RHS Class of ’85 to Kick Off 40th Year Reunion with 'Pre-Union' at First Street Tavern
ROCKVILLE, MD — Forty years after the Rockville High School Class of 1985 tossed their books, cranked their stereos, and peeled out of the parking lot, they’re reuniting for a milestone weekend of reflection, reconnection, and non-medical, recreational fun.
The official reunion takes place Saturday, September 6 at Manor Country Club, with a full evening of food, music, and civilized conversation. But first there's a “Pre-Union” planned Friday night at everyone’s favorite dive bar.
The Pre-Reunion takes place Friday, Sept. 5, from 8pm-? at the First Street Tavern, located at 820 Baltimore Rd, Rockville. It’s next to the 7-Eleven where the class occasionally ate hotdogs for lunch.
The festivities will begin at 8pm at the same local dive bar where Class of '85 tested their first fake IDs, but now with surprisingly good food. No RSVP, no DJ, no promise your shoes won't stick to the floor.
Organizers of the Friday event say the idea came from classmates who wanted a chance to grab a beer, swap some stories, and ease into the weekend without committing to heels or meticulous nose hair mowing. The Class of '85 Pre-Union is proudly sponsored by Pizza Oven, High’s, Citizen’ Bank of Maryland, Hungry Harold’s, People's, Pancho Villa, and Erols.
Reminiscing and Reliving the Glory Days
The Class of ’85 wasn’t just memorable—it was operational. These weren’t kids sitting around waiting for something to happen. They were the makers of trouble, the architects of last-minute plans, and the undisputed regional experts in adolescent logistics. For example, this class:
Leveraged a complex network of older siblings’ friends willing to buy them alcohol and cigarettes at the Twinbrook Deli a decade before cell phones existed.
Packed and cleared the student smoking section in front of the school like it was the 930 Club in less than 5 minutes between classes.
Created the precursor to online trolling by mercilessly mocking Peary’s bagpipe band to their faces.
Assembled over 100 students, 8 cases and 1 keg in a Flower Valley backyard within 45 minutes of any parents heading out of town.
That kind of coordination doesn't exist these days. You can only admire it—and maybe try to recapture a sliver of it with a Miller Lite and some REM on the First Street Tavern jukebox.
Post-Bar Plans: Nostalgia, Mischief, and Possibly a Misdemeanor
After last call, a seance is planned at the historic Rockville Cemetery with Madame Lenor of Talbott St. Metaphysical Services. All requests to contact the dead will be taken on a first come, first serve basis.
Next a tour of the grounds behind the old section of RHS is planned. In the back parking lot classmates can relive high times by smoking up or steaming up their windows, or both.
Finally, Class of '85 friends and family will gather at the intersection of Rt. 28 and Avery Rd. to enjoy a mini van burn out contest and drag race. The races start at the light at Gude Drive and finish at the Rock Creek Village Shopping Center. Anyone wanting to enter their vehicle in either competition must complete a safety inspection at the Bauer Drive Exxon prior to the event.
The Main Event: Saturday, Sept. 6 at Manor Country Club
For those looking forward to a more polished evening, the official Class of ’85 Reunion promises a fantastic event at Manor Country Club, featuring:
Open bar
Great food
DJ and dancing
Real conversation with folks who knew you before you had a mortgage—or joints made of titanium.
🕖 Saturday, September 6 at 7:00 p.m.
📍 Manor Country Club, Rockville
📧 For registration/ticket purchase - email rhsrams85@gmail.com to request the payment bar code.
Weekend activities may also include a Friday night Rockville football game (vs Wootton) and Sunday brunch for those still vertical and accounted for.
So get ready to dress up for the dance floor and dress down for the tavern, because the Rockville High Class of 1985 Reunion weekend offers something for everyone—especially those who remember how to rally, recover, and laugh about it the next day.
Editor’s Note: This Event is REAL. The after hours details, maybe not so much…maybe.
