When I think of first grade at Jefferson Township School, Mrs. Bernheisel comes to mind immediately. MY first grade teacher. Are they all as special as her? Are they all saints in the eyes and minds of the former students? Or just Mrs. Bernheisel?
Younger readers might wonder about kindergarten. What kindergarten? We didn't have kindergarten at Jefferson in the "old days". (Thankfully).
Reading is a big memory from the first grade. All Falling Down is the first book I ever read- about leaves which all fall down. The bookmobile was an exciting experience for young readers to have a small selection from a mobile library that moved around with a regular schedule. Reading aloud in class was a large part of the experience of learning to read.
Everyone used the classic readers featuring Dick and Jane with their younger sister Sally and their dog Spot. Growing up with Dick and Jane by Kismaric and Heiferman is a delightful summary of the schoolbooks that showed a child's world. The book "takes us back to the seductive watercolor world wher we learned how to read. It's a world where night never comes, knees never scrape, parents never yell and the fun never stops." Forty years of this family, starting in 1927, shaped the minds and lives of millions of children.
"Dick is an all-American boy. Master of a little world that stretches from his screen door, across the green lawn, to a white picket fence. It's a world where winter never comes, and the neighbors are nowhere to be seen.... (he) gets top billing in America's best-selling Dick and Jane readers because he is the best a boy can be. A role model for generations of boys... It's Dick, not Father who keeps order and resolves problems..." He's never afraid and works and plays well with his sisters and friends and respects his parents.
"Jane is ... pretty, bright ..stable ... smart and down-to-earth. Every time she walks onto the page, she's wearing something new." In fact, she wore over two hundred outfits in her forty year career, according to Kismaric and Heiferman. Dick never teased her and she never cried.
Spot was featured more than Mother and Father combined, because "Spot wears two hats...make everyone laugh"..and.. he "teaches Dick and Jane how to be responsible children." He started as a black-and-white terrier and became a springer spaniel in 1936. Puff the kitten and Tim the teddy bear rounded out the family.
Father went to work and Mother stayed home. They were perfect safe and content. OH, to live in the first grade reader and be six years old again might be fun -for a few minutes.
I have a bigger memory for Ted and Sally than Dick and Jane. I remember "Run, Spot, Run!" Were they the kids in the second grade reader? Or did we have the Ted and Sally series in 1953-54 instead of Dick and Jane? Who has the clear memory on this? What do you remember about first grade?
Pat Jonas
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Sunday, August 21, 2011
A West Point Glee Club Reunion and Park Restaurant in Highland Falls, NY
At the end of July, I was blessed to get to participate in the West Point Glee Club Alumni Concert at West Point. Alumni from 1956 to 2002 practiced for 2 1/2 days before all 106 of us sang at Trophy Point with the USMA Band. Most of the concert was placed on YouTube, but without sound mixing that will make the CD sound lots better and balanced. Click below if you wish to see the glee Club Alumni and USMA Band, noting me in the top row 9 persons from the left as you face the group. For the encore, I stood to the left of the group to look better for the camera or because my knee was killing me and I needed a 30 second chair break before the last two songs.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QlkhGw_GY0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddVy9v7fQUs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q_soFQ0gB4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ldjh_XLSSA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QlkhGw_GY0&feature=related
When I go back to West point, I love to go into the Park Restaurant in Highland Falls , just outside the south gate to the Academy. The New York accents and atmosphere is delightful. Photos of activities and people at West Point cover the walls and a long shelf is populated with ceramic Elvis memorabilia. You can gamble on some sort of daily numbers and watch the TV screen in the top corner of the section where I ate supper and breakfast to see if you won and how much.
The Yuengling Lager (from PA) was a pleasant surprise on Saturday night while Tierney, my server kept the water glass filled, comfortably recommended dishes she liked and allowed the eating, writing and reminiscing to happen at my own pace. The cheeseburger soup was surprisingly tasty and the veggie wrap with the special sauce was as good as Tierney believed. The orange sherbet and the coffee topped off my taste buds with the right message for the evening.
During supper, the Yankees were on the TV's in the bar (beating Baltimore soundly), and periodically, patrons would cheer when a Yankee got a hit or made a good play in the field. New York has a special flavor.
Andrea seemed to be the senior boss in the restaurant eating section. She was my server for breakfast on Sunday when I had the omelette, hash browns, coffee and rye toast to get ready for the final rehearsals and concert Sunday evening.
Check out the YouTubes to see the group and the band. The sound is OK, but the CD's will balance everything and tune it up. New York is great to visit and renew memories.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QlkhGw_GY0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddVy9v7fQUs&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1q_soFQ0gB4&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ldjh_XLSSA&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QlkhGw_GY0&feature=related
When I go back to West point, I love to go into the Park Restaurant in Highland Falls , just outside the south gate to the Academy. The New York accents and atmosphere is delightful. Photos of activities and people at West Point cover the walls and a long shelf is populated with ceramic Elvis memorabilia. You can gamble on some sort of daily numbers and watch the TV screen in the top corner of the section where I ate supper and breakfast to see if you won and how much.
The Yuengling Lager (from PA) was a pleasant surprise on Saturday night while Tierney, my server kept the water glass filled, comfortably recommended dishes she liked and allowed the eating, writing and reminiscing to happen at my own pace. The cheeseburger soup was surprisingly tasty and the veggie wrap with the special sauce was as good as Tierney believed. The orange sherbet and the coffee topped off my taste buds with the right message for the evening.
During supper, the Yankees were on the TV's in the bar (beating Baltimore soundly), and periodically, patrons would cheer when a Yankee got a hit or made a good play in the field. New York has a special flavor.
Andrea seemed to be the senior boss in the restaurant eating section. She was my server for breakfast on Sunday when I had the omelette, hash browns, coffee and rye toast to get ready for the final rehearsals and concert Sunday evening.
Check out the YouTubes to see the group and the band. The sound is OK, but the CD's will balance everything and tune it up. New York is great to visit and renew memories.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Ice Cream Social at Liberty Church
Last night, we went to the ice cream social at Liberty Church. The parking lot was full when we arrived just before 6 PM. The tables were pretty full with people and food, even up on the stage, where I saw Pastor Swigart. It was a great turnout of old (there were a few walkers and canes) and new (there were a few baby carriers and toddlers) Liberty Church ice cream social fans.
Right away, I spotted Jim Ney the "Ice Cream Master" and Wanda, "Mrs. Ice Cream Master" at the ice cream station then read the list of flavors: vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, peanut butter, lemon, raspberry, peach, pineapple. Continuing along the south wall of the dining area/rec room/reception room, etc., I noticed Peggy Alread and sister Donna, who make a habit of working at the ice cream socials. Donna was cutting pies and cakes and suggested the Texas sheet cake made by her sister. We opted to go for the main courses first, getting a serving of potato salad, chicken noodle soup, 2 baked beans, barbecue sandwich (for Rebecca) and turkey sandwich (for me) for a grand total of $7.50. Jean Ney collected the money and we looked for 3 seats somewhere, finding the last 3 just next to the ice cream station.
Looking around, I saw Joy and Glen Weaver, then Ginger Weaver and Aunt Crock. Ruth Strader was walking by. Mark and Mary Jo Spitler were cleaning tables as people finished, making room for the next wave of eaters. Rick Gaver (Peggy's son) was another eater/ helper with clearing away trays and dishes, too. I assume he had a piece of the Texas sheet cake, but didn't see him eat.
My brother Mike, his wife Paddy and granddaughter Katie were just ahead of us in line. As the food disappeared, the ice cream beckoned, but the dessert table beckoned louder. I went for a piece of blackberry pie, fighting the guilt about not getting Peggy's Texas sheet cake. Then to the ice cream corner where Randy Ney was the scoop master. I went for the raspberry, which should merge well with the pie. It was perfect.
Sandy Lodge waved, David Schenck and Margaret spoke with us a bit, and Lowell Schenck was as energized as ever. Paula Whitaker came over to give regards from cousin Bobby who now lives in Chattanooga, TN. She was connecting emails from Bob and Sylvia Lodge Jacobs. Next year is their 50th Jefferson High School Reunion, along with my brother, Mike.
Patty Newsock (I'm using everyone's almost oldest last names, as I relate over several decades) and Dean Foust engaged me in conversation, about the "old" Liberty and the good old times initially. I knew Walt Newsock from hanging out around the corner station. When I was 10-12 years old, I remember him pumping gas and being a good talker. He had an amusing response to many different situations by saying, "Oh, my coddu" that probably had many layers of meanings.
Patty was in the Jefferson class of '51 who just had a reunion. She reflected on the town pump, Adam Becker and his impact on the stability of the school system, the current state of the old school building, Louie Speidel and his daughters, the Liberty store and Mrs. Lucas, Ollie Webb and his sense of humor, my dad-Scud Jonas, and life in Liberty when it had a barber shop and telephone exchange. Each era has its own memories as Liberty changed over time. What are yours?
Dean had strong opinions about pills, doctors, America and China as we had a good conversion and even shared several differences of opinion about those issues. I love discussions about core beliefs and the challenges in America and the world. It's great that people talk with each other and share their perspectives. That was a fun part of life in Liberty, too. A lot of different opinions were comfortably, sometimes intensely, expressed about lots of issues. People learned from each other as citizens of a small town and large nation.
More than a hundred other folks were there and may get mention after the Harvest Home social in November if I'm able to attend. One way of telling that you're still alive is to attend the socials at Liberty Church. Everyone sort of takes note of the oldest people who are there and wonders about the elders who aren't.
Emmert and Kathryn (Baker) Michael (my in-laws) came in at the end of the line with son Gary, daughter in-law Renee and grandchildren Makayla and Wesley. Needing some time to chat with them forced me to check out the desserts again, suddenly noticing a piece of lemon cake (sorry, Peggy, I'll get the Texas sheet cake next time) that seemed to be calling my name, I headed for the ice cream corner for a dip of lemon ice cream to complement it. It was perfect.
What do you remember most about Liberty church ice cream socials?
Right away, I spotted Jim Ney the "Ice Cream Master" and Wanda, "Mrs. Ice Cream Master" at the ice cream station then read the list of flavors: vanilla, strawberry, chocolate, peanut butter, lemon, raspberry, peach, pineapple. Continuing along the south wall of the dining area/rec room/reception room, etc., I noticed Peggy Alread and sister Donna, who make a habit of working at the ice cream socials. Donna was cutting pies and cakes and suggested the Texas sheet cake made by her sister. We opted to go for the main courses first, getting a serving of potato salad, chicken noodle soup, 2 baked beans, barbecue sandwich (for Rebecca) and turkey sandwich (for me) for a grand total of $7.50. Jean Ney collected the money and we looked for 3 seats somewhere, finding the last 3 just next to the ice cream station.
Looking around, I saw Joy and Glen Weaver, then Ginger Weaver and Aunt Crock. Ruth Strader was walking by. Mark and Mary Jo Spitler were cleaning tables as people finished, making room for the next wave of eaters. Rick Gaver (Peggy's son) was another eater/ helper with clearing away trays and dishes, too. I assume he had a piece of the Texas sheet cake, but didn't see him eat.
My brother Mike, his wife Paddy and granddaughter Katie were just ahead of us in line. As the food disappeared, the ice cream beckoned, but the dessert table beckoned louder. I went for a piece of blackberry pie, fighting the guilt about not getting Peggy's Texas sheet cake. Then to the ice cream corner where Randy Ney was the scoop master. I went for the raspberry, which should merge well with the pie. It was perfect.
Sandy Lodge waved, David Schenck and Margaret spoke with us a bit, and Lowell Schenck was as energized as ever. Paula Whitaker came over to give regards from cousin Bobby who now lives in Chattanooga, TN. She was connecting emails from Bob and Sylvia Lodge Jacobs. Next year is their 50th Jefferson High School Reunion, along with my brother, Mike.
Patty Newsock (I'm using everyone's almost oldest last names, as I relate over several decades) and Dean Foust engaged me in conversation, about the "old" Liberty and the good old times initially. I knew Walt Newsock from hanging out around the corner station. When I was 10-12 years old, I remember him pumping gas and being a good talker. He had an amusing response to many different situations by saying, "Oh, my coddu" that probably had many layers of meanings.
Patty was in the Jefferson class of '51 who just had a reunion. She reflected on the town pump, Adam Becker and his impact on the stability of the school system, the current state of the old school building, Louie Speidel and his daughters, the Liberty store and Mrs. Lucas, Ollie Webb and his sense of humor, my dad-Scud Jonas, and life in Liberty when it had a barber shop and telephone exchange. Each era has its own memories as Liberty changed over time. What are yours?
Dean had strong opinions about pills, doctors, America and China as we had a good conversion and even shared several differences of opinion about those issues. I love discussions about core beliefs and the challenges in America and the world. It's great that people talk with each other and share their perspectives. That was a fun part of life in Liberty, too. A lot of different opinions were comfortably, sometimes intensely, expressed about lots of issues. People learned from each other as citizens of a small town and large nation.
More than a hundred other folks were there and may get mention after the Harvest Home social in November if I'm able to attend. One way of telling that you're still alive is to attend the socials at Liberty Church. Everyone sort of takes note of the oldest people who are there and wonders about the elders who aren't.
Emmert and Kathryn (Baker) Michael (my in-laws) came in at the end of the line with son Gary, daughter in-law Renee and grandchildren Makayla and Wesley. Needing some time to chat with them forced me to check out the desserts again, suddenly noticing a piece of lemon cake (sorry, Peggy, I'll get the Texas sheet cake next time) that seemed to be calling my name, I headed for the ice cream corner for a dip of lemon ice cream to complement it. It was perfect.
What do you remember most about Liberty church ice cream socials?
Sunday, July 17, 2011
The Sunday Comics: "The Funnies"
Sorry I've been off line for SOHAL. The Jefferson Alumni Banquet is closely followed by my family reunion(s) and Independence Day, so I get distracted. My Independence Day post (Independence Day) goes to my Dr Synonymous blog, but I sent it to many of you.
I have many thoughts about the "funnies" as we used to call the Sunday comics with the Dayton Daily News on Sunday (duh). There were other comics daily in the morning Dayton Journal Herald, many of which I enjoyed. Sunday was just special, though. Now, I'm referring to childhood "funnies", not brilliant adult comics that express profound insights about the state of the world or its leaders (although Pogo may have served as both).
If you would like some formal background, here's the latest wikipedia comments on Sunday comics.
Sunday Comics
Throughout my childhood, the Sunday paper was located across the street at my Grandpa and Grandma Clayton's home. I would go over after church and Sunday Dinner, find the "funnies" and take them to Grandpa to read them to me (I was 3 or 4 years old). His favorite was Pogo which had several special characters who he delighted in. He enjoyed the political humor which jumped out at adults from Pogo, too, but I don't think I ever noticed that part. The specifics of Beetle Bailey, Peanuts, Dick Tracy, Terry and the Pirates, etc. are enjoyable and spell-binding at times, but the family connections are my favorite part. The tradition continues in our family where grandparents still enjoy sharing the "funnies" with little ones.
"For most of the 20th century, the Sunday funnies were a family tradition, enjoyed each weekend by adults and kids alike. They were read by millions and produced famous fictional characters in such strips as Flash Gordon, Little Orphan Annie, Prince Valiant, Dick Tracy and Terry and the Pirates. Leading the lists of classic humor strips are Bringing Up Father, Gasoline Alley, Li'l Abner, Pogo, Peanuts and Smokey Stover. There were educational strips, such as King Features' Heroes of American History. In addition to the comic strips, Sunday comics sections also carried advertisements in a comics format, puzzles and single-panel features."...from Wikipedia
What are your favorite memories about the Sunday comics ("funnies" or whatever you called them)?
I have many thoughts about the "funnies" as we used to call the Sunday comics with the Dayton Daily News on Sunday (duh). There were other comics daily in the morning Dayton Journal Herald, many of which I enjoyed. Sunday was just special, though. Now, I'm referring to childhood "funnies", not brilliant adult comics that express profound insights about the state of the world or its leaders (although Pogo may have served as both).
If you would like some formal background, here's the latest wikipedia comments on Sunday comics.
Sunday Comics
Throughout my childhood, the Sunday paper was located across the street at my Grandpa and Grandma Clayton's home. I would go over after church and Sunday Dinner, find the "funnies" and take them to Grandpa to read them to me (I was 3 or 4 years old). His favorite was Pogo which had several special characters who he delighted in. He enjoyed the political humor which jumped out at adults from Pogo, too, but I don't think I ever noticed that part. The specifics of Beetle Bailey, Peanuts, Dick Tracy, Terry and the Pirates, etc. are enjoyable and spell-binding at times, but the family connections are my favorite part. The tradition continues in our family where grandparents still enjoy sharing the "funnies" with little ones.
"For most of the 20th century, the Sunday funnies were a family tradition, enjoyed each weekend by adults and kids alike. They were read by millions and produced famous fictional characters in such strips as Flash Gordon, Little Orphan Annie, Prince Valiant, Dick Tracy and Terry and the Pirates. Leading the lists of classic humor strips are Bringing Up Father, Gasoline Alley, Li'l Abner, Pogo, Peanuts and Smokey Stover. There were educational strips, such as King Features' Heroes of American History. In addition to the comic strips, Sunday comics sections also carried advertisements in a comics format, puzzles and single-panel features."...from Wikipedia
What are your favorite memories about the Sunday comics ("funnies" or whatever you called them)?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Bronco Pride: Jefferson Township High School Alumni
The Jefferson Township Alumni Banquet is often fondly shortened to just "The Alumni" by older graduates (like my dad, from the class of 1941). This is his 70th class reunion, but "Squz" or "Scud" as he was known, will only attend in spirit, as he has since his final appearance at "The Alumni" in 2001. He was pleased to join his class for their 60th and always proud of his Jefferson Township High School origins. He served as class president his senior year, with Thomas Recher as VP, and Secretary-treasurer Ruth Baker. Mr. Becker was their class advisor. Jefferson Pride also abounds for the solid beginnings enjoyed by the alumni who will assemble June 24 at the Miami Valley CTC for the annual celebration.
Few know that Dad's class was the first to enter the first grade in the new school in 1929. Mrs. Mabel Eberly was their teacher. They proudly mentioned their status in their class poem (the first two stanzas of which are reproduced below) at graduation time in 1941:
Farewell, dear friends and teachers, all,
Our schooling now is done;
We were the first, so you recall,
To start at Jefferson.
We hate to leave you, Jefferson,
The school of our ideal;
And as we file out one by one,
Our losses we shall feel.
The class of 1961 will be featured as the celebrated 50 year class. Their stories will be deftly summarized by a class leader as attendees reflect on the uniqueness of the individuals and the traditions of the early 60's. Tom Kerschner was class president with Sam Powers as VP, Bob Hayward was treasurer and Carrol Foote served as secretary. Janice Behnken was a leader and athlete whom I remember most as the Head Drum Majorette. Jerry Schell was an all around person as athlete, leader, singer, scientist and May Day Attendant. Richard Anspach and Dave Barker were leaders in several organizations and scholarly. Butch Erbaugh was another leader-athlete who quarterbacked the football team. Charles Gau was "Manager of all sports".
Sue Babington and Barbara Carlton both took 7 lines in the yearbook to list their activities, and Liberty native Nancy Adams was a five liner who was super active in everything. Myrna Derringer diversified into sports and science while Janet Bunting was another smart person who did FTA, band, and chorus. Many others such as Nancy Seltzer, Eileen Mooney (Bullet Bob's sister) and Sandra Shank, Judy Heindl, Shirley Marable, Barbara Boling, and the all around scholar-athlete Martha cordell were in activities such as Tri-Hi Y, FTA, GAA, Band, Chorus, class plays, volleyball and the operetta. Ralph Golden was a band guy who played the sax. Rex Hunn, Sam Powers and Roger Ogletree were also 3 sport athletes. Many other athletes come to mind from football, basketball, track and baseball, such as Albert Tucker who could dunk in basketball and went on to play pro basketball in Seattle, Reggie McDaniel, Tom Kerschner, "Big" Jim Coffee who could also dunk in basketball, "Skippy" (Harold) Schenck, David Moyer, Terry Bailey, Pat Shelby, Rex Mitchell, Tom Reich who also worked on the annual staff and others.
Doug Kreitzer and Gail Long were in Hi-Y. Gail was a very active explorer scout and farmer on the side. Bud Spitler also was in Hi-Y as well as Chorus, baseball, basketball, class play and class leadership. Kay Stauffer, June Middleton, Judy Bergen and Joy Huber were in Tri-Hi-Y, Chorus and/or Band, FTA or FHA and JCOWA or librarian. Do you know who did what? Do they even remember themselves?
Sue Rawlins, Ed Shaw, Dee Slyder, Chuck Reid, Patti Reid, Rodney Stewart, Winsford Sparkman, Margaret Stamper, Janet Stricklin, Marlene Thompson, St. Clair Tims, Phillip Tolliver, Gladys Walton, Carlotta Zaborowski, Donna Wolfe, Jack Witherby, Joyce Wiles, Beverly Quigg, deanna Powell, Michael Petrey, Mary Parker, Nonie Moore, Shirley McKisic, Lee Mccauley, Joe Mann, Michael Mandich, Jacqueline Magwood, Earl Lightcap, Oliver Hudson, Karen Hepner, Lonnie Johnson, Doug Justice, Edward Adams, James Aubrey, Denvie Banks, Roger Barriteau, Barbara Brackett, Roger Brooks, Gwen Carter, Connie Cavin, Shirley Clark, Richard Clayton, Irene Clemons, Portia Dorsey, Tom Eby, Rachel Foust, Sandra Foust, Roy Frock, Eileen Gebby, Pat Grant, Melanie Hall, Hazel Hamilton, William Hauser are members of the class to look for at the banquet to relive old memories and guess what they did in high school if you really want to know. Wow- big class!
Later in the class of 1961 alphabet come Nancy Weidel, Karl Wardlaw and Susi Wintermute, three solid citizens of Liberty. Nancy was a majorette, May Day Attendant and a member of pep club, FTA and Tri-Hi-Y. Susi was a cheerleader and played 3 sports as a sophomore. Karl served as AV technician and class play technician. Oops, more Liberty people include Larry Stivers and Clara Lightcap, both of whom rode my bus. Please consult your 1961 and 1962 Jeffersonians to read about more people and learn more about the class of '61 at "The Alumni".
As a youngster from the class of 1964, I enjoy the incredible "Naming of the Graduates" by MC Joy Weaver, who starts by calling out the class year of the oldest attending graduate, followed by naming that person and almost every other graduate who stands just after their class year is announced. She is a Jefferson "genealogist" with her knowledge of the individuals and families constituting the lineage of our alma mater. Her performance alone is worth attending the event.
Many of my childhood heroes are Jefferson alums, including Donny Myers, who drilled in a jump shot at the buzzer to win a tough basketball game played at the fairgrounds colliseum, and Maxon Weaver who had an impressive hook shot as center in basketball. Max and cousin Stuart Allen also each played one of the male lead parts in H.M.S. Pinafore with Barbara Jean Drake nailing the role of Little Buttercup. "I am the captain of the sea, the ruler of the queen's navy..." rings in my ears whenever I reflect on that musical and how mesmerized I was by the high school performers.
Stories of Jefferson alumni could go on forever, and they will. Join them in person the fourth Friday of each June. Call Jean Ney for reservations each year. Thank you to the memory of Adam Becker for his leadership over many years to help so many to learn so much.
Few know that Dad's class was the first to enter the first grade in the new school in 1929. Mrs. Mabel Eberly was their teacher. They proudly mentioned their status in their class poem (the first two stanzas of which are reproduced below) at graduation time in 1941:
Farewell, dear friends and teachers, all,
Our schooling now is done;
We were the first, so you recall,
To start at Jefferson.
We hate to leave you, Jefferson,
The school of our ideal;
And as we file out one by one,
Our losses we shall feel.
The class of 1961 will be featured as the celebrated 50 year class. Their stories will be deftly summarized by a class leader as attendees reflect on the uniqueness of the individuals and the traditions of the early 60's. Tom Kerschner was class president with Sam Powers as VP, Bob Hayward was treasurer and Carrol Foote served as secretary. Janice Behnken was a leader and athlete whom I remember most as the Head Drum Majorette. Jerry Schell was an all around person as athlete, leader, singer, scientist and May Day Attendant. Richard Anspach and Dave Barker were leaders in several organizations and scholarly. Butch Erbaugh was another leader-athlete who quarterbacked the football team. Charles Gau was "Manager of all sports".
Sue Babington and Barbara Carlton both took 7 lines in the yearbook to list their activities, and Liberty native Nancy Adams was a five liner who was super active in everything. Myrna Derringer diversified into sports and science while Janet Bunting was another smart person who did FTA, band, and chorus. Many others such as Nancy Seltzer, Eileen Mooney (Bullet Bob's sister) and Sandra Shank, Judy Heindl, Shirley Marable, Barbara Boling, and the all around scholar-athlete Martha cordell were in activities such as Tri-Hi Y, FTA, GAA, Band, Chorus, class plays, volleyball and the operetta. Ralph Golden was a band guy who played the sax. Rex Hunn, Sam Powers and Roger Ogletree were also 3 sport athletes. Many other athletes come to mind from football, basketball, track and baseball, such as Albert Tucker who could dunk in basketball and went on to play pro basketball in Seattle, Reggie McDaniel, Tom Kerschner, "Big" Jim Coffee who could also dunk in basketball, "Skippy" (Harold) Schenck, David Moyer, Terry Bailey, Pat Shelby, Rex Mitchell, Tom Reich who also worked on the annual staff and others.
Doug Kreitzer and Gail Long were in Hi-Y. Gail was a very active explorer scout and farmer on the side. Bud Spitler also was in Hi-Y as well as Chorus, baseball, basketball, class play and class leadership. Kay Stauffer, June Middleton, Judy Bergen and Joy Huber were in Tri-Hi-Y, Chorus and/or Band, FTA or FHA and JCOWA or librarian. Do you know who did what? Do they even remember themselves?
Sue Rawlins, Ed Shaw, Dee Slyder, Chuck Reid, Patti Reid, Rodney Stewart, Winsford Sparkman, Margaret Stamper, Janet Stricklin, Marlene Thompson, St. Clair Tims, Phillip Tolliver, Gladys Walton, Carlotta Zaborowski, Donna Wolfe, Jack Witherby, Joyce Wiles, Beverly Quigg, deanna Powell, Michael Petrey, Mary Parker, Nonie Moore, Shirley McKisic, Lee Mccauley, Joe Mann, Michael Mandich, Jacqueline Magwood, Earl Lightcap, Oliver Hudson, Karen Hepner, Lonnie Johnson, Doug Justice, Edward Adams, James Aubrey, Denvie Banks, Roger Barriteau, Barbara Brackett, Roger Brooks, Gwen Carter, Connie Cavin, Shirley Clark, Richard Clayton, Irene Clemons, Portia Dorsey, Tom Eby, Rachel Foust, Sandra Foust, Roy Frock, Eileen Gebby, Pat Grant, Melanie Hall, Hazel Hamilton, William Hauser are members of the class to look for at the banquet to relive old memories and guess what they did in high school if you really want to know. Wow- big class!
Later in the class of 1961 alphabet come Nancy Weidel, Karl Wardlaw and Susi Wintermute, three solid citizens of Liberty. Nancy was a majorette, May Day Attendant and a member of pep club, FTA and Tri-Hi-Y. Susi was a cheerleader and played 3 sports as a sophomore. Karl served as AV technician and class play technician. Oops, more Liberty people include Larry Stivers and Clara Lightcap, both of whom rode my bus. Please consult your 1961 and 1962 Jeffersonians to read about more people and learn more about the class of '61 at "The Alumni".
As a youngster from the class of 1964, I enjoy the incredible "Naming of the Graduates" by MC Joy Weaver, who starts by calling out the class year of the oldest attending graduate, followed by naming that person and almost every other graduate who stands just after their class year is announced. She is a Jefferson "genealogist" with her knowledge of the individuals and families constituting the lineage of our alma mater. Her performance alone is worth attending the event.
Many of my childhood heroes are Jefferson alums, including Donny Myers, who drilled in a jump shot at the buzzer to win a tough basketball game played at the fairgrounds colliseum, and Maxon Weaver who had an impressive hook shot as center in basketball. Max and cousin Stuart Allen also each played one of the male lead parts in H.M.S. Pinafore with Barbara Jean Drake nailing the role of Little Buttercup. "I am the captain of the sea, the ruler of the queen's navy..." rings in my ears whenever I reflect on that musical and how mesmerized I was by the high school performers.
Stories of Jefferson alumni could go on forever, and they will. Join them in person the fourth Friday of each June. Call Jean Ney for reservations each year. Thank you to the memory of Adam Becker for his leadership over many years to help so many to learn so much.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Memories of Father's Day and Fathers in Liberty
It's Father's Day again. I remember the Cincinnati Reds played at Crosley Field on many Father's Days when I was young, affording the opportunity for Mike and I to go to the game a few extra-special times with our dad and both grandfathers. Right after church, we changed and loaded into a car already packed with soft drinks and sandwiches to allow us a lunch en-route to Cincinnati. We usually had everything eaten/consumed before we got through Miamisburg. There was no interstate in those days, so we went "the back way" through Middletown.
Frank Robinson (hit 38 homers as a rookie in 1956), Vada Pinson, Ted Kluszewski, Wally Post, Gus Bell, Ed Bailey, Smokey Burgess, Johnny Temple, Roy McMillan, Alex Grammas, Ray Jablonski, Jerry Lynch, Don Gross, Joe Nuxhall, Hersh Freeman, Hal Jeffcoat, Brooks Lawrence, and others played just for us, it seemed, on Father's Day.
We managed to get hungry before the end of the baseball game to get hot dogs with the incredible stadium mustard that seemed unique to Crosley Field. The souvenirs were always special, including the little bats signed by a ball player and the photos of the whole team. We took our ball gloves but never came close to catching a foul ball. We kept score in the program, with instruction from dad and the grandpas. We had to race out for the hotdogs during the 7th inning stretch so we wouldn't miss out in the score keeping. I wanted to put my own mustard on since I loved it so much.
Grandpa Jonas always had a beer at the park, and always showed loyalty by only buying a brand that paid to broadcast the games (Wiedemann's sponsored the radio games broadcast by Waite Hoyt, the former Yankee's pitcher in the 20's, with Burger and Hudepohl being the other main beers supporting the Reds). All of us marveled at the mustard, the Reds and the fans. Special memories of special people on Father's Day, my dad and grandfathers, together.
All of us have or had a father. Liberty had lots of them. Pete Alread was the father of Peggy and Donna. They all lived on back Street with Gladys, daughter of Ernie Speidel who lived "uptown" next to the Pure station. Pete was a special guy who had interesting hobbies and pastimes. He had a metal detector at one time that found a lot of useful and useless items. It was fun to look at the various items Pete found here and there, and heartening to hear his enthusiasm for the "Quest" for special treasures.
I also liked to hear Pete tell of his trips to Indiana to Lake Webster and to the Connersville Smorgasboard. He and Gladys would often stop in to chat in the summer with those of us sitting on the porch of Grandma (Fanny) and Grandpa (Bill) Clayton. They came via the alley between our house and the Riches after passing the Lodge's and crossing the Liberty creek on the way back from the Speidel's. They shared the "uptown" word with the Back Street folks, among other shared stories. Neighbor to neighbor, sharing was reassuring. Fathers were present and visible in the community. We learned from them and by their examples.
Please remember in addition to those mentioned above, on this Father's Day these Liberty Dads: Lowell Lodge, Bob Weidel, George Wintermute, Charles Whitaker, Jim Whitaker, Ed Whitaker, Bill Knoll, Thurman Rich, Bob Friend, Roy Strader, Everett Ashworth, Louie Adams, George Speelman, Jerry Hoffman, Henry Bussey, Earl Rieger, Roy Michael, Vernie Michael, Bob Holtzman, George Heeter, and Bob Stivers are a few names that come to mind when I think of Liberty fathers in my years of childhood. There are many others whose first names I never knew including Mr.'s Longhenry, Thompson, Landrum, Hill, Peek, Toms, Mays, Wyant, Adkins, Eller, . Apologies to those I forgot or never knew. Feel free to comment about these and other fathers in the comment section below.
Have a meaningful Father's Day.
Frank Robinson (hit 38 homers as a rookie in 1956), Vada Pinson, Ted Kluszewski, Wally Post, Gus Bell, Ed Bailey, Smokey Burgess, Johnny Temple, Roy McMillan, Alex Grammas, Ray Jablonski, Jerry Lynch, Don Gross, Joe Nuxhall, Hersh Freeman, Hal Jeffcoat, Brooks Lawrence, and others played just for us, it seemed, on Father's Day.
We managed to get hungry before the end of the baseball game to get hot dogs with the incredible stadium mustard that seemed unique to Crosley Field. The souvenirs were always special, including the little bats signed by a ball player and the photos of the whole team. We took our ball gloves but never came close to catching a foul ball. We kept score in the program, with instruction from dad and the grandpas. We had to race out for the hotdogs during the 7th inning stretch so we wouldn't miss out in the score keeping. I wanted to put my own mustard on since I loved it so much.
Grandpa Jonas always had a beer at the park, and always showed loyalty by only buying a brand that paid to broadcast the games (Wiedemann's sponsored the radio games broadcast by Waite Hoyt, the former Yankee's pitcher in the 20's, with Burger and Hudepohl being the other main beers supporting the Reds). All of us marveled at the mustard, the Reds and the fans. Special memories of special people on Father's Day, my dad and grandfathers, together.
All of us have or had a father. Liberty had lots of them. Pete Alread was the father of Peggy and Donna. They all lived on back Street with Gladys, daughter of Ernie Speidel who lived "uptown" next to the Pure station. Pete was a special guy who had interesting hobbies and pastimes. He had a metal detector at one time that found a lot of useful and useless items. It was fun to look at the various items Pete found here and there, and heartening to hear his enthusiasm for the "Quest" for special treasures.
I also liked to hear Pete tell of his trips to Indiana to Lake Webster and to the Connersville Smorgasboard. He and Gladys would often stop in to chat in the summer with those of us sitting on the porch of Grandma (Fanny) and Grandpa (Bill) Clayton. They came via the alley between our house and the Riches after passing the Lodge's and crossing the Liberty creek on the way back from the Speidel's. They shared the "uptown" word with the Back Street folks, among other shared stories. Neighbor to neighbor, sharing was reassuring. Fathers were present and visible in the community. We learned from them and by their examples.
Please remember in addition to those mentioned above, on this Father's Day these Liberty Dads: Lowell Lodge, Bob Weidel, George Wintermute, Charles Whitaker, Jim Whitaker, Ed Whitaker, Bill Knoll, Thurman Rich, Bob Friend, Roy Strader, Everett Ashworth, Louie Adams, George Speelman, Jerry Hoffman, Henry Bussey, Earl Rieger, Roy Michael, Vernie Michael, Bob Holtzman, George Heeter, and Bob Stivers are a few names that come to mind when I think of Liberty fathers in my years of childhood. There are many others whose first names I never knew including Mr.'s Longhenry, Thompson, Landrum, Hill, Peek, Toms, Mays, Wyant, Adkins, Eller, . Apologies to those I forgot or never knew. Feel free to comment about these and other fathers in the comment section below.
Have a meaningful Father's Day.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Bazooka and Dubble Bubble Gum in Liberty
Chewing gum and bubble gum were always favorite purchases "uptown" at the grocery or filling station in Liberty. Speaking of gum, who can forget Bazooka and Dubble Bubble Gum? Remember Bazooka Joe and the little comics included with Bazooka Bubble Gum? Do you remember the comics with Dubble Bubble? They featured Dub and Bub, replaced by Pud in 1950 (I don't remember them). I chewed Bazooka. It was a rectangular package. The Dubble Bubble had the wrapped ends and was round like a Tootsie Roll.
The two bubble gums are competitors, so thinking back 50 or more years may yield some fog, but I remember both brands and the comics/coupons in Bazooka. I collected them for some reason, but don't remember if I ever mailed in the coupons with or without money to get stuff. (I do remember redeeming coupons for a decoder ring that kids could use with a TV show- that was slick- but I forgot the show).
Blowing bubbles was more fun with a good sized piece of gum like these two favorites. The gumballs from gumball machines were a bit weak for bubbles. We kids enjoyed brief bubble competitions to see who could blow the biggest bubble. I don't remember any super champions in the neighborhood, but the competition was gender neutral with Sylvia, Bobby W, Mike, Donna and I doing our best for the biggest bubble. Other Liberty eras probably had their own bubble traditions. What were yours?
Topps and Fleer were the competitiors making the bubble gum and, later, the baseball cards that included their gum to entice us into becoming card collectors. Ever buy a ten-15 year old box of sports cards with gum and actually chew the gum? It was like cardboard gum (since I did it -too cheap to throw away the gum initially).
Fleer invented bubble gum years after they were a leading chewing gum company. Later, they were bought by Tootsie Roll Company. Here is a history of Double Bubble Gum from Wikipedia:
"Dubble Bubble is a brand of bubble gum invented in 1928 by Philadelphia-based Fleer. Walter E. Diemer — an accountant at Fleer — enjoyed experimenting with recipes during his free time. In an interview a few years before his death, he said, "It was an accident". In 1937, the gum went on the market nationally. It featured a comic strip that came with the gum starting in 1930, featuring twin brothers Dub and Bub. They were replaced by a new character named Pud in 1950.
Dubble Bubble was distributed in military rations during World War II until 1942. Due to war efforts, latex and sugar became scarce, briefly putting a halt to bubble gum manufacturing in the U.S. By 1951, Fleer was again able to manufacture Dubble Bubble, and in 1954, the company began sponsoring bubble gum blowing contests, which grew in popularity and were eventually televised. In 2000, this spirit was resurrected when Concord Confections, which bought Dubble Bubble in 1998, began a nationwide bubble gum blowing contest for children aged 12 and younger in Wal-Mart stores across America. The contest ended after 2005.
Dubble Bubble was introduced as the first five-pack of gum in 1957, and began selling gumballs in 1999. Fleer eventually extended the line to apple, grape, cherry and watermelon flavors.
When Concord Confections bought the Dubble Bubble name from Fleer in 1998, they did not use Fleer's original 1928 Dubble Bubble recipe, and comic strips were discontinued; Pud remained mascot. In August 2004, Tootsie Roll expanded its presence in the bubble gum category by acquiring Concord Confections. Today, Dubble Bubble continues to grow, with Tootsie adding product extensions like Dubble Bubble Mini Tubs and Halloween Combo packaged gumballs and expanding distribution globally. The gum is sold in 50 countries.
The bubble gum creation process was shown on an episode of How It's Made."
From Wikipedia about Bazooka Bubble Gum: "It was first marketed shortly after World War II in the U.S. by the Topps Company of Brooklyn, New York. The gum was packaged in a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme. Beginning in 1953, Topps changed the packaging to include small comic strips with the gum, featuring the character "Bazooka Joe". There are 50 different "Bazooka Joe" comic-strip wrappers to collect. Also on the comic strip is a fortune and an offer for a premium and a fortune.[1] The product has been virtually unchanged in over 50 years."
The comics with the bubble gum have an interesting history that is reviewed here:
for Bazooka Joe
for Dubble Bubble
Which one did you chew? How big were your bubbles? Do you still chew it? And blow bubbles?
The two bubble gums are competitors, so thinking back 50 or more years may yield some fog, but I remember both brands and the comics/coupons in Bazooka. I collected them for some reason, but don't remember if I ever mailed in the coupons with or without money to get stuff. (I do remember redeeming coupons for a decoder ring that kids could use with a TV show- that was slick- but I forgot the show).
Blowing bubbles was more fun with a good sized piece of gum like these two favorites. The gumballs from gumball machines were a bit weak for bubbles. We kids enjoyed brief bubble competitions to see who could blow the biggest bubble. I don't remember any super champions in the neighborhood, but the competition was gender neutral with Sylvia, Bobby W, Mike, Donna and I doing our best for the biggest bubble. Other Liberty eras probably had their own bubble traditions. What were yours?
Topps and Fleer were the competitiors making the bubble gum and, later, the baseball cards that included their gum to entice us into becoming card collectors. Ever buy a ten-15 year old box of sports cards with gum and actually chew the gum? It was like cardboard gum (since I did it -too cheap to throw away the gum initially).
Fleer invented bubble gum years after they were a leading chewing gum company. Later, they were bought by Tootsie Roll Company. Here is a history of Double Bubble Gum from Wikipedia:
"Dubble Bubble is a brand of bubble gum invented in 1928 by Philadelphia-based Fleer. Walter E. Diemer — an accountant at Fleer — enjoyed experimenting with recipes during his free time. In an interview a few years before his death, he said, "It was an accident". In 1937, the gum went on the market nationally. It featured a comic strip that came with the gum starting in 1930, featuring twin brothers Dub and Bub. They were replaced by a new character named Pud in 1950.
Dubble Bubble was distributed in military rations during World War II until 1942. Due to war efforts, latex and sugar became scarce, briefly putting a halt to bubble gum manufacturing in the U.S. By 1951, Fleer was again able to manufacture Dubble Bubble, and in 1954, the company began sponsoring bubble gum blowing contests, which grew in popularity and were eventually televised. In 2000, this spirit was resurrected when Concord Confections, which bought Dubble Bubble in 1998, began a nationwide bubble gum blowing contest for children aged 12 and younger in Wal-Mart stores across America. The contest ended after 2005.
Dubble Bubble was introduced as the first five-pack of gum in 1957, and began selling gumballs in 1999. Fleer eventually extended the line to apple, grape, cherry and watermelon flavors.
When Concord Confections bought the Dubble Bubble name from Fleer in 1998, they did not use Fleer's original 1928 Dubble Bubble recipe, and comic strips were discontinued; Pud remained mascot. In August 2004, Tootsie Roll expanded its presence in the bubble gum category by acquiring Concord Confections. Today, Dubble Bubble continues to grow, with Tootsie adding product extensions like Dubble Bubble Mini Tubs and Halloween Combo packaged gumballs and expanding distribution globally. The gum is sold in 50 countries.
The bubble gum creation process was shown on an episode of How It's Made."
From Wikipedia about Bazooka Bubble Gum: "It was first marketed shortly after World War II in the U.S. by the Topps Company of Brooklyn, New York. The gum was packaged in a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme. Beginning in 1953, Topps changed the packaging to include small comic strips with the gum, featuring the character "Bazooka Joe". There are 50 different "Bazooka Joe" comic-strip wrappers to collect. Also on the comic strip is a fortune and an offer for a premium and a fortune.[1] The product has been virtually unchanged in over 50 years."
The comics with the bubble gum have an interesting history that is reviewed here:
for Bazooka Joe
for Dubble Bubble
Which one did you chew? How big were your bubbles? Do you still chew it? And blow bubbles?
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