The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Our Midwestern Roots Are Special Ones

Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher/Owner

August 8, 2019

I was reminded at my husband Michael's 50th year La Harpe High School class reunion that our Midwestern roots, and growing up in the 50's and 60's, were just about the best you could ask for.

Rick Johnson said it best as he stood before the class of around 30 classmates and said how good we all had it growing up without worry of locking our doors and shootings, knowing that almost everyone in town had your back or were watching out for you.

People were always there to help out and worked happily together on projects. And Saturday nights, everyone came to town and shopped and visited.

Rick was one of the fortunate ones in the class of 1969 who moved back to La Harpe to raise his family. He said there wasn't any place else he'd rather be. "Weren't we lucky," he said, "to have this kind of place for home."

I'm not a La Harpe graduate, but I couldn't have felt more comfortable with Michael's classmates and their guests. They are kind, diverse, talented and have gone on to do many wonderful things in their lives. Many moved away, but always have found a community waiting for their return to catch up on their lives. They've gathered at Summerfest, now the 4th of July, the La Harpe Classic Car Show, Terre Haute Fish Fry, ball park, Christmas walk looking for familiar faces. Thanks to those who host these events. They mean more than a celebration, but keep us close niched and give others a place to be welcomed back home.