WHS Class of 1958 holds book signing

The Whitefish High School Class of 1958 has created a book sharing their experiences growing up in Whitefish.

The book is called “Love Letter to Whitefish, Montana” and is being released this weekend to coincide with the 65th class reunion and Whitefish High’s homecoming.

The book began when longtime Whitefish residents Charlie Abell and Dewey Hartmen were chatting over coffee at the Buffalo Cafe about the latest edition of the annual newsletter compiled by their class that has been sent out to keep the class members informed between the usual class reunions. Someone overheard the conversation and suggested that the material could be compiled into a book.

So a query went out to classmates who now are scattered from the East Coast to the West Coast, but a core group remains in the Pacific Northwest, centered in the Flathead Valley. Of the 63 graduates about 30 remain.

Classmates began writing about their most memorable playtimes, favorite teachers, life on a farm, a few pranks and more. It provides a look at what it was like growing up in Whitefish during the 1940s and 1950s.

Kay Knapton volunteered to assemble the stories hoping to create a cohesive book. Various categories arose when one person’s tale did not fit into a category already created. Eventually, the mishmash of stories began to take shape. The annual newsletters were also used, particularly to provide stories from classmates who have died.

Most of the graduates from the class are represented in the book.

Classmates provided photos and school yearbooks were also used, along with photos from the Stumptown Historical Society and Explore Whitefish.

A gathering of the authors and book signing takes place on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 1-3 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Whitefish Community Center, 121 E Second Street.

Proceeds from the book are being donated to the Whitefish Education Foundation.

The book sells for $15 or $20 if "The Life and Times of Polly Penguin," a Winter Carnival story, is included.

Books can also be ordered by sending a check made out to Charlie Abell, 5 Woodland Place, Whitefish, MT, 59937 and adding $5 to cover postage.