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In the summer of 1969, with mandatory public education behind me, I traveled to upstate New York on a pilgrimage to a celebration of music and community. The 3+ days of Woodstock truly set the tone of my life to follow.

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Hello class of 1969,
Searching the Internet I found this article about South Salem's production of "Oklahoma". Brings back great memories.

Sorry that it seems a bit chopped up, as it was text accompanying photos in a format I couldn't manipulate very well. Enjoy!

“Oklahoma” text from Statesman Journal 1969

The popular Broadway musical comedy, "Oklahoma ", opens a three-night run at Leslie Junior High School Auditorium beginning May 1. The show is being presented by South Salem High and is the first musical to be given in the 15-year history of the school. Laury Lee as Ado Annie and Bob Jones as Will are pictured in a scene while singing "I Can't Say No". When Will says to Ado Annie that "I gotta git a kiss an it's gotta be quick", Annie answers, "What's a girl to say when you talk that-a-way?” Playing leading roles in Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical comedy "Oklahoma", are Paula Bissell as Laurey, Dave Chinburg as Curly and Ed Whipple (in back), who portrays Jud Fry. The South Salem High production will be presented May 1, 2 and 3. In the scene, above, the everlooming figure of morbid Jud casts a shadow over the happiness of Laurey and Curly's newly discovered love in the song "People Will Say We're in Love". Bringing some "pretties" and "flirtation" into the hard life of the Oklahomans is Ali Hakim, the peddler, in a scene from "Oklahoma" to be presented by South Salem High School May 1, 2 and 3. Showing his wares to Aunt Eller, portrayed by Roz Gunnar, is Jeff Arnold as Ali Hakim. The public is invited to attend and tickets are available at South High, Meier and Frank and Stevens and Son.
Oklahoma' Opens and the halls at South Salem High School are ringing with hit tunes from Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical comedy, "Oklahoma". The show will be presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, May 1, 2 and 3, at Leslie Junior High Auditorium at 8 o'clock. This is the first musical to be presented in the 15-year history of the school and responsible for the production are five directors, Gary Frame, vocal; Mrs. Phyllis Quanbeck, drama; Peter Frajola, orchestra; Mike Hibbard, technical; and Milenia Huggins, student director. The "Oklahoma" cast includes 110 students, who are singing such song hits as "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' ", "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top", "Kansas City", "I Can't Say No", "People Will Say We're In Love", "All er Nothin" and "Oklahoma" as they walk through the South Salem halls. Over 250 students are involved in the entire production, including the costumes, properties and technical . staffs. ; TAKE LEADING ROLES Playing leading roles in the musical are Roz Gunnar, Dave Chinburg, Paul Bissell, Tom Davis, Rick Crawford, Bob Jones, Laury Lee, Ed Whipple, Jeff Arnold, Elaine Lair, Dave Smith and Tony Heriza. The three performances are open to the public and tickets may be obtained at South Salem High, Meier and Frank or Stevens and Son. The popular musical comedy was first presented on Broadway in 1943 and played for 12 years. Since then the show has been presented by schools, amateur and professional theatre groups across the country. (Sec III) Statesman, Salem, Ore., Sunday, April 27, 1969 Statesman Photos By JOHN ERICKSEN

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Reagan Lee Ryan obituary
Portland - Reagan Lee Ryan was born on July 17, 1951, and passed away peacefully on February 5, 2018. He was the son of Leonard and Joanne Ryan and is survived by his mother, brother (Mike), sister (Linda Wilson), and four children, Shannon, Ashley, Brittney, Rayce, and six grandchildren. Reagan attended South Salem High School and left school to pursue his interest in music. He was a very talented guitar player. He later worked as a carpenter, a realtor, and property manager in Salem. Reagan moved to Portland several years ago and enjoyed spending time with his children, family, and friends. A memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.

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I'm sorry to say I just learned that another classmate has passed away. John Thomas died Tuesday, February 6th, after a bike accident. John and family, including his twin brother Bob, all live in the Ashland area.

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As graduation passes for the young ones I have to think back to our days. Who was at Ralph's beach for our senior skip days? What a great time, and graduation what a great day when we were no longer obligated to that Big old school and free to roam the world.  -Alan Burke