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Photos: The 1961 commencement that should have been

By Howard B. Owens

Prior to 1961, Batavia High's graduating classes held their commencement ceremony at Mancuso Theater, but in 1961, with a new high school built, school officials told the Class of ' 61 that its graduation would be at the new facility. 

There was talk of protest then, but it took the class a half century to actually pull it off.

As part of the class's 50th Reunion, class members walked from Batavia Middle School to the former Mancuso Theater, now City Church, and held a ceremonial commencement with current BHS Principal Christopher Dailey handing Jim Owen back his original diploma as a symbolic graduation. Dailey then delivered the same commencement speech delivered to the Class of 2011.

Michael Rimmer

Thanks to the Batavian for getting our message across that our class did not like the
political choices that were made 50 yrs ago. It maybe just me but I feel vindicated.

ps,I am still protesting 50 yrs latter.

Sep 17, 2011, 2:42pm Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Howard, in the top pic, the fellow on the left in the blue windbreaker is Bob Norris, one of our playground supervisors at Kibbe Park at the time and also our coach in what was then the Batavia city park's "midget league" baseball program........outtasight!!!!! thanks Howard!

Sep 17, 2011, 6:11pm Permalink
Brenda Ranney

Okay I gotta ask since this occurred before my time & I'm not a native Batavian, why are you protesting Michael ? What did happen in 1961 ?

ETA: I've only been in the movie theater once since City Church did the renovations so I'd love to see pics of the inside. Also I was told today that there was statues in what is now the middle school. Would love to read the story behind what happened to them along with a picture.

Sep 17, 2011, 7:58pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Jim,I remember the park league, I believe there were 4 teams,Austin, Kibbe, Williams, and Farrell parks. The era I played was mid to late 60's, and all teams had some of the best players in the city. Outtasight is right!!!!!

Sep 17, 2011, 8:52pm Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Frank, do you remember the playgrounds at Woodward Field, Pringle Ave, MacArthur and John Kennedy? I think they all fielded teams, but maybe it was earlier. And you're absolutely right - the competition was great, featuring some good ballplayers.

Sep 17, 2011, 10:00pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I think it would be cool if Little League or Minor League went to a neighborhood team format -- with "home" games played at the parks. I could see it generate more interest in youth baseball.

Sep 17, 2011, 11:42pm Permalink
Frank Bartholomew

Jim, thanks for jarring my memory, the parks you mentioned fielded teams also. Howard, I think you're right, and that format would make for some good old fashioned rivalries similiar to those in the days of the park league.

Sep 18, 2011, 7:58am Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I also think it would go a long way toward teaching kids the importance of community, knowing your neighbor, caring about your neighborhood ... and parents, too.

Sep 18, 2011, 10:43am Permalink
RICHARD L. HALE

Anyone from the Class of '66....didn't we have our graduation at Mancuso's Theater? Could it be the size of the class that determined the venue for graduation?

Great idea about the neighborhood baseball teams. Great for the kids!! I played for Woodward in the early '60's. Great fun!!

Sep 18, 2011, 1:29pm Permalink

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