Day by day, it seems time goes by so slowly. That's why it's such a surprise when you pause for a moment and discover that a generation (or two) has passed you by.

In recent weeks, I've been talking about that with Albert Cuellar, who has been kept busy this year helping with class reunions.

Al took a leading role in planning the 50-year reunion of the McCook High School Class of 1956 and also assisted with the 25-year reunion of the Class of 1981.

The Class of '56 reunion had special meaning for Al since that was the year he graduated. "We were the first class to graduate from the then new high school on West Seventh," Al said. Classes started two weeks late in the Fall of 1955 so students could start the year in the new school. It replaced the high school building which formerly stood on the southeast corner of what is now the Central Elementary block.

The Class of '56 reunion took place this past weekend during Heritage Days. Close to half of the living class members gathered for the celebration. They rode in the parade together and shared meals at Norris Park, the Bieroc Cafe and the home of Connie Padgett.

Through the initiative of Shirley (Reinek) Schafer, the Class of '56 received some very special greetings. U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson sent a letter from Washington, expressing his best wishes for a happy reunion, while Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman issued a proclamation, declaring the Class of 1956 reunion as "Celebration Weekend."

"Even though Ben was a few years behind us, many of us knew him well because he was a member of the outstanding MHS Band," Al said. In those days, the band -- under the direction of Bill Kelly -- had 125 members and won numerous awards in multi-state band competition in Enid, Okla.

It's fun to remember and renew acquaintances with classmates. Although members of the Class of 1956 have moved to states throughout the western U.S., they maintain a close connection and affection for their hometown and alma mater.

Heritage Square

Jim Harris says he is still wincing from a bear hug he received from Frank Morrison, the former Nebraska governor who was a close friend of the Harris family. Jim, a third grader at the time, accompanied his mother, Eleanor, for a visit to the governor's office in the late 1960s.

It was then that Frank, a big, towering man, gathered little Jim in his arms and gave him a mighty squeeze. "I still think I have a little twinge from that hug," Jim joked at this year's Heritage Days Prayer Breakfast.

Jim, who is now an attorney in Lincoln, returned as the Prayer Breakfast speaker to encourage development of the Heritage Square project.

Harris is co-chair of the effort to call attention to the historical significance of a ten-block area in central McCook. The area features the only Nebraska home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, as well as homes once occupied by U.S. Senators George Norris and Ben Nelson, and Nebraska Governors Ralph G. Brooks, Frank B. Morrison and Ben Nelson.

A Walking Tour of the Heritage Square area is already available. A brochure is off the presses, and a television documentary is in the planning stages.

The Heritage Square project is off to an excellent start and needs to be continued. There's a catch, though. Jim Harris' co-chair, Linda Hein, has moved to Lincoln, leaving no one in McCook to be a driving force for planning and promotion of Heritage Square activities.

Are you interested in helping, or do you know someone who would be an excellent sparkplug for the project? If so, give me a call at the Gazette (345-4500) or e-mail me at publisher@mc-cookgazette.com. I'll pass your suggestions along to Jim.

The Heritage Square has excellent potential for development of McCook's tourism potential. Any help you can give will be appreciated.