IRON MOUNTAIN — A neighborhood reunion gathered outdoors at 1609 Parkview Drive on July 31 — the same street where the original residents and homeowners began their close relationship nearly 60 years ago.

Four generations of the 65-plus participants were represented — ranging from age 4 to 92, from Washington to Florida. Spearheaded two years ago during a reminiscent conversation between Mary Bridget (Barbe) Wetzel and Sally Jacobs about how wonderful their neighborhood had been, Wetzel persisted in organizing a group that would make a reunion happen.

Attempts to contact original neighbors were made, and the “gang” took off planning as if it were one of their usual Fourth of July parties years ago.

Volunteers even made special foods neighbors were known for at previous gatherings, like “Nan’s baked beans,” and “Greta’s pickled eggs.” Picture boards showcasing old photos of neighbors together from the past six decades, along with those fondly remembered, were reminders of the close relationships people had.

Entertainment of neighborhood trivia pursuit questions were asked, such as, “who was the first neighbor to build on the block?” (the William and Lorraine Hicks family; Lorraine still lives there); “favorite game on VanVreede’s ice rink?” (crack the whip); and “neighborhood mascot” (dog, “Butsie” McCash), to name a few. Favorite childhood songs, talent shows, parades and parties of the past were remembered.

The neighborhood was not only big on fun but also rallied when needed, such as when they preserved part of the wooded park area across from Parkview years ago, where the current cross country ski trails and Frisbee golf now exist. They helped purchase the tennis courts in the park in 1974. It was all about maintaining community and making your neighborhood a better place for everyone.

Although the times of not being able to return home until dark or hearing a neighbor’s dinner bell may be long gone, the lifelong friendships made on Parkview and South Park Drive have lasted over the years.

Childhood friends from 1969 — the first day of kindergarten for Cally Barbe and Susan Laing.

From left are Susan Laing of Washington, Cally (Barbe) Furton of Utah and Julie (Barbe) Sprenger of Michigan.

A neighborhood at Parkview Drive had a reunion this summer. From left, those who attended include — in front are Mary Clare Nygaard, Ron and Nancy Penegor, Bob, Mary and John Furno, Fred Jacobs, Drs. Aziz and Younas Kiani, Jackie Laing, Dr. Susan Laing, Sally Jacobs and Dr. Donald Jacobs; in the second row are Bucky and Shirley Lavigne, Fouzia Kiani (Burgoon), Imy Kiani, Allison Guide, Sara Seidel, Julie (Barbe) Sprenger, Cally (Barbe) Furton, Cory McCash and Cheryl Jacobs; in back are Lisa Penegor, Mary Bridget (Barbe) Wetzel, Paul LaVigne, Mike, Peter and Joe Smaby, Paul Nygaard, and David and Mike McCash.