Some of the girls in this first grade photograph taken in February 1937 at Schneider Elementary School at the corner of Devine and Maple belong to the Dreher Girls of 1947. The teacher was Miss Francis. The Dreher Girls of 1947 graduated from Dreher High School in 1947 and will turn 80 years old this year. On Thursday, April 22 they held a group birthday party. Many of the women have been friends since first grade.

Eighteen ladies attended the birthday celebration including Carolyn Fulmer Seawell, Ann Rawl McCain, June Niggel Derrick, Pat Raley Townsend, Anne Barton McGregor, Louise Tapp Joye, Claire Wilkinson Smith, Betty Coogler Hollingsworth, Cornelia Burnett Williams, Betty Ann Williams Bradford, Dot Long Gibert, Ann Rogers Hall, Emily Rotureau Manley, Mary Louise (Weezy) Gailliard Mason, Peggy Hedrick Weston, Mary Long Brown, Marilyn McCormac Stradtman, and Ann Butler Stish.

Editor’s Note: Unfortunately the camera settings didn’t work correctly while taking

a photo of this wonderful group of ladies, who were so cooperative and beautiful, and the

pictures came out too blurry to publish. My profound apologies to the Dreher Girls of 1947

and happy birthday to each of you. Pamela Edwards