As you may know the East High School Class of 1958 donated $1000 to the East High Endowment fund. The money was donated by East Class of 1958 alumni during our 50th reunion held in August at the Elk’s Club.

Jim Becker and I presented the check to Mr. Al Harris, East High Principal. After our short meeting we asked if we could see the auditorium, the trophy case, and the pictures of the Hall of Fame members. He thanked us and granted our wishes.

When we arrived at the trophy case we looked for the 1958 state basketball trophy. When we spotted it we both were appalled at the condition of the trophy. The trophy was tarnished and black colored. The trophy is made of brass, which oxidizes (tarnish) when exposed to air. The only part that looked good was the small 22 K. gold plated basketball figure.  After all it’s been in the case for 50 years.

It was one of the worst looking trophies in the case. This trophy symbolizes a significant achievement, the one and only state basketball championship in the school’s history. Jim and I are proud of our team, and its accomplishments. This trophy was a disgrace to our team, coach, school, and the class of 1958.

Jim took the initiative and called Mr. Harris to see if we could take the trophy to get an estimate to refurbish it. He called Madison Custom Polishing and Plating Service, the only company listed in the local Yellow Pages. He then called me to see if I supported his idea to make it the show piece that it once was. I was behind him 100%.

We picked up the trophy from Mr. Dave Kapp, East Athletic Director, and took it to Madison Custom Polishing and Plating Service.

The proprietor looked it over, said he could clean, polish and apply a coat of urethane, which retards tarnish, to the trophy. He showed us samples of previous work he had done. He said we would have to disassemble the trophy (nine separate parts plus the wooden walnut base), and it would take several weeks to complete. We agreed to hire him to do the job.

You may ask why we are so concerned about an old trophy when the world is           
 experiencing so many problems. I guess I can sum it up in one word - pride.
 Mary sanded and re-stained the wooden base which was also in very poor condition.
 I am happy to report that the trophy has been refurbished and re-assembled. 
 It looks like a million bucks, and all in its glory.

 It’s a shining star in the trophy case, and will be admired and honored for many years to   come.

Les Nesbit