Dayton News - News
Bronco Boosters bringing tradition to a close . . . again
By MIKE GEORGE
About 33 years ago, a tradition was started at the Dayton High School cafeteria that has meant much to Dayton and surrounding communities, and sadly it will come to an end this Saturday, Jan. 10, when the Dayton Athletic Booster Club holds its final Annual Oyster and Fish Fry from 5 – 7 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Jr. High.
“It all started back in the mid-60’s,” said Dayton’s Lester Ray Wisegerber who was one of the event’s originators. “I remember because we held the first ones at the old high school and E.J. (Wisegerber), who was born in 1960, couldn’t yet see over the tables.”
The old high school at the time is currently known as Nottingham Middle School and the cafeteria sat just off Houston Ave. at Cleveland St.
The event went on for about 20 years and was discontinued, only to be brought back in the early 90’s when Larry Sherman was the athletic director. Then it was held at that high school’s cafeteria which is now Woodrow Wilson, the current sight.
“I remember being approached by some folks that wanted to know if I knew how we could start it up again,” said Wisegerber. “I told them, ‘why sure,’ and we put it back together.”
The original supper was just oysters – fried or raw, however you wanted them and as many as you wanted. When the tradition was begun again, fish was added to the menu in hopes that it would draw more people, i.e., those who might not like oysters. The original menu also included shoestring potatoes which were replaced with fries.
The continued rise in the cost of oysters has been a concern of the Dayton Bronco Booster Club as they have gotten very creative in ways to provide the food at a reasonable cost to everyone, but it gets harder and harder.
Tickets for the event are $17 per person for “all you can eat catfish and one dozen oysters.” The plates are complete with sides, tea and dessert. Additional oysters may be purchased for $5 per dozen.
Many memories are associated with the oyster suppers as great opportunities for area residents and many who come in from out of town to meet, visit and eat. It also provided the best opportunity for meeting and visiting with coaches who pitch in to help with the event.
Again, it’s this Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m. It could be the last one . . . then again, who knows?
“It all started back in the mid-60’s,” said Dayton’s Lester Ray Wisegerber who was one of the event’s originators. “I remember because we held the first ones at the old high school and E.J. (Wisegerber), who was born in 1960, couldn’t yet see over the tables.”
The old high school at the time is currently known as Nottingham Middle School and the cafeteria sat just off Houston Ave. at Cleveland St.
The event went on for about 20 years and was discontinued, only to be brought back in the early 90’s when Larry Sherman was the athletic director. Then it was held at that high school’s cafeteria which is now Woodrow Wilson, the current sight.
“I remember being approached by some folks that wanted to know if I knew how we could start it up again,” said Wisegerber. “I told them, ‘why sure,’ and we put it back together.”
The original supper was just oysters – fried or raw, however you wanted them and as many as you wanted. When the tradition was begun again, fish was added to the menu in hopes that it would draw more people, i.e., those who might not like oysters. The original menu also included shoestring potatoes which were replaced with fries.
The continued rise in the cost of oysters has been a concern of the Dayton Bronco Booster Club as they have gotten very creative in ways to provide the food at a reasonable cost to everyone, but it gets harder and harder.
Tickets for the event are $17 per person for “all you can eat catfish and one dozen oysters.” The plates are complete with sides, tea and dessert. Additional oysters may be purchased for $5 per dozen.
Many memories are associated with the oyster suppers as great opportunities for area residents and many who come in from out of town to meet, visit and eat. It also provided the best opportunity for meeting and visiting with coaches who pitch in to help with the event.
Again, it’s this Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m. It could be the last one . . . then again, who knows?
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