HOUGHTON — It’s been 168 years since Jane Smith taught the first Houghton classes in a one-room log cabin near the present site of St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church.

The high school has grown since then — in enrollment, in programs, and thankfully in accommodations.

Students from throughout the school’s history will meet up and relive old times at this year’s All-School Reunion, to be held July 18-20. The reunions are typically held every three years.

“We haven’t held one since 2018 in person, and we’re kind of excited for the return of it,” said Sue Johnson, vice president of the alumni association.

This year’s reunion will highlight the 1974 and 1999 classes, which are celebrating their 50-year and 25-year anniversaries.

It will also celebrate 50 years since the return of the swim program.

John Bosio, a 1975 Houghton graduate, joined the team in its second year, doing backstroke and diving. Back then, they used a cold-water pool in the Sherman gym, located on the present site of the Rozsa Center. Jeffers and Hancock were rivals; they also competed in a regional meet in Marquette.

“I was so slow, I got lapped twice in the 100 (meter) backstroke,” he said. “But it was just so cool to be part of that … I’m proud to see Houghton’s kept that swimming tradition for 50 years now.”

A slew of activities are planned, including a barbecue and pasty picnic at the Ray Kestner Waterfront Park, breakfast with Superintendent Anders Hill, a tour of the Keweenaw Brewing Co. plant in South Range, and an evening mixer and buffet dinner at the Bonfire Restaurant in Houghton July 19.

“I think it’s great having an all-school reunion, because we’re such a small school, you knew everybody. It didn’t matter if they were in your class or not,” said Julie Tieder, a 1984 Houghton High School graduate.

Preregistration is required to attend. For a full schedule of events and to register, go to hpts.us/alumni-reunion.php.