McKey Grade School alumni are preparing to return to their 85-yearold school house on October 4, for their 30th school reunion.
The first reunion was dedicated to Edgar and Jessie Lowery on June 8, 1985, former teachers desiring to see past students.
McKey alumni family and friends have traveled many miles to return home to McKey, full of memories and excitement to share their life’s journeys since childhood.
After much repair, the old school has become McKey Community Center for school and family reunions, church services, political elections, private funeral services, weddings, birthday parties, holiday dinners, etc.
Family history, memories and photos of 150 years of the McKey School and community are recorded in two books that a group of former alumni created.
A small library contains McKey census from Oklahoma statehood, military records, grade school enrollments dating back to 1914, teacher records and student grades. A small museum represents artifacts of past McKey homes.
Maintenance, repairs and insurance are shared and paid by First Baptist Church of McKey, reunion donations, cake walks, yard and bake sales.
The McKey reunion co-coordinators for the past 40 years have been Janice Blount Sanders and Jackie Snow Pop. They invite the public who are interested in the McKey community to share a happy and fun day with alumni.
This Old Building 1940-2025
I’m so happy to see you returning for a day’s visit. Eighty-five years ago, it was a brand new creation of native rock. Oh, how it got attention by so many strong hands putting it together for a long journey to touch many people.
It has heard many footsteps, much laughter, felt a few tears, heard the rumble of an argument, saw a few spankings, got a lot of teaching to spell words, write words, say words.
It’s seen little rocks and fingers being counted to make numbers. It’s traveled through books and maps all over the world. It’s heard history of all the wars, law and Presidents of the United States.
It’s seen little scared kids grow up and become teachers, doctors, nurses, lawyers, welders, barbers, hairdressers, bus drivers, secretaries, ranchers, farmers, truckers, aircraft builders, preachers, industry workers, homemakers, carpenters, restaurant cooks, business leaders, policemen, military leaders, firemen, and correction officers.
It’s heard school bells, church bells, train whistles, car horns, firetruck sirens, wagon wheels, horse and cattle hooves passing by all hours of the day and night.
It’s had bible school lessons, church revivals, prayers, weddings, baby showers, cake and pie suppers, and seen many votes for our leaders on election days.
It’s watched ballgames, heard words like, “Annie over,” “ready or not, here I come,” and “tag, you’re it.” It’s heard, “strike, you’re out,” and “home run.” It’s heard spelling word contests and on rainy days, the excitement of shuffleboard games.
It’s seen Halloween carnivals, Christmas present money, dinners for Thanksgiving, the Christmas trees so big, and presents. Even Santa Claus has come to this old building. It’s seen Valentine boxes full of love and Valentine’s kings, queens, princes and princesses here.
This old building has so many memories. It’s weathered storms of rain, heat, snow, wind and neglect. Today, this old building welcomes each of you to make history and relive its memories.
As we face the future days, as we struggle with aging bodies, take time wherever we go, please, remember this old building.
