Clyde’s Corner

Changing times: Graduation Day, June 7, 1973

by Clyde Whitaker

It was a treat to see Stockbridge Community News share all the grad photos for this year’s Stockbridge High School Class of 2023. Not surprisingly, it caused me to flash back to June 7, 1973—more than 50 years ago—to Graduation Day for me and 112 of my fellow Stockbridge Panthers.

It was a hot and sticky Thursday night in our gym, with no air conditioning. The robes and hats we wore were attractive, but not very comfortable to wear that night.

I recall that as we milled around in the hallway, waiting for the ceremony to start, we were all looking at each other, with anxious expressions of both happy and sad, realizing that our times together were soon coming to an end.

No more walking in the hallways together in our grand old high school. No more rushing to the next class we had, trying to beat the bell. No more sport practices or goofing around in our stinky old locker room. No more words of advice from our teachers and coaches. No more participating in sports with our friends. No more dances in the gym on a Friday night, usually after a big basketball win. No more of that “family feeling” we all felt with each other.

People always say “Man, where did the years go? They flew by.” Well, they did come and go, but we made sure to live them—they were not wasted. Most of us chose how we lived those years, although in a few cases, fate decided them for us.

Gas prices in June 1973 were under 50 cents per gallon—actually closer to 39 cents per gallon.

The No.1 song in June of 1973 was “My Love” by Paul McCartney and Wings. A great song, still played today on classic rock stations.

President Richard Nixon canceled the draft in early 1973. The Vietnam War was on the minds of all of us, and we were relieved to hear we would not have to fight in this conflict.

Bell-bottom pants, frayed blue jeans, midi skirts, tie-dye shirts, long hair, big hair and afros were all in style in 1973.

Looking back, I wish I could talk to each one of my former teachers and coaches, telling them how much I truly appreciated the time they took to help me become a better person, and preparing me for life after high school. I didn’t realize it so much in 1973, but I do now, with each passing day.

What a ride it’s been, but it’s important to remind ourselves, it’s not over yet!

All photos provided by Clyde Whitaker.

Clyde Whitaker’s vintage license plate served him well
for 1973, 1974 and 1975.

Clyde Whitaker’s mid-1960s Ford Galaxie 500 got him to school and back each day.

The Panther Queen was a popular local hangout for ice cream in 1973.

Clyde Whitaker pitches for Stockbridge in 1973.

The mid-to-late 1960s was the era for the “muscle car.” The ‘67 Chevelle was a sign of those times.

Stockbridge High School for us in 1973. It’s been converted for other uses now.

Class picture for Stockbridge High School Class of 1973

Clyde Whitaker’s 1973 class ring

Clyde Whitaker is a 1973 Stockbridge graduate. He and his wife, Mary, raised four children in Stockbridge, and they still reside in the Stockbridge area.