Silver Bell Grand Reunion II-Venue Update
The "OLD BALLFIELD" is the starting point
Sometimes in life change can be a good thing, but in this case it’s awesome! The SBHS board had originally asked ASARCO for use of our old ballfield as the reunion venue to locate the large tent, tables, chairs, food truck, popcorn vendor, tour bus staging and music. Between the pool, rec hall, tennis court, post office, and barber shop, this location was the center of our lives while growing up. Who could forget the Labor Day celebrations, movie nights where we sat on the grass in the outfield with a large bowl of home popped popcorn, dances, cake walks, scouts, Christmas gatherings, baseball and softball games, or just going to hang out with friends?
Based on understandable liability concerns, ASARCO originally denied this venue request in favor of the large vacant lot closer to the mine office (former site of the New Houses), which was used to stage the 2019 Grand Reunion. Imagine our surprise when at a recent joint meeting with ASARCO, mine general manager Brad Stonehouse announced that the use of the ballfield would be allowed. Brad even toured the site with Bob and Carol Hunter and Larry Young. Despite decades of neglect due to non-use, the area was in good shape, with only a minimal amount of grading required to facilitate our use. Our thanks go out to Brad Stonehouse, Amanda Darby, Keith Warren, Whitney Lennon and the entire ASARCO team for their accommodation and support. Our vision one day would be to have a joint day of celebration with the current ASARCO-Silver Bell unit employees and their families, who would enjoy hearing about what life was like in Silver Bell back in the day.
The tradeoff for use of the ballfield venue by ASARCO is that SBHS does our part to enforce the mandate of not allowing reunion participants to leave the event area to find their old home or other location, as tempting as that would be. The tour busses will drive through the old neighborhood streets as well as make a stop at the Town Monument to briefly disembark for photo ops. Your cooperation in this regard will be greatly appreciated and will also ensure our ability to request the use of the ballfield area for future reunions.
Forever in our hearts
After 3 years it is time for a Grand Reunion II
In the summer of 2022, the "Reunion Committee" for the non-profit organization -- Silver Bell Historical Society -- began organizing another Grand Reunion II. A reunion weekend date is set: November 5-6, 2022.
Funds are being raised through sales of tickets $75 per person (see the SHOP! tab), reproduced Silver Bell cookbooks, DVDs, reunion t-shirts (Coming Soon), memberships in the Society, silver bell necklaces, and sponsorships by local businesses. ASARCO has, again, enthusiastically agreed to be the host of the Grand Reunion II and provide us the opportunity to relive the joy and fun memories we have of growing up in Silver Bell. Of course, you may purchase your tickets the old fashioned way by mailing a check or money order made out to the Silver Bell Historical Society and mail to P.O. Box 13572 Tucson AZ 85732.
The festivities will kick off Saturday morning, November 5th at at 10AM sharp, with the old siren giving us a welcoming greeting in front of the Silver Bell Town monument. We plan a rousing, beautiful rendition of the National Anthem sung by all in attendance, introductions of our proud Board of Directors, ASARCO, local dignitaries and honored guests will follow plus a special announcement by our Board President, and then the party begins! Vendors of Kettle Corn, ice cream and merchandise will be available for sale. There will be plenty of time to reminisce with old friends and make new ones. Festivities will wrap up at 5pm.
Later in the evening, the owners of L'il Abners Steakhouse, that steak house which delighted us when we were kids and is still operating today, invite all to stop in for dinner and to relive fond memories. This will not be a formal hosted event but we encourage you to stop by and enjoy the offerings of this beautiful restaurant . The weather should be perfect for dining outside on the patio.
The final event of the reunion will again be the picnic at Columbus Park on Silverbell Road to be held on Sunday, November 6th at 11am, We will grill burgers and hot dogs and enjoy side dishes and homemade treats as we talk, laugh, and have great ole' time!
The Grand Reunion II will be our second major event, and we have special historical projects to share with you. It is our commitment to keep the spirit of Silver Bell "Forever in Our Hearts".Please share your enthusiasm with your family and invite them to come to the event on Saturday, the 5th or the picnic on Sunday, the 6th.
The Grand Reunion II Brochure and Agenda downloads with your ticket purchase in the On-Line SHOP! Tickets must be purchase by October 20th, 2022, After that date, the price will increase to $80 per person.