Reunion for Cape's class of 1959 features barn dance

Music legend Elvis Presley rose to fame as a performer on the popular "Louisiana Hayride" radio program in the mid 1950s.

Appropriately, the upcoming Cape Central Class of '59 50-year reunion will feature an old-fashioned barn dance.

The Class of '59 will reunite May 29 and 30. Rock and Judy Wilferth host the barn dance at their Millersville area farm on Friday evening, while Saturday evening's activities will be at the Marquette Tower on Broadway in Cape Girardeau.

"Elvis was very popular among our class," Judy said.

Based on confirmations from classmates, attendance at the reunion is expected to more than double the total from the 45th reunion.

"We're expecting about 75 classmates, plus spouses," said Rock, who began dating future wife Judy Roper during the summer before their senior year.

Decoration of the barn at the Wilferth farm is well underway. A live band will perform at the barn dance and also at the Saturday event.

Judy said technology has made it easier to contact classmates and get the word out about the reunion.

"With e-mail, it's been a lot faster to keep in touch and let everyone know what's going on," Judy said.

For more information about the reunion, contact the Wilferths at 335-3341.