Home newsletter), and other things. Another employee now owns the pickup, but let Anita to borrow it for the banquet.
To find out more about Tipton Home, visit their website at http://www.tiptonhome.com/.
She did a great job!!! You forgot to mention that the lime green suit was made by Dan's grandmother! That's another reason I've kept it through the years! But it has been worn to many a 70's party!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding me of that! I added it to the post!!
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