Round Top-Carmine High School Class of 1950 Reunites

It all started in the fall of 1939, when seventy children, who were six years old, started school in the northern part of Fayette County for the first time. They started their first day in thirteen different schools, which included Bell Settlement, Carmine, Greens Creek, Rock Hill, Round Top, Mecklenberg, Nassau, Nechanitz, Quade, Waldeck, Walhalla, Warrenton, and Winedale.

These schools were consolidated in 1944. All elementary students were then bussed to Round Top and the high school students were bussed to Carmine. Only 32 of the seventy students graduated from RT-C High School on May 29, 1950. There were eighteen girls and fourteen boys. The other students either dropped out of school or moved with their families to different school districts.

Students graduating on May 29, 1950 were Elfrieda Bathe, Jenell Braun, Ruby Dornhoefer, Delois Etzel, Loretta Hartfield, Lucile Knebel, Gladys Koether, Helene Krause, Burdella Lange, Mary Dien Meinen, Ruby Peters, Lucile Pietsch, Peggy Ponfick, Willie Mae Schoenberg, Floradell Spies, Doris Jean Ullrich, Grace Wagner, Vernell Weyand, Ray Birklebach, Floyd Braun, Louis Gest, Jr., Royce Gest, Delvin Jaster, Charles Keilers, August Lehmann, Hermann Lehmann, Cordell Levien, William Noak, Allison Ponfick, Herbert Rehmann, W. A. Ullrich, Jr., and Paul Viertel.

As quoted by Loretta Leonhardt, “After graduation day, each of us used the skills that we had been taught while attending school at RT-C. We all went our separate ways until we found our place in life. Here we are, 75 years later. There are ten of the thirty-two students still living. Nine are living in their homes, and one facil-is in an assisted living facility. The friendship and love for each other, between the students of the class of 1950, has always been very strong. A bond like this is not in every class. God has blessed us in so many ways.”

Bingo at Ledbetter 

Ledbetter Bingo for ages 60 and older (plus guests) will be held this Sunday, July 13 at the Ledbetter Community Center from 2-4 p.m. A card for five dollars covers all games with prizes awarded for each game.

Chips, other snacks, and drinks are available for a donation.

This is a non-profit community event for entertainment. Money collected is used for purchase of prizes and other expenses.

Martin Luther VBS 

Students from MLLC and the surrounding area enjoyed a week of Vacation Bible School June 22-26 at Martin Luther Lutheran Church with the theme, True North: Trusting Jesus in a Wild World.

There were 24 participants, along with fifteen crew leaders. Approximately 30 leaders served in various positions, including opening and closings, games, imagination station, Bible study, set-up, tech assistants, kitchen staff, and persons providing food. Mia Williams served as the director.

Carmine VFD 

Mark your calendar for the Carmine Volunteer Fire Department’s annual Feast and Fundraiser, which will be held on July 20. A to-go, drivethrough only fried chicken meal will be served from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. or until sold out. Donations will be accepted as payment for the meal.

Eckermann’s sausage links will be available for $10 each. Desserts may be picked up for a donation. Tickets are being sold for a drawing. They may be purchased from any fire department member.

The regular monthly meeting is today at 6 p.m.

Carmine Bingo 

The next Bingo at the Carmine Hall will be held on Friday, July 18. This is a change from the original schedule. Doors open at 4 p.m. and games begin at 6 p.m. Twelve regular and two cover-all games will be played.

Carmine Hall is located at 300 N. Hauptstrasse in Carmine. Food and drinks are available.

RT-C School News 

Administrative offices are open through Aug. 3 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Registration is still open for volleyball and baseball summer camps at Round Top-Carmine. Deadline is July 18. Visit www.rtcisd.net/o/page/ athletics to register.

Casino Night 

The Carmine Chamber of Commerce 2025 Casino Night will be held on August 9. The theme is “Casino Night 007” and will be at the Carmine Hall beginning at 6 p.m.

A table sponsorship is $500 and includes eight meals, beverages, wine, promotion at event, and playing chips. Individual tickets are $65. For tables and tickets, call or text Courtney at (512) 983-1115 or Marlene at (979) 451-1507. Reserve tickets by July 25.

A chicken-fried steak meal by Gary Goebel will be served. Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Carmine Hall renovation.

MLLC News 

Senior Citizens meal pickup and dominoes is Wednesday from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Rebekah Group meets Thursday at 2 p.m.

AA meeting is Saturday at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School is at 9 a.m.

Worship with Holy Communion, observing the Fifth Sunday after Pentecost is at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Ken Weiss serving as the guest pastor. The Noisy Offering will be collected for Lutherhill Ministries.

Quilting for Camp For All is Monday at 9 a.m.

Senior Citizens 

Senior Citizens Meals on Wheels with Combined Community Action is on Wednesdays at the Martin Luther Lutheran Church Mission and Ministry Building located at 250 Augsburg Ave. in Carmine.

Come early to play dominoes and enjoy the friendly atmosphere. Hours are 9-11:30 a.m.

Food usually arrives about 10 a.m. and must be picked up by 11:30 a.m. Five meals come in a box along with milk, dessert, and bread for a donation of $10. This makes it $2 per meal. It is for seniors age 60 and up.

To sign up, come by on any Wednesday morning to fill out the paperwork. For more information, contact Marilyn Wagner at (979) 2774134. Birthdays

Birthday wishes are extended to Emily Ortiz-July 8; Clint Eilers and Shelley Scheffer-9; Robbie Tovey-11; Carson Flinn, Bridgett Ingram, and twins Cooper and Colbie Lange-12; Tripp Dunham and John Hart, II-13; and Karen Roemer-14.

Have News? 

If you have news for the Carmine column, you may email me at w5ten@industryinet. com or call (979) 2783645, or send it to P.O. Box 95, Carmine, TX 78932.