We Remember EHS Graduates Past, Present, and Future

08/01/2026

Here's yet another instance that shows why we do what we do in attempting to preserve our history:

Thanks to the generosity of Lori Parker Benge, a suitcase FULL of old El Reno mementos from the 1920s through at least the 1960s was saved from getting thrown in the landfill, including pictures of men in the service. The suitcase stayed in her garage for nearly 10 years after she saved it from the dumpster, and today she donated it to our collection.

(We also recently had a TREMENDOUS donation of artifacts that have been curated by the family of the late EHS band director Ben Williams and was donated to us yesterday by his son Kevin Williams. What they donated is absolutely astounding!)

Among the many cool artifacts in the suitcase Lori donated today, we find these 8x10 black and white pictures.

On the back of the first one, we have these names:

"Mr. Pitman, Jerry Erbar 31, Bobby Davidson 33, Eddie Stiner 34, Roy Hulvers (?????) 22, Eddie Zwiacher 35, Paul Newman 21,
Alan Hollingsworth 43, Charlie Pike 20, Jack Phillips 25, Larry Ledbetter 42, Ronnie Edmonson 24, Ronnie Smirl 30"

I'm sure some of those names are misspelled, so please correct them as you see the mistakes. Post here, if you would. Also, please tag the people you may know!

The basketball in the picture says "61-62" so I'm guessing this is from Etta Dale Junior High, as I know some of these students graduated from EHS in 1967.

05/19/2026

This blanket, which was recently donated to the ERPS Archives by Mike Hill and his wife Jana (Ashley) Hill (EHS 1985) might catch you off guard. It has a Roblyer name on it. It has an Indian head. But it's not from El Reno High School. The Indian head is different than the one El Reno used at the time, and the colors are not our school colors. So what's the story? Well, it DOES have big-time El Reno ties.

Mike and Jana found this blanket in the bottom of a box of things they purchased recently during the El Reno Townwide Garage Sale.

And the "C. Roblyer" is of course none other than Carl Roblyer, who was of course related to Leslie F. Roblyer, longtime ERPS educator and superintendent. Carl Roblyer graduated from El Reno High School in 1936 (see pictures from the 1936 Boomer yearbook) and was a member of the basketball team here, even being named the captain of the All-State basketball squad his senior year.

After graduating from EHS, Carl Roblyer went to Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SEOSU) at Durant, Oklahoma, where he was an important part of the 1940 Collegiate Conference Championship team in 1940, with the legendary Southeastern Hall of Fame coach Bloomer Sullivan at the helm--I've also included some pictures of him from the Southeastern yearbooks from the 1940s and early 1950s. (Bloomer Sullivan's name is also embroidered on this blanket.) The Southeastern mascot at the time was the Savages, and the Indian head on this blanket is of that mascot, of course.

The blanket needs to be professionally dry cleaned. We're guessing it's either wool or mohair, but we really don't know. Does anyone have any recommendations on where we can get this cleaned? (I really don't want it cleaned at some dry cleaner that's just going to ship it off somewhere, as I want it to be extremely well cared for.) Other than the mold (?), it is in remarkably good condition, save for one noticeable spot where the blanket has worn through.

Once it's cleaned, I have plans to put this on display. Thanks to Mike and Jana Hill for this wonderful donation!

04/14/2026

In loving memory or EHS Distinguished Alumnus Robert L. "Bob" Allen of the EHS Class of 1957. He will be so dearly missed:

View Robert "Bob" L. Allen's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

04/02/2026

Look at the jewel of a find, a cover page photo from The El Reno Daily Tribune of October 13, 1955 showing members of the Etta Dale Braves junior high football team at Memorial Stadium. Love it!

Do you recognize (or are you related to) anyone pictured?

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CREDIT:
Dyer, Ray J. The El Reno Daily Tribune (El Reno, Okla.), Vol. 64, No. 192, Ed. 1 Thursday, October 13, 1955, newspaper, October 13, 1955; El Reno, Oklahoma. (https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc923077/m1/1/?q=%22Etta%20Dale%22: accessed April 2, 2026), The Gateway to Oklahoma History, https://gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.

https://gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc923077/m1/1/zoom/?q=%22Etta%20Dale%22&resolution=4&lat=5198.808766972157&lon=1869.6323475178774

03/24/2026

Special thanks to the Eastman family for their donations to the ERPS Archives of some "finds" they had recently. Included was this gem, the El Reno Tribune newspaper from December 20, 2006, with the headline of the Gifts for Yanks program that El Reno High School still continues to this day, 20 years later.

Do you know any of the people whose names (or pictures) appear on this nearly 20-year-old newspaper?

11/11/2025

Congratulations, Dorian Plumley! We love those memories of you at EHS!

𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐮𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐤🔥

Congrats to Dorian Plumley for being named your UAC Defensive Player of the Week!!

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11/10/2025

Congratulations to Marty Hall of the EHS Class of 1972! His accomplishments with Sid's Diner and in his personal life truly speak for themselves.

Congratulations to Marty Hall for being named one of our 2025 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI!

We are proud to honor Marty Hall, a 1972 graduate of El Reno High School, for his remarkable accomplishments and lifelong dedication to our community. Marty’s education with El Reno Public Schools provided the foundation for his success. What began as a young man’s dream and $300 in his pocket became one of Route 66’s most famous stops and a beloved symbol of El Reno’s spirit. Marty’s faith, kindness, and generosity have touched countless lives, whether through his world-famous fried onion burgers, his service at community events, or his support of local causes. His journey proves that education, determination, and heart can create something truly extraordinary.

Congratulations, Marty! Your legacy continues to make El Reno and the Class of 1972 proud!

We are so proud of you, Marty! Come hear more of his story at our Thousands of Reasons Gala, Celebrating Distinguished Alumni and Educators.

November 18, Canadian Valley Vocational Tech, 6 PM, dinner starts at 6:30.

Teachers and ERPS are no charge and other tickets are $30, available at BancFirst or Great Plain Bank or by purchasing online at www.erpsf.org/events.

11/05/2025

Join us as we honor our veterans! The Veterans Day assembly will be held on Nov. 11 at 10:30 AM in the EHS Auditorium. We look forward to gathering as a community to show our gratitude.