Slicked-back hair shining under the light, the singer started crooning the 1958 classic “Dream, Dream, Dream” by the Everly Brothers.
“I was 10 years old when I heard that song,” said Homeland Center resident Lionel Gonzalez, himself a singer and trumpet player. “I remember!”
Welcome to Homeland High and a 1950s-style dance party. For their annual spring event, the Homeland Board of Managers turned the Main Dining Room into a high school gym, setting the stage for bobby soxers and greasers. Residents sang familiar tunes, took a few dance steps, and enjoyed treats — all with an Eisenhower-era flair.
The Fabulous ‘50s Party delivered. Staff and Board members wore poodle skirts and ‘Grease’ Pink Ladies’ jackets. One staffer sported a black t-shirt with a pack of cigarettes tucked in the sleeve.
Hula hoops lined the walls, recalling a 1950s craze. Chandeliers featured 45-rpm records from Carol McCall’s husband’s collection. Centerpieces resembled ice cream sundaes straight from the soda fountain.
For many years, Board of Managers member Joyce Thomas has led spring party decorations, using décor stored at her home — a tradition started when she first decorated Cedar Cliff High School events.
The Homeland Board of Managers, an all-women volunteer group known for maintaining Homeland’s warm feel, hosts a party each season. Past themes included casino nights and ‘The Sound of Music.’
Entertainment for the Fabulous ‘50s Party captured the era perfectly, as Derek Reed sang hits of the decade, all in the style – and look — of popular crooners, such as Bobby Darin’s “Splish Splash,” Perry Como’s “Catch a Falling Star,” and Sonny James’ “Young Love.” He also tossed in a few rock ‘ n ‘ roll standards, like “At the Hop” and Elvis Presley’s “Heartbreak Hotel.”
“That’s why you’re all in shape,” Reed teased the audience. “You’re doing The Twist every night.”
Residents remembered the lyrics and clapped along with “Goody Goody,” the Frankie Lymon hit of 1957 that, Reed said, was originally a big-band arrangement.
For Board of Managers member Carol McCall, the throwback party brought back memories and “wonderful music” for Homeland residents.
“It’s so uplifting,” she said, adding that Homeland’s staff pulls out the stops to make the events special for the residents, who clearly enjoyed the party. “You see them singing. They know these songs. It keys in on that mental alertness.”
Residents recalled their ’50s memories as Board of Managers Chair Nancy Hull shared trivia and posed interactive questions.
Who wore charm bracelets, saddle shoes, or letter sweaters? Was your car a Chevy Bel Air, or maybe a Ford Thunderbird? Remember eating tuna noodle casserole and Swanson frozen TV dinners? Who watched TV favorites like “Gunsmoke,” “American Bandstand,” “The Honeymooners,” and “Leave It to Beaver”?
Even though the Board of Managers handled the decorating and entertainment, residents were the real hosts, inviting friends and family to enjoy the afternoon.
“This is fantastic,” said Laurie Daubert, who joined her mother, Mary Deibler. “They always go all out.”
Everything about the party was wonderful, said resident Beatrice Dixon, “the music, especially.”
“His voice,” she said of Reed. “He should make an album. It’s like he was born in the ‘50s.”
