MILO — It was September 1939 and 108 new freshmen entered the halls of Milo High School.

Four years later, in June 1943, only 50 would graduate. World War II had taken its toll of class members.

According to graduates making plans now for the class’ 50th reunion to be held at noon Saturday, July 3, at the Pleasant River Grange Hall in Milo, many of the students were either drafted or enlisted to fight for their country.

“We didn’t have our senior prom that year,” Christina Hoskins Howard said. “There weren’t enough males left for dates for the gals in the class.” Instead, the seniors were invited to the junior class play for their graduation prom.

The reunion committee has received reservations from 28 graduates as well as three from those who entered the class expecting to graduate but whose plans were interrupted by war. A total of 52 alumni and guests will attend the reunion.

After a noon luncheon catered by Gloria Lutterell, retired SAD 41 Food Service supervisor, the reunion will recess and reconvene at the summer cottage of Geraldine Stephens Comeau at Knights Landing, Schoodic Lake, Brownville. Before the luncheon, a brief memorial service will be held in memory of nine deceased members.

At the cottage, displays show how class members have changed or not changed over the past 50 years. Yearbooks, scrapbooks and individual pictures will be arranged for those attending.

At 6 p.m. reservations have been made for the participants to attend the annual Milo High School Alumni Banquet at Wingler Auditorium of the Milo Town Hall.

Reunion committee members include Martha Carleton Winter, Daphne, Ala.; Shirley Smith Clukey, Abbott and Geraldine Stephens Comeau, Christina Hoskins Howard, Herbert Dunham, John Willinski, Charles Russell and Earl Rhoda, all of Milo.