Comments to long ago posts get buried. Down there somewhere is a Purple Tabby comment that definitely needs to be exhumed:
"Remember taking those tests every year? Then next year we were divided into five groups according to our scores? The top sections were giving College- prep classes. The middle sections were steered to Commercial classes and the last ones steered to General classes in home-ec, industrial arts etc.
A boy who lived down the road from me was always in the Fifth Section; he learned all kinds of things everyone needs to know. And he certainly wasn’t dumb!
I think grouping people by test scores did a lot of damage; it was common practice then, and maybe still is.We had a Counselor in JrHS, Mr B.; he had a daughter in our class but she dropped out. Remember him? He liked to keep girls in their place. :::sigh:::
He had a terribly sad life so I have decided against smacking him until he loses the ugly part of his face! I know he is relieved at my decision.! ;) "
First, I think he died some time ago, PT, so you can rest easy........maybe he's being smacked by a higher power now.
His daughter popped up at our 25th reunion, and was welcomed with open arms.
Secondly, this is the second time I have had classmates discuss this "grouping" of students, and I have to admit I was oblivious to it.
Anyone else have comments about it?
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Monday, January 23, 2006
The Isetta Story. A Dream?
That little blue and white thingy is an Isetta.A four wheel motorcycle, really.
Made by BMW, we used to make fun of it by saying,
"Isetta, on the ground."
Unfortunately, it's an Isetta, not a Siat 500.
So, herein lies the tale of how my memory failed me.
I was just sure that Purple Tabby had owned a car like this one....
My memory was that it even had this paint scheme.
Tom T. and I came down to the parking lot after school to find this car parked between our cars, a '55 Chevy and a '55 Ford.
With the help of four other guys, we picked the car up and turned it sideways, leaving precious little room to maneuver and drive away.
My memory is that PT came down, and with us watching from around the corner, pitched a fit, then hemmed and hawed the little Isetta around until she escaped.
Neat story, huh?
Only PT says she never owned an Isetta. Her little car, similar in size,
was a Siat (Spanish Fiat.....Fiat in Spanish is apparently naughty) 500.
So now I need your help solving a mystery:
Anyone remember this little Isetta? If so, who was the owner we tortured?
Or is my memory completely screwed up........
Did we in fact turn PT's Siat 500 sideways?
I distinctly remember that front opening door.
Gotta be the Isetta.
Friday, January 20, 2006
The Thermostat
I was lucky enough to stop riding the school bus when I was a freshman.
I rode to school with Bill F. until he graduated, then drove my own car, stopping to pick up John T. on my way.
We'd drive into that parking lot where the class of '65 is standing in the '65 Trojan yearbook.....("We're all for you, CGHS!")
From there, we'd climb the hill and enter the back door of the gym.
Habit meant that I would always bear to the left to go around the gym floor.
On the wall, just past the concession stand, was a thermostat.
I don't know who did it first....certainly not me.....
but we found that if you hit the wall adjacent to the thermostat forcefully, it would HISS at you for a couple seconds!
It became a daily morning ritual.
Weird memory.
(Stay tuned, I'm gonna tell a Purple Tabby "Isetta" story later.)
Flick Picks
My favorite movies were the hokey ones on Fright Night with Sammy Terry.
The Blob, Attack of the Giant Crabs, I Was a Teenage Werewolf, etc great stuff! I was stunned when Godzilla bit that policeman in two! LOL
Remember that one about the pilot who got zapped with radiation and grew to be a giant? He walked around Nevada in a diaper and I couldn’t help wonder where he got that much fabric. I REALLY don’t want to think about him needing a second diaper!
My all time favorite was The Body Snatchers. I went to a slumber party in a big old farmhouse. The wind whistled through it all night long while we watched the pods open. I was scared silly. Still, I was the first to fall asleep and the other girls decorated me with houseplants and took photos! I'm sure my pod took over that very night!
Cynthia A and her sisters were always fun to stay with. We would go to a theater in Greenwood (it was in an old building but I'm not sure where) to see Elvis movies. She had ALL his 45s and I was so jealous! We swooned and practiced putting on make-up until the wee hours.
I saw Flower Drum Song at the Franklin Theater. Is it still there? The entry steps, the carpet, mirrors etc always seemed to make the movie seem glamorous before we even got in.
The Blob, Attack of the Giant Crabs, I Was a Teenage Werewolf, etc great stuff! I was stunned when Godzilla bit that policeman in two! LOL
Remember that one about the pilot who got zapped with radiation and grew to be a giant? He walked around Nevada in a diaper and I couldn’t help wonder where he got that much fabric. I REALLY don’t want to think about him needing a second diaper!
My all time favorite was The Body Snatchers. I went to a slumber party in a big old farmhouse. The wind whistled through it all night long while we watched the pods open. I was scared silly. Still, I was the first to fall asleep and the other girls decorated me with houseplants and took photos! I'm sure my pod took over that very night!
Cynthia A and her sisters were always fun to stay with. We would go to a theater in Greenwood (it was in an old building but I'm not sure where) to see Elvis movies. She had ALL his 45s and I was so jealous! We swooned and practiced putting on make-up until the wee hours.
I saw Flower Drum Song at the Franklin Theater. Is it still there? The entry steps, the carpet, mirrors etc always seemed to make the movie seem glamorous before we even got in.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
That Perfect Fit
Vandy's was Margaret. We all have them. Some of us haven't found ours yet. Keep looking, They are out there. I have found mine. Her name is Cindy. John C. found his. Her name is Dorothy. Greybeard has his. Her name is Sara Jean. T.C. and Sharon, P.T. and Mark, Harry and Carol. I know that Golden Girl found her perfect compliment a few years ago. His name is Ken. Larry has found his. Her name is Kitty. Dan has his. Her name is Edna. Sometimes they last forever, sometimes not. Cherish the time that you are able to spend with them. Sometimes, they are that perfect foil. And you thought that they were the perfect compliment! Sometimes that is what makes them fit so perfectly - they are the polar opposite of you. Sometimes not. Sometimes, you have to mold them, Ha! Most times, they are molding you when you think that you are molding them. Sometimes, they are sympathetic to your troubles, sometimes not. They do seem to know how to get your goat. They also know just how far to go to get it. Sometimes not, though. Sometimes, they go too far. But, when you are in need of a friend, who is there? They are.. Are you there for them, when they need a friend? If you are That Perfect Fit, you are. I named a couple of Teacher types that were a perfect fit. Can you name a few others? How about those that might not have been a perfect fit??? Remember that this is a public forum, though......
Vandy was always friendly, Margaret could be, but wasn't always - but, she was always very charming. Vandy had a wit, Margaret had a look. Vandy could make you laugh with his wit. When Margaret gave you that look, you would not be laughing and it was something that you did not forget easily. Vandy had a grip like a vise. When he grabbed you, you did not get away until he was done talking with you. Key words there are - talking with you. He knew that there were always two sides to each story. Margaret did not have a strong grip - didn't need one. She just gave you that look. Vandy could be up one minute and back down the next, Margaret was even keel most of the time. Vandy's weapon was his tone and his booming voice. Margaret's was just her look. You always knew what Vandy was thinking. Most of the time, you had no idea what Margaret was thinking. You had to guess. Vandy tells me that even he had no idea what she was thinking. No guessing with Vandy. He told you! I also suspect that he knew what Margaret was thinking most of the time. Because they were That Perfect Fit.
Sometimes in life, Special people are blessed with a second perfect fit. Vandy had another. It was Center Grove. He told me recently that there will never be another Margaret. Center Grove will never have another Vandy, either.
Vandy was always friendly, Margaret could be, but wasn't always - but, she was always very charming. Vandy had a wit, Margaret had a look. Vandy could make you laugh with his wit. When Margaret gave you that look, you would not be laughing and it was something that you did not forget easily. Vandy had a grip like a vise. When he grabbed you, you did not get away until he was done talking with you. Key words there are - talking with you. He knew that there were always two sides to each story. Margaret did not have a strong grip - didn't need one. She just gave you that look. Vandy could be up one minute and back down the next, Margaret was even keel most of the time. Vandy's weapon was his tone and his booming voice. Margaret's was just her look. You always knew what Vandy was thinking. Most of the time, you had no idea what Margaret was thinking. You had to guess. Vandy tells me that even he had no idea what she was thinking. No guessing with Vandy. He told you! I also suspect that he knew what Margaret was thinking most of the time. Because they were That Perfect Fit.
Sometimes in life, Special people are blessed with a second perfect fit. Vandy had another. It was Center Grove. He told me recently that there will never be another Margaret. Center Grove will never have another Vandy, either.
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Alumni Banquets
Have you ever been to an Alumni Banquet?
If not, you've missed an enjoyable experience.
I mentioned how much fun we had at our last class reunion.
Alumni Banquets are "school reunions", normally held late May/early June.
If there was someone you were close to a year or two ahead or behind us, you may encounter them at this get-together.
There were 60 or so attendees at the last one I went to. The food was GREAT, and we got a chance to tour new school facilities.....WOW!
If you've never been to one, this year is a good time to start.
The CG website is:
http://www.centergrove.k12.in.us/cghs/
I'm sure they'll post the date for the banquet there. But watch "Vandy's Kids" too, and I bet one of us will hear the date and post it in plenty of time for you to make plans to attend!
If not, you've missed an enjoyable experience.
I mentioned how much fun we had at our last class reunion.
Alumni Banquets are "school reunions", normally held late May/early June.
If there was someone you were close to a year or two ahead or behind us, you may encounter them at this get-together.
There were 60 or so attendees at the last one I went to. The food was GREAT, and we got a chance to tour new school facilities.....WOW!
If you've never been to one, this year is a good time to start.
The CG website is:
http://www.centergrove.k12.in.us/cghs/
I'm sure they'll post the date for the banquet there. But watch "Vandy's Kids" too, and I bet one of us will hear the date and post it in plenty of time for you to make plans to attend!
Monday, January 16, 2006
Having Trouble?
Suzi emailed and said some are having problems trying to comment.
I just checked, and from my end everything seems to be working fine.
Sometimes your server will cause glitches......I recommend you try again later and see if you are successful.
If you continue having problems, please email me, and I'll see what I can do to help.
I just checked, and from my end everything seems to be working fine.
Sometimes your server will cause glitches......I recommend you try again later and see if you are successful.
If you continue having problems, please email me, and I'll see what I can do to help.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Basketball
Not long ago, we were invited to see the Pacers play the Mavericks downtown. It was fun, I guess. Lots of noise and hoopla. At first the teams seemed evenly matched but that bubble burst quickly; the Pacers were going to get tromped. :::sigh::: I was the only one cheering for them anyway.
It was really shameful the way the guys running the sound system ONLY played noise when the Mavs scored. When the Pacers scored, it was dead silence. Not good sportsman conduct in my book.
And the cheerleaders!!! Good grief!!! Like the Cowboy cheerleaders and the ones for arena football (they are the WORST) they all look like escapees from Vegas that detoured through a plastic surgery drive-through, and then doused themselves in glitter. The only thing they don’t do is pole dancing or lap dances. Probably next year! :::sigh::: No wonder other cultures think so poorly of American women.
But I ramble. Back to b’ball..
I don’t think I’ve really enjoyed basketball games since I we graduated. The exception being watching Michael Jordan, watching the movie Hoosiers and then watching videos of Steve W. winning the State Championship! What a game.!!
I always found it interesting that tourney time also meant blizzards. I was never fortunate enough to get snowed in at the game (I always thought that would be great fun) but I do have fond memories of getting snowed in other places. Once at Jeanie B’s house. I had a GREAT time! Her mother was a great cook and made fudge and popcorn after supper.
Getting snowed in at home was interesting. The only place we had heat was in the milk-house and Mom fried eggs and potatoes for every meal.
Once Daddy took my brothers and a neighbor to a game, got caught in the storm, ended up walking about three miles in the freezing mess, got home, got the tractor and then back to pull out the car. THEN he went on to help others get out. Talk about a Pop-sickle !
Anyone else have any B’ball stories or blizard stories or both?
It was really shameful the way the guys running the sound system ONLY played noise when the Mavs scored. When the Pacers scored, it was dead silence. Not good sportsman conduct in my book.
And the cheerleaders!!! Good grief!!! Like the Cowboy cheerleaders and the ones for arena football (they are the WORST) they all look like escapees from Vegas that detoured through a plastic surgery drive-through, and then doused themselves in glitter. The only thing they don’t do is pole dancing or lap dances. Probably next year! :::sigh::: No wonder other cultures think so poorly of American women.
But I ramble. Back to b’ball..
I don’t think I’ve really enjoyed basketball games since I we graduated. The exception being watching Michael Jordan, watching the movie Hoosiers and then watching videos of Steve W. winning the State Championship! What a game.!!
I always found it interesting that tourney time also meant blizzards. I was never fortunate enough to get snowed in at the game (I always thought that would be great fun) but I do have fond memories of getting snowed in other places. Once at Jeanie B’s house. I had a GREAT time! Her mother was a great cook and made fudge and popcorn after supper.
Getting snowed in at home was interesting. The only place we had heat was in the milk-house and Mom fried eggs and potatoes for every meal.
Once Daddy took my brothers and a neighbor to a game, got caught in the storm, ended up walking about three miles in the freezing mess, got home, got the tractor and then back to pull out the car. THEN he went on to help others get out. Talk about a Pop-sickle !
Anyone else have any B’ball stories or blizard stories or both?
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
A Silk Purse From a Sow's Ear
Du Quoin, Illinois is home for me and my family now.
I've lived here since 1978.
I was drawn initially to Du Quoin because a Doctor and his Nurse-wife needed a Chief Pilot for their helicopter Charter Service.
The town reminded me a lot of the atmosphere we grew up in.
Hard to beat.
In 1986 I found myself out of work, drawing unemployment.
The honcho at the unemployment office was a fellow Viet Nam Veteran, and we became friends. He called one day.......
"Ready to do some grunt work?"
"Sure, what ya got?"
"Some outfit putting on the Street Machine Nationals at the Fairgrounds needs a local guy to be a go-fer."
"I'm your guy!"
I worked as Chief Cook and Bottle washer for "The Promotions Company" for 6 days......laborer, parts fetcher.....driver.
The money helped keep the wolves at bay.
When I asked where they were from, they answered, "Indianapolis."
"Oh? My home town!"
When they found I had attended Center Grove High School, they got "Wow!" looks on their faces!
That was the first time I had an indication how "upscale" the old neighborhood had become.
They laughed and were surprised when I told them about Mrs. Hawkins' 4th grade classroom:
It was on the Southwest end of the grade school, and had the pig farm right out the window. Those of us paying attention got a sex education class from the pigs!
(Most of us feigned disinterest!)
Those of you still living there have watched as the school and surrounding area evolved.
But you can imagine the shock coming home now, expecting to see Mark McCarty's farm on Smith Valley Rd!
I know, "You can never go home."
But I get melancholy when I see what they have done to the intersection of Morgantown and Smith Valley Roads, where I used to work at Bill Doty's old Standard Station!
I wish I had taken more pictures back then!
I've lived here since 1978.
I was drawn initially to Du Quoin because a Doctor and his Nurse-wife needed a Chief Pilot for their helicopter Charter Service.
The town reminded me a lot of the atmosphere we grew up in.
Hard to beat.
In 1986 I found myself out of work, drawing unemployment.
The honcho at the unemployment office was a fellow Viet Nam Veteran, and we became friends. He called one day.......
"Ready to do some grunt work?"
"Sure, what ya got?"
"Some outfit putting on the Street Machine Nationals at the Fairgrounds needs a local guy to be a go-fer."
"I'm your guy!"
I worked as Chief Cook and Bottle washer for "The Promotions Company" for 6 days......laborer, parts fetcher.....driver.
The money helped keep the wolves at bay.
When I asked where they were from, they answered, "Indianapolis."
"Oh? My home town!"
When they found I had attended Center Grove High School, they got "Wow!" looks on their faces!
That was the first time I had an indication how "upscale" the old neighborhood had become.
They laughed and were surprised when I told them about Mrs. Hawkins' 4th grade classroom:
It was on the Southwest end of the grade school, and had the pig farm right out the window. Those of us paying attention got a sex education class from the pigs!
(Most of us feigned disinterest!)
Those of you still living there have watched as the school and surrounding area evolved.
But you can imagine the shock coming home now, expecting to see Mark McCarty's farm on Smith Valley Rd!
I know, "You can never go home."
But I get melancholy when I see what they have done to the intersection of Morgantown and Smith Valley Roads, where I used to work at Bill Doty's old Standard Station!
I wish I had taken more pictures back then!
Monday, January 09, 2006
Open Forum.......Welcome!
Now that it appears everything is working like well-oiled machinery,
use this opportunity to leave your comment, suggestion, or constructive criticism.
Click comments and let 'er fly!
use this opportunity to leave your comment, suggestion, or constructive criticism.
Click comments and let 'er fly!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
A Distinct Honor!
What an honor to be the first poster here......If I can beat Kathy to the punch!
The name is fitting, isn't it? Vandy moulded us all with his example.
How fortunate we were to attend a school small enough for the Principal to know our middle names!
Vandy attended the Class of '65 reunion over Labor Day. He was using a walker to get around, so it took him a while. But his mind was sharp as ever and he made us all laugh, as usual.
I think he attempted to come and speak personally with each of us before the night was over.
It was a special treat for me... living 5 hours from Indy, with little reason to return now, it may be the last time I see him... I hope I'm wrong.
To classmates:
We have a special bond that many of us are realizing now via email.
If you are not "feeling the love", it's because you actively do not want to participate!
Thank you Kathy for taking the time to establish this blog.
Everyone else... here's a place to tell your stories, rant your grievances, and leave your email address for everyone to contact you.
My email address on my blog is valid. (Just click Greybeard or "Pitchpull" above.)
I look forward to hearing from you!
The name is fitting, isn't it? Vandy moulded us all with his example.
How fortunate we were to attend a school small enough for the Principal to know our middle names!
Vandy attended the Class of '65 reunion over Labor Day. He was using a walker to get around, so it took him a while. But his mind was sharp as ever and he made us all laugh, as usual.
I think he attempted to come and speak personally with each of us before the night was over.
It was a special treat for me... living 5 hours from Indy, with little reason to return now, it may be the last time I see him... I hope I'm wrong.
To classmates:
We have a special bond that many of us are realizing now via email.
If you are not "feeling the love", it's because you actively do not want to participate!
Thank you Kathy for taking the time to establish this blog.
Everyone else... here's a place to tell your stories, rant your grievances, and leave your email address for everyone to contact you.
My email address on my blog is valid. (Just click Greybeard or "Pitchpull" above.)
I look forward to hearing from you!
In Memory of Absent Friends
-- gone but not forgotten
Class of '57
Phyllis Clearwater Cantwell
Class of '59
Lydia Edna Fowler
Class of '60
Pat Jolly
James Ward, Jr.
Class of '61
Mickey Kincaid
James Kunz
Roberta Ratliff Morrison
Class of '63
1Lt Jerry Adams – Vietnam
Larry Fahy
David Loflin
Gary Pickerel
Stan Puckett
Randy Stewart
Wayne Sutton
Class of '64
Mike Aldrich
Terry Apel
Steve Bray
Mark Bunton
Beverly Butler
Bob Cecil
Vickie Cornelius
Kenny Doss
Alex Girdley
Margaret Jasper
Cpl. Bill J. Karas – Vietnam
Fred Kunz
JoAnn Mullins
Peggy Reed
Kenny Roach
John Schmitt
Donnie Stropes
Ron Todd
Linda Warren
Tom Webb
Sandra Wiegle
Sharon Wiegle
Mike Aldrich
Terry Apel
Steve Bray
Mark Bunton
Beverly Butler
Bob Cecil
Vickie Cornelius
Kenny Doss
Alex Girdley
Margaret Jasper
Cpl. Bill J. Karas – Vietnam
Fred Kunz
JoAnn Mullins
Peggy Reed
Kenny Roach
John Schmitt
Donnie Stropes
Ron Todd
Linda Warren
Tom Webb
Sandra Wiegle
Sharon Wiegle
Class of '65
John Akers
Peggy Usrey Beckman
James "Ralph" Brewer
Cindy Doty
Tom Gaddy
Mike George
Patti Gibson
Karen Scrivener Harris
Linda Harter
Steve Horner
John Akers
Peggy Usrey Beckman
James "Ralph" Brewer
Cindy Doty
Tom Gaddy
Mike George
Patti Gibson
Karen Scrivener Harris
Linda Harter
Steve Horner
Jim Houpt
Ronnie Hughes
John Kalscheuer
Steve Lammert
Gloria Lindle
Ronnie Mason
Cheryl Morris
Reggie Morris
Mike Nance
Danny Ping
Mike Priddy
Fred Rockne "Rocky" Schienbein
Mike Shadday
Glen Templeton
Tom Tuley
Bill Vandermeer
David Windisch
Class of '66
Richard Allanson
Bob Blacketer
Gary Bright
Dennis Driggers
Steve Durham
Barbara Fuller
Albert Gates
Mike Greg
Jim Hansen
Ronnie Hart
Barbara Hilgert
Eugene Jinks
Benny Kincaid
Jim McElfresh
Jerry Perdue
Tom Perkins
Mike Short
Phillip Smith
Ronnie Hughes
John Kalscheuer
Steve Lammert
Gloria Lindle
Ronnie Mason
Cheryl Morris
Reggie Morris
Mike Nance
Danny Ping
Mike Priddy
Fred Rockne "Rocky" Schienbein
Mike Shadday
Glen Templeton
Tom Tuley
Bill Vandermeer
David Windisch
Class of '66
Richard Allanson
Bob Blacketer
Gary Bright
Dennis Driggers
Steve Durham
Barbara Fuller
Albert Gates
Mike Greg
Jim Hansen
Ronnie Hart
Barbara Hilgert
Eugene Jinks
Benny Kincaid
Jim McElfresh
Jerry Perdue
Tom Perkins
Mike Short
Phillip Smith
Class of '67
Linda Alderson
Darlene Elaine Doty
Brenda Kaye (Williamson) Hurin
Gary Maddox
Rick Messick
Joe Royston
Linda Alderson
Darlene Elaine Doty
Brenda Kaye (Williamson) Hurin
Gary Maddox
Rick Messick
Joe Royston
Class of '68
Suzette Doty
Yvette Hauser
Alan Padgett
Sandy Sutton Skirvin
Class of '69
Michael Mullins
Steve Skirvin
Suzette Doty
Yvette Hauser
Alan Padgett
Sandy Sutton Skirvin
Class of '69
Michael Mullins
Steve Skirvin
Class of '70
Gary Bailey
Gary Bailey
Class of '71
Mark Brannon
Denise Doty
Steve Garten
Tim Pitcock
Stan Thompson
Randy Toland
Class of '73
Rusty Surface
Mark Brannon
Denise Doty
Steve Garten
Tim Pitcock
Stan Thompson
Randy Toland
Class of '73
Rusty Surface
CG Teachers
Mr. Robert Bridges
Mr. Carlie Cardwell
Mr. Larry Cline
Mrs. Betty Hicks
Mrs. Nancy Horsman
Mr. Lloyd Huyser
Mr. William Legan
Mr. Lee Lydick
Mrs. Arnell Lyskowinski
Mrs. Judith Meeks
Mr. William Porter
Mr. OJ Sloop
Mrs. Margaret Vandermeer
Mr. Melvin Vandermeer
Mr. Robert Bridges
Mr. Carlie Cardwell
Mr. Larry Cline
Mrs. Betty Hicks
Mrs. Nancy Horsman
Mr. Lloyd Huyser
Mr. William Legan
Mr. Lee Lydick
Mrs. Arnell Lyskowinski
Mrs. Judith Meeks
Mr. William Porter
Mr. OJ Sloop
Mrs. Margaret Vandermeer
Mr. Melvin Vandermeer
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