It was February 1959 and the PCHS basketball team journeyed to Scottsburg to prepare for our forthcoming Sectional game. The huge empty gym amplified the squeaks of our Chuck Taylor All-Star tennis shoes. Our practice session was uneventful, just like our early exit in the Sectional.
It is here my recollection of events is far from certain. But here is my version. On the way back to our cars we walked across the school yard to save some time. Without premeditation or purposeful forethought, we walked past a series of windows which revealed a classroom that was probably a girl's Home Economics class.
Who waved first will never be determined. But what followed was a series of waves both inside and outside the classroom. I recall several of the girls actually came to the window to checkout the Pirates basketball squad. At no time was there any intent to disrupt an on-going class. The waving may have been over in 30 seconds or so. We walked on and loaded the cars and returned to school.
When we arrived back at the Old Brick School House, Mr. Harris, the principal, met us and read us articles one-two- and three of the Riot Act. Our innocent waving had made its way up the chain of command to his office.The strong punishment was quickly announced by Mr. Harris: Suspension and PCHS withdrawing from the Sectional. Silence followed, until he said (my memory is tested here but I believe, he said something like, "IF a letter of apology is prepared expressing regret for your unseemly actions we'll start over." With one accord we were all ready to accept this "plea bargain."
I don't recall who exactly put pen to paper: but I was part of a team of three that composed its contents. The letter was given to Mr. Harris and I don't recall if he announced the verdict that afternoon or the next day. The apology was accepted and the game was on and the suspensions were called off!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Kinship With The Past
The great Western movie character, the late Ben Johnson, observed in one of his many films, "The worst part of getting old is getting old!"
(Personal Note: Ben was from Oklahoma and a very good friend of one of the wisest men I have ever known. The late Charlie Vieux, member of the Native American Citizen Pottawatomi Nation, and champion team roper, told me some stories about knowing Ben. The stories were all favorable. In addition, Charlie was a cousin to the late Jim Thorpe, maybe the greatest overall athlete in the world. These stories were not so favorable.)
Many of us would most likely say, "AMEN" to Ben's line.
However, something very special happens as we grow older. (I don't mean senior citizen discounts!) We start to add words to our vocabulary that we had not previously used, or even thought about. Words such as "Decades" and "Century" help us not only define ourselves but help link us to the past.The major events in our family's history, the history of our great nation, and even world history,do not seem that far away when we use our new vocabulary as a timeline to measure them.
Another thing happens to us as we grow older that is obvious, but now it gets personal. We no longer can "kick the can" of our own mortality further down the road. To paraphrase President Truman's well known sign upon his desk in the Oval Office, "The can stops here!" That maybe a scary thing for some; but for those who have made the choice of following Jesus, it is a wonderful joy and acceptance of our short span upon this planet.
This final point in this Post has to do with our understanding of the very nature of humanity. Time doesn't permit a detailed explanation, other than to suggest as we grow older we come to realize that the THINGS around humanity, translated us, may undergo great and profound change, yet the basic nature of all humanity has not changed. The First Family in the Garden of Eden experienced love, fear, sorrow, deceit, rationalization, rejection, and all of the human emotions that all of us possess.
I never thought of these things as a student at PCHS; I was not able to do so, because some things in life can only be experienced by living long enough to understand them.
(Personal Note: Ben was from Oklahoma and a very good friend of one of the wisest men I have ever known. The late Charlie Vieux, member of the Native American Citizen Pottawatomi Nation, and champion team roper, told me some stories about knowing Ben. The stories were all favorable. In addition, Charlie was a cousin to the late Jim Thorpe, maybe the greatest overall athlete in the world. These stories were not so favorable.)
Many of us would most likely say, "AMEN" to Ben's line.
However, something very special happens as we grow older. (I don't mean senior citizen discounts!) We start to add words to our vocabulary that we had not previously used, or even thought about. Words such as "Decades" and "Century" help us not only define ourselves but help link us to the past.The major events in our family's history, the history of our great nation, and even world history,do not seem that far away when we use our new vocabulary as a timeline to measure them.
Another thing happens to us as we grow older that is obvious, but now it gets personal. We no longer can "kick the can" of our own mortality further down the road. To paraphrase President Truman's well known sign upon his desk in the Oval Office, "The can stops here!" That maybe a scary thing for some; but for those who have made the choice of following Jesus, it is a wonderful joy and acceptance of our short span upon this planet.
This final point in this Post has to do with our understanding of the very nature of humanity. Time doesn't permit a detailed explanation, other than to suggest as we grow older we come to realize that the THINGS around humanity, translated us, may undergo great and profound change, yet the basic nature of all humanity has not changed. The First Family in the Garden of Eden experienced love, fear, sorrow, deceit, rationalization, rejection, and all of the human emotions that all of us possess.
I never thought of these things as a student at PCHS; I was not able to do so, because some things in life can only be experienced by living long enough to understand them.
Monday, June 27, 2011
My Post -1959 Favorite Sports Movies
1. Overall Favorite Sports Movie:
Chariots of Fire (1981) winner of four Oscars--Best Picture, Best Musical Score, Best Costume Design and Best Original Screen Play. Great story , mostly true, of Eric Liddel who ran for God's Glory and Harold Abraham who ran to overcome prejudice. Both were members of the 1924 British Olympic Track and Field team.
Title based on biblical reference: 2 Kings 2:11 & 6:17
Best Lines:
Eric Liddell: "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."
Harold Abrahams:" Aubery, I've known the fear of losing, but now I am almost frightened to win."
2. Favorite Baseball Movie:
The Natural (1984) A couple of off-the field mistakes keeps this hard throwing left hander from his dream of the Big Leagues. After 16 years this "Rookie" gets his shot as a right fielder. He is a hitting phenom. Brings a last place team to the brink of winning the National League. land an old injury try to keep him out of the big game. In true Hollywood fashion, the NY Knights win with Roy Hobbes' big last inning homer.
(Personal Note: I had my dreams of playing in the Major Leagues cut short by a freak accident----- NO TALENT!)
Many Great Lines:
Iris Gaines: You know, I believe we have two lives.
Roy Hobbs: How... what do you mean?
Iris Gaines: The life we learn with and the life we live with after that.
Pop Fisher: I shoulda been a farmer.
.Roy Hobbs: Pick me out a winner Bobby
3.Favorite Basketball Movie:
Hoosiers (1986) As mentioned in my very first Post, this movie was the fictional account of a real event. It was not the Hickory Huskers who pulled off the miracle, rather it was the Milan Indiana in 1954 who won it all on Bobby Plump's last second shot. This movie is THE movie to describe Indiana during my high school experience.
The great quotes tell the story:
Preacher Purl: And David put his hand in the bag and took out a stone and slung it. And it struck the Philistine on the head and he fell to the ground. Amen.
Coach Norman Dale: Welcome to Indiana basketball.
Coach Norman Dale: You know, in the ten years that I coached, I never met anybody who wanted to win as badly as I did. I'd do anything I had to do to increase my advantage. Anybody who tried to block the pursuit of that advantage, I'd just push 'em out of the way. Didn't matter who they were, or what they were doing. But that was then. You have special talent, a gift. Not the school's, not the townspeople, not the team's, not Myra Fleener's, not mine. It's yours, to do with what you choose. Because that's what I believe, I can tell you this: I don't care if you play on the team or not.
Merle Webb: Let's win this game for all the small schools that never had a chance to get here.
Coach Norman Dale: I love you guys.
Chariots of Fire (1981) winner of four Oscars--Best Picture, Best Musical Score, Best Costume Design and Best Original Screen Play. Great story , mostly true, of Eric Liddel who ran for God's Glory and Harold Abraham who ran to overcome prejudice. Both were members of the 1924 British Olympic Track and Field team.
Title based on biblical reference: 2 Kings 2:11 & 6:17
Best Lines:
Eric Liddell: "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."
Harold Abrahams:" Aubery, I've known the fear of losing, but now I am almost frightened to win."
2. Favorite Baseball Movie:
The Natural (1984) A couple of off-the field mistakes keeps this hard throwing left hander from his dream of the Big Leagues. After 16 years this "Rookie" gets his shot as a right fielder. He is a hitting phenom. Brings a last place team to the brink of winning the National League. land an old injury try to keep him out of the big game. In true Hollywood fashion, the NY Knights win with Roy Hobbes' big last inning homer.
(Personal Note: I had my dreams of playing in the Major Leagues cut short by a freak accident----- NO TALENT!)
Many Great Lines:
Iris Gaines: You know, I believe we have two lives.
Roy Hobbs: How... what do you mean?
Iris Gaines: The life we learn with and the life we live with after that.
Pop Fisher: I shoulda been a farmer.
.Roy Hobbs: Pick me out a winner Bobby
3.Favorite Basketball Movie:
Hoosiers (1986) As mentioned in my very first Post, this movie was the fictional account of a real event. It was not the Hickory Huskers who pulled off the miracle, rather it was the Milan Indiana in 1954 who won it all on Bobby Plump's last second shot. This movie is THE movie to describe Indiana during my high school experience.
The great quotes tell the story:
Preacher Purl: And David put his hand in the bag and took out a stone and slung it. And it struck the Philistine on the head and he fell to the ground. Amen.
Coach Norman Dale: Welcome to Indiana basketball.
Coach Norman Dale: You know, in the ten years that I coached, I never met anybody who wanted to win as badly as I did. I'd do anything I had to do to increase my advantage. Anybody who tried to block the pursuit of that advantage, I'd just push 'em out of the way. Didn't matter who they were, or what they were doing. But that was then. You have special talent, a gift. Not the school's, not the townspeople, not the team's, not Myra Fleener's, not mine. It's yours, to do with what you choose. Because that's what I believe, I can tell you this: I don't care if you play on the team or not.
Merle Webb: Let's win this game for all the small schools that never had a chance to get here.
Coach Norman Dale: I love you guys.
Sunday, June 26, 2011
The Actor Van Johnson Lived With Us
Admittedly this Post is limited to my home; however it is interesting, at least to me.
Picture frames sold in stores often contianed pictures of movie starts that were to be removed or your picture placed in front of the movie star.
My Mom bought a frame at Danners 5 & 10, North Vernon, with Actor Van Johnson's picture in it. For whatever reason, she never put a picture in it and Van Johnson's toothy, smiling face was part of our living room for a number of years!
Picture frames sold in stores often contianed pictures of movie starts that were to be removed or your picture placed in front of the movie star.
My Mom bought a frame at Danners 5 & 10, North Vernon, with Actor Van Johnson's picture in it. For whatever reason, she never put a picture in it and Van Johnson's toothy, smiling face was part of our living room for a number of years!
Friday, June 24, 2011
WELCOME New Readers of this Blog!!
Greetings from Glenn out on the Prairie in Oklahoma!
Where have the years gone? Here's another question for you---- why have our toenails become thicker and our pocketbooks thinner? Maybe it's just me but the years seem to be getting shorter and the days longer!
From personal experience, I can testify that life is sometimes unfair and our families are a lot different than "Leave it to Beaver." or "Ozzie and Harriet." As a pastor, I can assure you that every family is a bit dysfunctional. Hey, the very first family in the Garden of Eden could have filled an entire year of Oprah and Dr. Phil! Even with all of the challenges each of us face, can we glance in the rear view mirror a while and get reacquainted?
There is no attempt in this Blog to be chronological or encyclopedic. Admittedly, the Blog contains much autobiographical info and MY personal reflections on those four years (in some cases12) of learning with you.
The first Post is a good place to start; however, jump in anywhere and leave your comments about a Post.
I especially want this Blog to honor the memories of our classmates who have answered the last roll call. Their passing should remind all of us of our own mortality and the need to share our experiences NOW. My children and grandchildren know little about those day at PCHS, maybe for some of us that's a good thing! So, it is up to us to get it said to the same people who traveled the same path to adulthood..
Emails can be sent to me at the address at the top of this Blog. Comments can be made directly to any Post.
Where have the years gone? Here's another question for you---- why have our toenails become thicker and our pocketbooks thinner? Maybe it's just me but the years seem to be getting shorter and the days longer!
From personal experience, I can testify that life is sometimes unfair and our families are a lot different than "Leave it to Beaver." or "Ozzie and Harriet." As a pastor, I can assure you that every family is a bit dysfunctional. Hey, the very first family in the Garden of Eden could have filled an entire year of Oprah and Dr. Phil! Even with all of the challenges each of us face, can we glance in the rear view mirror a while and get reacquainted?
There is no attempt in this Blog to be chronological or encyclopedic. Admittedly, the Blog contains much autobiographical info and MY personal reflections on those four years (in some cases12) of learning with you.
The first Post is a good place to start; however, jump in anywhere and leave your comments about a Post.
I especially want this Blog to honor the memories of our classmates who have answered the last roll call. Their passing should remind all of us of our own mortality and the need to share our experiences NOW. My children and grandchildren know little about those day at PCHS, maybe for some of us that's a good thing! So, it is up to us to get it said to the same people who traveled the same path to adulthood..
Emails can be sent to me at the address at the top of this Blog. Comments can be made directly to any Post.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Blog Name Explained
I created this Blog and chose the name: hallpasspchs1959 two months before I saw an ad at Wal-Mart promoting a movie I had never heard about: The movie title is Hall Pass. The ad seemed to imply the movie was about encouraging promiscuity.
Please Note: My selection of the Blog name was not, and is not, in any form or fashion condoning the aforementioned movie and its apparent subject matter. My selection of the phrase Hall Pass was simply a catch phrase that would be easy to remember.
I apologize to any reader of this Blog if I have offended anyone by my innocent selection of this coincidental title.
Please Note: My selection of the Blog name was not, and is not, in any form or fashion condoning the aforementioned movie and its apparent subject matter. My selection of the phrase Hall Pass was simply a catch phrase that would be easy to remember.
I apologize to any reader of this Blog if I have offended anyone by my innocent selection of this coincidental title.
12 Things I Know Now That I Wish I Knew Then
1. "It is too bad that youth is wasted on the young."---George Bernard Shaw, British play writer
2. "Show me your friends and I will show you your future." (Multiple places referenced-- real source unknown)
3. "Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans."---John Lennon, (Enough said)
4. "Flee youthful lusts." Apostle Paul's Letter to a Teenage Preacher Boy (2 Timothy 2:22)
5. "A promise made is a debt unpaid." ---Poet Robert Service, From The Cremation of Sam McGee
6. " If I had known I was going to live so long I would have taken better care of myself." (Old Cliche)
7. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked: whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
8. "Wrong is wrong even if everybody does it; Right is right even if nobody does it!" Late Preacher: Vance Havner
9 " Pay Day Someday" Famous sermon preached hundreds of times by the Late Pastor R.G. Lee
10. "The hardest part of getting started is getting started!" Appeared in a Reader's Digest many, many years ago
11. "If you need help, give help!" Personal quote of mine
12 "Every race is always won in the last inch." Another personal quote of mine
2. "Show me your friends and I will show you your future." (Multiple places referenced-- real source unknown)
3. "Life is what happens while we are busy making other plans."---John Lennon, (Enough said)
4. "Flee youthful lusts." Apostle Paul's Letter to a Teenage Preacher Boy (2 Timothy 2:22)
5. "A promise made is a debt unpaid." ---Poet Robert Service, From The Cremation of Sam McGee
6. " If I had known I was going to live so long I would have taken better care of myself." (Old Cliche)
7. "Be not deceived, God is not mocked: whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)
8. "Wrong is wrong even if everybody does it; Right is right even if nobody does it!" Late Preacher: Vance Havner
9 " Pay Day Someday" Famous sermon preached hundreds of times by the Late Pastor R.G. Lee
10. "The hardest part of getting started is getting started!" Appeared in a Reader's Digest many, many years ago
11. "If you need help, give help!" Personal quote of mine
12 "Every race is always won in the last inch." Another personal quote of mine
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Coaches
Cross country at PCHS, my senior year, was primarily conditioning for the coming basketball season. We all wore our basketball shoes, Chuck Taylor All-Stars when we ran. (Chuck Taylor was from Columbus, In and I think a new pair cost $6.95 in 1959.)
We had a big meet at Vernon and Coach Arlin Hooker had a master plan to win the meet. Vernon had a very, very good runner in Roger Vawter. Coach Hooker told us his plan called for Gary Vaught to be a "rabbit" and run as fast as he could as long as he could. This plan would sucker Vawter out and when he wore out, Ralph Davis, who was our best runner, would catch him and we would win the meet.
The gun sounded and Gary shot out as planned. Vawter ran with him as planned. Gary quickly tired and slowed down. Vawter didn't slow down and went on to set a new school and meet record!!!!
Coach Hooker used negative motivation on me. At the half way split he would give us our times and try to motivate us. At one meet he said, "Peck, get that piano off your back. If you drop it you are liable to hurt somebody!" I ran that much harder. He knew my hot button.
At another meet, he said to me at the split, "I am going to the car and if you ever get done, come to the car." I put it in high gear and ran even faster!
As I recall, my best two mile time was a little over 11 minutes on a flat course at Austin High School with near perfect conditions.
How I wish I could get back in better shape. During my last year , 1983, in the USAF, I ran 3-5 miles M-F. We had a couple of marathon runners at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH. They ran in all of the big marathons, Boston, NYC, Chicago, etc.
We had a big meet at Vernon and Coach Arlin Hooker had a master plan to win the meet. Vernon had a very, very good runner in Roger Vawter. Coach Hooker told us his plan called for Gary Vaught to be a "rabbit" and run as fast as he could as long as he could. This plan would sucker Vawter out and when he wore out, Ralph Davis, who was our best runner, would catch him and we would win the meet.
The gun sounded and Gary shot out as planned. Vawter ran with him as planned. Gary quickly tired and slowed down. Vawter didn't slow down and went on to set a new school and meet record!!!!
Coach Hooker used negative motivation on me. At the half way split he would give us our times and try to motivate us. At one meet he said, "Peck, get that piano off your back. If you drop it you are liable to hurt somebody!" I ran that much harder. He knew my hot button.
At another meet, he said to me at the split, "I am going to the car and if you ever get done, come to the car." I put it in high gear and ran even faster!
As I recall, my best two mile time was a little over 11 minutes on a flat course at Austin High School with near perfect conditions.
How I wish I could get back in better shape. During my last year , 1983, in the USAF, I ran 3-5 miles M-F. We had a couple of marathon runners at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, OH. They ran in all of the big marathons, Boston, NYC, Chicago, etc.
A Pause For Concern
Note: The following Post concerns the condition of education today, not in 1959. You may or may not agree.
In our great “land of the free and home of the brave” we are committing educational suicide on the installment plan.
Witness the recent national report that reveals only 20 percent of fourth graders, 17 percent of eighth graders and shamefully, only 12 percent of twelfth graders achieved their grade level proficiency in history. Disastrous consequences will enviably result unless these frightening statistics are reversed.
How have we reached this point in our Republic? In my opinion, from the school board to the chalkboard there has been an ever increasing emphasis on Process at the expense of Content. The Process of maintaining discipline consumes an inordinate amount of each school day. Ask any teacher or administrator and they will candidly tell you if there was more discipline in the student’s house there would be less of a challenge in the school house. The Process of tip-toeing-through the political correctness mine field has caused school systems to continually look over their shoulder to avoid litigation, upsetting this or that special interest group, or jeopardizing funding or accreditation. The Process of preparing students for THE Test has severely reduced teacher/student subject matter interaction. The Process of complying with a mountainous list of federal requirements, often unfunded, drains resources and energy that impacts both the quality and quantity of meaningful, life preparation instruction.
If we have a family member or close friend in the ICU of a hospital, we closely monitor the quality of care they receive. I do not think it is an over statement to say our public educational system is on life support. Patrons must demand from the White House, the state house, and the local school house that we free our prepared, professional teachers to make teaching of subject matter Content a national and local priority. To fail to do this will result in an entire generation of hamburger-flipping Americans. We can, and must, teach Content!
Monday, June 13, 2011
National Geographics at PCHS
The library at PCHS consisted of a small section of a rear corner of the study hall. Few books were in the library. In fact, a typical garage sale today would have almost as many volumes! The set of encyclopedias looked like reading material that came over on the Mayflower!
The library contained very few periodicals. However, one enjoyed wide readership---better make that "lookership." The National Geographics magazine was and is photo driven. Far away places with strange sounding names could be "visited" in just a couple of minutes of rapid page flipping. It must also be noted the magazine was a teenage boy's best source of gazing at topless women from the remotest parts of the world.
But on one day the magazine was used as a tool by Mrs. Dillard to get my complete and undivided attention. Most of our Sophomore class was seated in the front section of the study hall and I was talking, I thought without discover, to a classmate, now deceased. Mrs. Dillard was the designated study hall monitor for this particular hour. She grasped a National Geographics magazine between her thumb and index finger. The stiff spine of the magazine was facing outward.
Out of nowhere came this karate like blow to the back of my neck from Mrs. Dillard's make shift tool of discipline. She had quietly approached me from behind. My eyes watered and for a micro second I had the urge to stand up and confront my attacker. Thankfully, I didn't. I did however stop talking. As far as I know I am the only recipient of this potentially crippling, or even fatal, blow to the back of the neck.
Mrs. Dillard did appoint me as the only boy librarian during my Junior year. All is well that ends well!
The library contained very few periodicals. However, one enjoyed wide readership---better make that "lookership." The National Geographics magazine was and is photo driven. Far away places with strange sounding names could be "visited" in just a couple of minutes of rapid page flipping. It must also be noted the magazine was a teenage boy's best source of gazing at topless women from the remotest parts of the world.
But on one day the magazine was used as a tool by Mrs. Dillard to get my complete and undivided attention. Most of our Sophomore class was seated in the front section of the study hall and I was talking, I thought without discover, to a classmate, now deceased. Mrs. Dillard was the designated study hall monitor for this particular hour. She grasped a National Geographics magazine between her thumb and index finger. The stiff spine of the magazine was facing outward.
Out of nowhere came this karate like blow to the back of my neck from Mrs. Dillard's make shift tool of discipline. She had quietly approached me from behind. My eyes watered and for a micro second I had the urge to stand up and confront my attacker. Thankfully, I didn't. I did however stop talking. As far as I know I am the only recipient of this potentially crippling, or even fatal, blow to the back of the neck.
Mrs. Dillard did appoint me as the only boy librarian during my Junior year. All is well that ends well!
Saturday, June 11, 2011
"This entire class will wind up in the penitentiary!"
Our sophomore class in 1956-57 was many, many years prior to the 'Self Esteem" mantra of our current school systems. It was equally ahead of the "I'M OK; YOU ARE OK" dictum of interpersonal relations. The book "Born To Win" was years from publication. Teacher physical/verbal abuse of students was never reported. After all, who would you report it to? Township trustee who hired all of the Paris Crossing teachers and guess who he would believe or support. The parents would immediately side with the teachers and promise worse went you got home.
It was the norm for teachers to do and say anything they pleased. Teacher/student fights were well known and it was usually the teacher who hit first. Fear and intimidation was a regular tool in some of the teacher's arsenal.
This lengthy introduction is the prelude to our Principal, Mr. Ira Whitaker's lumping all members of our class as candidates in training for The Big House. With his bald head cocked at an angry angle he shouted, "This entire class will wind up in the penitentiary!"
Truth must have it's say: Our sophomore class was blessed with a few fellows who thought they were tough and just looked for an opportunity to prove it. I am not aware of either the incident or participants that merited this collective tongue lashing. Nonetheless, we were all "numbered with the transgressors."
I only personal know of one student in our class that was ever incarcerated. Sadly, that student was killed in an automobile accident shortly after his release from The Joint. There maybe others; however, I know many former members of our class that succeeded in making a living, but more importantly, in making a life. They took their marriage vows seriously; raised well adjusted children; and worked very hard in their daily efforts to earn a living.
If time could be returned to that day and our roles reversed, I would immediately call Ira Whitaker to my office and together we would work on an "attitude adjustment!"
It was the norm for teachers to do and say anything they pleased. Teacher/student fights were well known and it was usually the teacher who hit first. Fear and intimidation was a regular tool in some of the teacher's arsenal.
This lengthy introduction is the prelude to our Principal, Mr. Ira Whitaker's lumping all members of our class as candidates in training for The Big House. With his bald head cocked at an angry angle he shouted, "This entire class will wind up in the penitentiary!"
Truth must have it's say: Our sophomore class was blessed with a few fellows who thought they were tough and just looked for an opportunity to prove it. I am not aware of either the incident or participants that merited this collective tongue lashing. Nonetheless, we were all "numbered with the transgressors."
I only personal know of one student in our class that was ever incarcerated. Sadly, that student was killed in an automobile accident shortly after his release from The Joint. There maybe others; however, I know many former members of our class that succeeded in making a living, but more importantly, in making a life. They took their marriage vows seriously; raised well adjusted children; and worked very hard in their daily efforts to earn a living.
If time could be returned to that day and our roles reversed, I would immediately call Ira Whitaker to my office and together we would work on an "attitude adjustment!"
Thursday, June 9, 2011
"I Don't Recall Senator" & FAQs
The title of this Post is sometimes heard when people are called to testify before a Senate Investigating Committee. The quote may indeed be true or it may be an effort to evade telling the truth without subsequently be accused of perjury.
I mention this to simply say all memories of events, especially those over one-half of a century ago, must be highly and honestly selective. Part of the selective memory process is to quote Martha Stewart, "A good thing." I truly believe God uses the process of time to help us recall the better parts of our lives. Perhaps He does this to help us cope with the day-to-day challenges that usually contain a combination of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. A clouded, distorted memory of only bad things would limit our ability to deal with life on a rational basis and probably create a permanent pessimistic outlook, or even serious mental health issues.
If you are still reading this O'Neil-like "Strange Interlude", I will attempt to answer some concerns, real or imagined, that readers of this Blog may have felt. My Posts are not meant to be encyclopedic and cover every event that happened during our PCHS "Happy Days." This Blog is not chronological and it represents, as stated in my first Post, "The Way I Remember It." I have and will continue to try and write about events from an honest recollection. If readers have a different, or better recollection, please, please share your comments at any time on any Post.
Possible FAQs:
1.Who appointed you as the class historian? No one. As our lengthening shadows grow ever closer to River Jordon, I merely wish to share some memories of an important and formative time of our lives. Further, I have seen only a very small number of my 1959 classmates since our graduation. I am simply trying to say some of the things that would have been said face-to-face. Also, many of our classmates have already answered the Last Roll Call and this Blog is to honor their memory.
2. Do you have a life beyond 1959? Yes. Yes. And Yes. Married 1963--Connie from Columbus. Three children and six grandchildren. (Circumstances require we must raise three, a 16, 13, & 8 year old). Briefly, many years of study at Purdue University, Western KY Univ., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a host of Professional Military Education schools and training in a 20 year USAF career. Fourteen moves in those 20 years. Several years of sales and marketing with an Oklahoma communications company. Over 30 years of ordain Christian ministry, pastor of four churches (Two in OH and two in OK) Have served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of St. Louis, Oklahoma, now going on 19 years. (Yes, Virginia, there is a St. Louis, OK!) Hobbies: Fly fishing, amateur radio, astronomy, and writing. The best job I have ever had is being a husband, father, grandpa, and pastor. Finally, daily attempting to follow the Lord Jesus Christ! (Thanks for asking.)
3. How long will you write this Blog? Until I exhaust my memories or people stop reading it. Better add, as long as this old Vista OS and Dell computer hold out.
4. How can a person e-mail you direct ? See the e-mail address on the Blog.
5. Do you participate in Social Networking? No. No. and No. Many, many personal and security reasons why. Ever had your credit card stolen by a hacker?? It is not fun, believe me.
6. If I come to Oklahoma to visit you how will I be treated? We Oklahomans will treat you so many different ways you are sure to like one of them!!!!
I mention this to simply say all memories of events, especially those over one-half of a century ago, must be highly and honestly selective. Part of the selective memory process is to quote Martha Stewart, "A good thing." I truly believe God uses the process of time to help us recall the better parts of our lives. Perhaps He does this to help us cope with the day-to-day challenges that usually contain a combination of the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. A clouded, distorted memory of only bad things would limit our ability to deal with life on a rational basis and probably create a permanent pessimistic outlook, or even serious mental health issues.
If you are still reading this O'Neil-like "Strange Interlude", I will attempt to answer some concerns, real or imagined, that readers of this Blog may have felt. My Posts are not meant to be encyclopedic and cover every event that happened during our PCHS "Happy Days." This Blog is not chronological and it represents, as stated in my first Post, "The Way I Remember It." I have and will continue to try and write about events from an honest recollection. If readers have a different, or better recollection, please, please share your comments at any time on any Post.
Possible FAQs:
1.Who appointed you as the class historian? No one. As our lengthening shadows grow ever closer to River Jordon, I merely wish to share some memories of an important and formative time of our lives. Further, I have seen only a very small number of my 1959 classmates since our graduation. I am simply trying to say some of the things that would have been said face-to-face. Also, many of our classmates have already answered the Last Roll Call and this Blog is to honor their memory.
2. Do you have a life beyond 1959? Yes. Yes. And Yes. Married 1963--Connie from Columbus. Three children and six grandchildren. (Circumstances require we must raise three, a 16, 13, & 8 year old). Briefly, many years of study at Purdue University, Western KY Univ., Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and a host of Professional Military Education schools and training in a 20 year USAF career. Fourteen moves in those 20 years. Several years of sales and marketing with an Oklahoma communications company. Over 30 years of ordain Christian ministry, pastor of four churches (Two in OH and two in OK) Have served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of St. Louis, Oklahoma, now going on 19 years. (Yes, Virginia, there is a St. Louis, OK!) Hobbies: Fly fishing, amateur radio, astronomy, and writing. The best job I have ever had is being a husband, father, grandpa, and pastor. Finally, daily attempting to follow the Lord Jesus Christ! (Thanks for asking.)
3. How long will you write this Blog? Until I exhaust my memories or people stop reading it. Better add, as long as this old Vista OS and Dell computer hold out.
4. How can a person e-mail you direct ? See the e-mail address on the Blog.
5. Do you participate in Social Networking? No. No. and No. Many, many personal and security reasons why. Ever had your credit card stolen by a hacker?? It is not fun, believe me.
6. If I come to Oklahoma to visit you how will I be treated? We Oklahomans will treat you so many different ways you are sure to like one of them!!!!
October 4, 1957---Everything Changed!
It was a Sunday morning, October 4, 1957, and my father, Cecil B. Peck, and I were on our way to the Commiskey Baptist Church. I was driving my Dad's new 1958 Chevy on what we called then, the Graham Church Road, (Now: County Road 650S) and we were nearing the intersection of Indiana Highway 3 when the car radio made an announcement that not only changed the world, but the future course of my life.
THE SOVIET UNION HAS LAUNCHED THE WORLD'S FIRST ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE--- NAMED SPUTNIK 1.
For several preceding months I had followed, primarily in Sky and Telescope magazine, the progress of the United States to launch the Vanguard satellite. Our efforts were timed to coincide with the International Geophysical Year of 1957. I was especially interested in Project Moon Watch that consisted of amateur observors who would time and track the satellite. (This alone indicates the primitive state of our satellite tracking technology.) The US Navy had the mission of putting our satellite in orbit. The many failures of their launch vehicles became a joke for TV and radio comedians. The US Army would successfully launch our first satellite, Explorer 1, on January 31, 1958. Shockingly, it was the Soviet Union that won the first artificial satellite race!
The Soviet Union was not just another country; it was a Communist nation, a Godless nation, a nation that controlled every aspect of their citizen's lives, a nation that had already slaughtered 20 million of its people and had enslaved millions more, a nation dedicated to our destruction and world domination. (Former President Raegan may have summarized the Soviet Union best when he called it "An Evil Empire.")
Details of the Sputnik started to emerge. The satellite circled the earth every hour and one half; it was about two feet in diameter; it weighted less than 200 lbs (Most of the weight was batteries to power a one watt HF transmitter and provide power for temperature control inside the satellite); but the most interesting fact of all was the satellite transmitted on 20.005 mhz. This had profound psychological and propaganda impact. Any shortwave receiver, with a good antenna, could receive the tracking beacon anywhere in the world when the satellite was overhead. The frequency selected was just above one of the US WWV time standard stations. The Not So Subtle Message: "Listen world, we are now the big dog on the international stage! Furthermore, we can hit you with little to no warning and ruin your whole day and nation!"
.Monday morning at PCHS, few students shared my excitement about the world's first artificial moon. Only teachers Mr. Blades and Mr. Franklin seemed interested in listening to my enthusiasm for the significance of the event.
(I guess I was a Geek and a Nerd long before the words had entered the American lexicon. "After all, that Peck guy builds them shortwave radios and spends much of the night starring at the stars through that long black telescope!")
I have already mentioned in an earlier Post that I would be directly involved in the ICBM and space arena in the USAF. The work I did at Purdue University, prior to entering the USAF, in the civil engineering labs would also play a role in preparing me for the most exciting and fulfilling USAF career anyone could ever dream or hope for.
"God has a way of using some mighty crooked sticks to hit some mighty straight licks." ----Dr. Roy Fish, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX
THE SOVIET UNION HAS LAUNCHED THE WORLD'S FIRST ARTIFICIAL SATELLITE--- NAMED SPUTNIK 1.
For several preceding months I had followed, primarily in Sky and Telescope magazine, the progress of the United States to launch the Vanguard satellite. Our efforts were timed to coincide with the International Geophysical Year of 1957. I was especially interested in Project Moon Watch that consisted of amateur observors who would time and track the satellite. (This alone indicates the primitive state of our satellite tracking technology.) The US Navy had the mission of putting our satellite in orbit. The many failures of their launch vehicles became a joke for TV and radio comedians. The US Army would successfully launch our first satellite, Explorer 1, on January 31, 1958. Shockingly, it was the Soviet Union that won the first artificial satellite race!
The Soviet Union was not just another country; it was a Communist nation, a Godless nation, a nation that controlled every aspect of their citizen's lives, a nation that had already slaughtered 20 million of its people and had enslaved millions more, a nation dedicated to our destruction and world domination. (Former President Raegan may have summarized the Soviet Union best when he called it "An Evil Empire.")
Details of the Sputnik started to emerge. The satellite circled the earth every hour and one half; it was about two feet in diameter; it weighted less than 200 lbs (Most of the weight was batteries to power a one watt HF transmitter and provide power for temperature control inside the satellite); but the most interesting fact of all was the satellite transmitted on 20.005 mhz. This had profound psychological and propaganda impact. Any shortwave receiver, with a good antenna, could receive the tracking beacon anywhere in the world when the satellite was overhead. The frequency selected was just above one of the US WWV time standard stations. The Not So Subtle Message: "Listen world, we are now the big dog on the international stage! Furthermore, we can hit you with little to no warning and ruin your whole day and nation!"
.Monday morning at PCHS, few students shared my excitement about the world's first artificial moon. Only teachers Mr. Blades and Mr. Franklin seemed interested in listening to my enthusiasm for the significance of the event.
(I guess I was a Geek and a Nerd long before the words had entered the American lexicon. "After all, that Peck guy builds them shortwave radios and spends much of the night starring at the stars through that long black telescope!")
I have already mentioned in an earlier Post that I would be directly involved in the ICBM and space arena in the USAF. The work I did at Purdue University, prior to entering the USAF, in the civil engineering labs would also play a role in preparing me for the most exciting and fulfilling USAF career anyone could ever dream or hope for.
"God has a way of using some mighty crooked sticks to hit some mighty straight licks." ----Dr. Roy Fish, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Fort Worth, TX
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
"Judge Not; Lest Ye Be Judged"
OK. The title of this Post may not accurately describe the contents of this Post. However, the Post does reflect errors of judgement.
As a member of Future Farmers of America ( I never aspired to be a career farmer; each horizon of every field seemed to be calling my name) I tried to make as many of the judging contests as possible---you got out of school for most of a day!
Dairy Cow judging proved difficult. Our team never got past the qualifying round. The cows were always haltered in a barn and the teams from various schools ranked individual cows, best to worst, with reasons for the placement.
Beef Cattle was easier to judge because most of our team had beef cattle on their farms. We had four head on our small acreage. At the contests it was ranking, best to worst, with reasons why. On our best year, we qualified for the round beyond the local contest. We lost and our dreams of going to the state contest evaporated.
Weeds and Seeds Identification was harder than it sounds. The grain and grass seeds were not that hard to identify. However, the weed seeds were very hard. So many weeds have very similar sizes and colors of seeds. We once had a weeds and seeds contest at the Vernon Courthouse and we completed our initial round and had time to kill before round two. We wandered the building until we found a court in session and proceeded to find seats in the back of the court room. We had not been there very long until the judge demanded we stop talking to each other or he would have us removed. Hey, we can take a hint. We got up and left. We did make the next contest, but again lost.
Soil Judging consisted of ranking various open pits in the ground that had been made by a bulldozer or tractor back hoe. We had to identify the class of soil and suggested crops or cover planting to prevent erosion. We made it to the round that was the stepping stone to the state finals. Confidence was in abundance on our team.
I don't know how my teammates scored, I only know I blew my evaluation. I scored the open pit as the worst type of soil and was only worth planting trees to prevent erosion. At the conclusion of the contest the judges announced that the soil I ranked worst was in fact a top crop producing soil that could easily yield 100 bushel of corn per acre! It was very, very quiet on our ride back to school.
As a member of Future Farmers of America ( I never aspired to be a career farmer; each horizon of every field seemed to be calling my name) I tried to make as many of the judging contests as possible---you got out of school for most of a day!
Dairy Cow judging proved difficult. Our team never got past the qualifying round. The cows were always haltered in a barn and the teams from various schools ranked individual cows, best to worst, with reasons for the placement.
Beef Cattle was easier to judge because most of our team had beef cattle on their farms. We had four head on our small acreage. At the contests it was ranking, best to worst, with reasons why. On our best year, we qualified for the round beyond the local contest. We lost and our dreams of going to the state contest evaporated.
Weeds and Seeds Identification was harder than it sounds. The grain and grass seeds were not that hard to identify. However, the weed seeds were very hard. So many weeds have very similar sizes and colors of seeds. We once had a weeds and seeds contest at the Vernon Courthouse and we completed our initial round and had time to kill before round two. We wandered the building until we found a court in session and proceeded to find seats in the back of the court room. We had not been there very long until the judge demanded we stop talking to each other or he would have us removed. Hey, we can take a hint. We got up and left. We did make the next contest, but again lost.
Soil Judging consisted of ranking various open pits in the ground that had been made by a bulldozer or tractor back hoe. We had to identify the class of soil and suggested crops or cover planting to prevent erosion. We made it to the round that was the stepping stone to the state finals. Confidence was in abundance on our team.
I don't know how my teammates scored, I only know I blew my evaluation. I scored the open pit as the worst type of soil and was only worth planting trees to prevent erosion. At the conclusion of the contest the judges announced that the soil I ranked worst was in fact a top crop producing soil that could easily yield 100 bushel of corn per acre! It was very, very quiet on our ride back to school.
INFINITY and Beyond!
Some readers of this Blog might legitimately ask, "Did you ever go to class?"
Yes, and it was there my horizons and a love for learning took shape. We were blessed with some very good teachers. One that made an immediate and lasting impact upon me was Mr. Kelso Franklin. It was in his Algeria I class I heard for the very first time the word "Infinity." His definition intrigued me when he said, "Infinity is where parallel lines cross." That was a heavy duty concept for a freshman, and it still is for me today. (Very young kids today hear the word " Infinity" in the many futuristic cartoon shows. By the way, I really enjoyed the Toy Story 1,2, & 3 movies. Woody and Buzz Light Year are a permanent part of our cultural landscape. When our son was 6 years old he would trump his buddies with an unmatchable bet: Infinity Bucks!)
Mr. Franklin, taught all of the math classes. Geometry was of particular interest to me. The logic made sense and there was an historical connection with Euclid and those early developers of math concepts that are firm foundations of almost ever aspects of our daily lives.
Another reason I enjoyed Geometry was it marked the first time in high school I was in the same classroom with some upperclassman. (The Bible says in many places that Pride is a sin. I confess I had more than my share in high school and at 70 years old, I still wrestle with it. Time will cure most problems with uncontrolled thoughts of Passion. But Pride, like computer hard drives must regularly be defragmented.) I mention Pride in connection with Geometry class, because I privately celebrated my achievements when I out-scored the upperclassman.
Algebra II was much easier than Algebra I, at least for me. In addition, I took Business Math, because I needed the credits. While I did well in class, I have not done a very good job in implementing all of the principles in our family's financial affairs. (One of the many reasons I so enjoy the writings and movies of Oklahoma's own, Will Rogers, is his pithy timeless wisdom: "God sure must love poor folks because he made so many of us!" If you travel to Oklahoma, a visit to the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore, OK will be richly rewarded.)
Physics was really eye-opening for me: Inertia, Mechanical Advantage, Light, Heat, Magnetism, Optics, Electricity, and related topics served to explain our world and how and why the things in it work a certain way. Mr. Franklin had very little Physics lab equipment to work with but he always held our attention. One day an upperclassman was handling a mercury filled thermometer and it broke in her hand. Some of the mercury hit her class ring and in just a matter of seconds, the heretofore invisible weld on the ring disintegrated. Today, the HazMat teams from a dozen agencies would show up for an event like this!
Perhaps the main reason Mr. Franklin was a real life changer was his genuine interest in my out of class hobbies: Space, astronomy, and amateur radio. (My first duty assignment, after being commissioned at Purdue University in 1963, was in Research and Development of our ICBM's Name Dropping Time: Among other duties, I served with an independently wealthy officer, who served because of his love flying-- Major Francis MacKinsey , and together we were speech writers for General Sam Phillips. Few Americans are aware that he took over the Apollo moon landing program from a political appointed civilian administrator who had the program way behind schedule. General Phillips, like the Cable Guy, was a hard-nosed advocate of "Get-R-Done!" All Americans celebrated the moon landing in July 1969 when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface. General Phillips has never received the credit that he rightly deserves for his leadership in making the goal of our late President Kennedy a reality. While teaching in the Aerospace Studies Department ( AFROTC) at the University of Kentucky, I was responsible for the annual commissioning of our graduating new second lieutenants. I invited Neil Armstrong, who was then the Chairman of the University of Cincinnati Engineering School, to serve as our main speaker at one our commissioning services. He politely responded and said he had long ago decided not to accept outside speaking engagements. Later, I served in an assignment with Astronaut Colonel John Blaha who would later serve as Commander of several Space Shuttle missions and John spent time aboard the International Space Station.)
In addition, today, I have a modest 8 inch Newtonian reflecting telescope as well as a small refracting telescope for studying the Oklahoma night skies. My ham call sign is KE5GK . It is not a stretch to credit Mr. Franklin for his teaching and encouragement in helping me realize many of my Paris Crossing High School dreams.
I warned you:; I still struggle with Pride!
Yes, and it was there my horizons and a love for learning took shape. We were blessed with some very good teachers. One that made an immediate and lasting impact upon me was Mr. Kelso Franklin. It was in his Algeria I class I heard for the very first time the word "Infinity." His definition intrigued me when he said, "Infinity is where parallel lines cross." That was a heavy duty concept for a freshman, and it still is for me today. (Very young kids today hear the word " Infinity" in the many futuristic cartoon shows. By the way, I really enjoyed the Toy Story 1,2, & 3 movies. Woody and Buzz Light Year are a permanent part of our cultural landscape. When our son was 6 years old he would trump his buddies with an unmatchable bet: Infinity Bucks!)
Mr. Franklin, taught all of the math classes. Geometry was of particular interest to me. The logic made sense and there was an historical connection with Euclid and those early developers of math concepts that are firm foundations of almost ever aspects of our daily lives.
Another reason I enjoyed Geometry was it marked the first time in high school I was in the same classroom with some upperclassman. (The Bible says in many places that Pride is a sin. I confess I had more than my share in high school and at 70 years old, I still wrestle with it. Time will cure most problems with uncontrolled thoughts of Passion. But Pride, like computer hard drives must regularly be defragmented.) I mention Pride in connection with Geometry class, because I privately celebrated my achievements when I out-scored the upperclassman.
Algebra II was much easier than Algebra I, at least for me. In addition, I took Business Math, because I needed the credits. While I did well in class, I have not done a very good job in implementing all of the principles in our family's financial affairs. (One of the many reasons I so enjoy the writings and movies of Oklahoma's own, Will Rogers, is his pithy timeless wisdom: "God sure must love poor folks because he made so many of us!" If you travel to Oklahoma, a visit to the Will Rogers Museum in Claremore, OK will be richly rewarded.)
Physics was really eye-opening for me: Inertia, Mechanical Advantage, Light, Heat, Magnetism, Optics, Electricity, and related topics served to explain our world and how and why the things in it work a certain way. Mr. Franklin had very little Physics lab equipment to work with but he always held our attention. One day an upperclassman was handling a mercury filled thermometer and it broke in her hand. Some of the mercury hit her class ring and in just a matter of seconds, the heretofore invisible weld on the ring disintegrated. Today, the HazMat teams from a dozen agencies would show up for an event like this!
Perhaps the main reason Mr. Franklin was a real life changer was his genuine interest in my out of class hobbies: Space, astronomy, and amateur radio. (My first duty assignment, after being commissioned at Purdue University in 1963, was in Research and Development of our ICBM's Name Dropping Time: Among other duties, I served with an independently wealthy officer, who served because of his love flying-- Major Francis MacKinsey , and together we were speech writers for General Sam Phillips. Few Americans are aware that he took over the Apollo moon landing program from a political appointed civilian administrator who had the program way behind schedule. General Phillips, like the Cable Guy, was a hard-nosed advocate of "Get-R-Done!" All Americans celebrated the moon landing in July 1969 when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface. General Phillips has never received the credit that he rightly deserves for his leadership in making the goal of our late President Kennedy a reality. While teaching in the Aerospace Studies Department ( AFROTC) at the University of Kentucky, I was responsible for the annual commissioning of our graduating new second lieutenants. I invited Neil Armstrong, who was then the Chairman of the University of Cincinnati Engineering School, to serve as our main speaker at one our commissioning services. He politely responded and said he had long ago decided not to accept outside speaking engagements. Later, I served in an assignment with Astronaut Colonel John Blaha who would later serve as Commander of several Space Shuttle missions and John spent time aboard the International Space Station.)
In addition, today, I have a modest 8 inch Newtonian reflecting telescope as well as a small refracting telescope for studying the Oklahoma night skies. My ham call sign is KE5GK . It is not a stretch to credit Mr. Franklin for his teaching and encouragement in helping me realize many of my Paris Crossing High School dreams.
I warned you:; I still struggle with Pride!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
What's Inside Your Pocket? v2.0
NOTE: None of the original Post has been modified in any way. I failed to add in the original Post that the lighter and little cigars in my pockets disappeared at the start of the first semester of my Junior year. Also, I still feel a profound regret for deceiving my parents, relatives, school classmates/teachers and the people of the Commiskey Baptist Church by my willful and selfish disobedience of both Biblical and healthy living standards. Thankfully, Jesus is all about forgiveness and a fresh start (1 John 1:9) .
Long before the unwashed, uncouth, and unshaven horde of Vikings invaded our TV's in the Capital One commercial and asked "What's Inside Your Wallet?" it was a save bet that few male students at PCHS during the 1955-59 era even carried a wallet. But it was almost certain that many of the fellows carried about the same cargo in their blue jean pockets.
There was a pocket knife, a few had Barlows, others had the American version of the Swiss Army knife with a zillion blades. A couple of guys had switch blade knives! Most had hand-me-down old knives from a father or older brother. Knife swapping was occasionally performed. Both sides would inspect their prospective new knife by opening and closing the blade(s) and wiggling the blade(s) back and forth to determine the stability of the knife. Somewhat like characters in old black and white Westerns would bite a gold coin to see if it was the real McCoy Needless to say, carrying a knife today would get a student expelled and possibly sent to a juvenile detention center.
The second must have item was a cigarette lighter, no matter if you smoked or not. Some gents carried an honest to goodness Zippo lighter; however, most were imitations. I once carried a lighter that was in the shape of a Coke Cola bottle, complete with red logo on the silver colored, miniature metal bottle The sound of a Zippo lighter quickly snapped closed sounded like a cricket with COPD! Lighter fluid and lighter flints were in constant demand. One day, an upperclassman, now deceased, had a can of Red Devil lighter fluid leak out of his front blue jean pocket at school, resulting in some embarrassing first aid.
Some fellows had half-smoked Camels or Lucky Strikes in a crushed pack and carried them in their back pocket. The Marlboro cowboy was still out on the range breathing clean air free of tobacco smoke. Some tough guys, after school, would carry their cigarette package in a rolled up t-shirt sleeve like New York bad guys.
For the curious, I had a knife, lighter and a small tin container of "Between The Acts" little cigars. I seldom smoked the very strong cigars that earned their name as a short smoke between the acts of Broadway plays.(See, it was not what you may have thought!) My first cigar was a shared six cent King Edward we passed around outside of a Farm Bureau meeting at the Lovett Grade School. In a failed attempt to stop my head from spinning, I lay on the exit steps of the 1st-4th grade building and put a foot on the ground without achieving any relief. I, like Bill Clinton, never inhaled and never smoked at night because I could not see the smoke!
To use a contemporary term---I was never busted. I did have one very embarrassing close call. During an extended hospital stay of my mother, I was picked up one day after school and taken to the home of Leland Mathews' aunts in Commiskey to try on some clothes Leland had outgrown. (It is worth mentioning this was just one of many acts of kindness from Leland's family.) Miss Clara and Mrs. Lurton, two of my Sunday School teachers, gave me several pairs of jeans/slacks to try on. Somehow, I left my own jeans, containing the knife, lighter and the little cigars in a room separate from the ad hoc dressing room. I was very worried they might enter the room where my trio of very disappointing items were hidden in the pockets of my jeans. They did not and I breathed a sigh of relief as they took me and my much appreciated "new" clothes to my uncle's, where I was staying.
Long before the unwashed, uncouth, and unshaven horde of Vikings invaded our TV's in the Capital One commercial and asked "What's Inside Your Wallet?" it was a save bet that few male students at PCHS during the 1955-59 era even carried a wallet. But it was almost certain that many of the fellows carried about the same cargo in their blue jean pockets.
There was a pocket knife, a few had Barlows, others had the American version of the Swiss Army knife with a zillion blades. A couple of guys had switch blade knives! Most had hand-me-down old knives from a father or older brother. Knife swapping was occasionally performed. Both sides would inspect their prospective new knife by opening and closing the blade(s) and wiggling the blade(s) back and forth to determine the stability of the knife. Somewhat like characters in old black and white Westerns would bite a gold coin to see if it was the real McCoy Needless to say, carrying a knife today would get a student expelled and possibly sent to a juvenile detention center.
The second must have item was a cigarette lighter, no matter if you smoked or not. Some gents carried an honest to goodness Zippo lighter; however, most were imitations. I once carried a lighter that was in the shape of a Coke Cola bottle, complete with red logo on the silver colored, miniature metal bottle The sound of a Zippo lighter quickly snapped closed sounded like a cricket with COPD! Lighter fluid and lighter flints were in constant demand. One day, an upperclassman, now deceased, had a can of Red Devil lighter fluid leak out of his front blue jean pocket at school, resulting in some embarrassing first aid.
Some fellows had half-smoked Camels or Lucky Strikes in a crushed pack and carried them in their back pocket. The Marlboro cowboy was still out on the range breathing clean air free of tobacco smoke. Some tough guys, after school, would carry their cigarette package in a rolled up t-shirt sleeve like New York bad guys.
For the curious, I had a knife, lighter and a small tin container of "Between The Acts" little cigars. I seldom smoked the very strong cigars that earned their name as a short smoke between the acts of Broadway plays.(See, it was not what you may have thought!) My first cigar was a shared six cent King Edward we passed around outside of a Farm Bureau meeting at the Lovett Grade School. In a failed attempt to stop my head from spinning, I lay on the exit steps of the 1st-4th grade building and put a foot on the ground without achieving any relief. I, like Bill Clinton, never inhaled and never smoked at night because I could not see the smoke!
To use a contemporary term---I was never busted. I did have one very embarrassing close call. During an extended hospital stay of my mother, I was picked up one day after school and taken to the home of Leland Mathews' aunts in Commiskey to try on some clothes Leland had outgrown. (It is worth mentioning this was just one of many acts of kindness from Leland's family.) Miss Clara and Mrs. Lurton, two of my Sunday School teachers, gave me several pairs of jeans/slacks to try on. Somehow, I left my own jeans, containing the knife, lighter and the little cigars in a room separate from the ad hoc dressing room. I was very worried they might enter the room where my trio of very disappointing items were hidden in the pockets of my jeans. They did not and I breathed a sigh of relief as they took me and my much appreciated "new" clothes to my uncle's, where I was staying.
Monday, June 6, 2011
"Do Lord" and the US Supreme Court
What a difference a few years make!
On all field trips, picnics, hayrides, skating parties and other off campus bus trips the Black Spiritual--"Do Lord" was sung by both boys and girls. Today such singing might get you expelled or sent to D Hall.
In 1962-63 the US Supreme Court ordered prayer and God out of our public schools. Today, "Do Lord" wont do! When God was expelled from our schools---based on an obscure reference by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a Baptist Church and he used the "separation of church and state" phrase just once.
Side Note: David Barton has written the definitive work on the results of removing God from our schools. If interested see his "To Pray or Not to Pray" book. It will astound you!
On all field trips, picnics, hayrides, skating parties and other off campus bus trips the Black Spiritual--"Do Lord" was sung by both boys and girls. Today such singing might get you expelled or sent to D Hall.
In 1962-63 the US Supreme Court ordered prayer and God out of our public schools. Today, "Do Lord" wont do! When God was expelled from our schools---based on an obscure reference by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to a Baptist Church and he used the "separation of church and state" phrase just once.
Side Note: David Barton has written the definitive work on the results of removing God from our schools. If interested see his "To Pray or Not to Pray" book. It will astound you!
"The Day The Music Died" Feb 3, 1959
Most of us can remember where we were when JFK was assassinated, RFK was assassinated, MLK,Jr was assassinated, the moon landing, and the destruction of two space shuttles. But can you recall where you were"The Day The Music Died?"
The tragic death of Buddy Holly (22), Ritchie Valens (17) and The Big Bopper (28) in an aircraft crash in Iowa, Feb 3, 1959, prompted the Beattles to write, years later, the song "The Day The Music Died" in their memory.
I will always recall where I was and who was with me. Donnie Malcomb, Garnett Sparkman, Joann Thomas and I were traveling to the Tea Creek Baptist Church to borrow their popcorn popper for a home basketball game that night. We were in Donnie's parents car and we got out of school to go get the popcorn popper. I am not sure why Mr. Harris, Principal, selected this quartet to make the journey.
We were listening to the radio when the news announcement was made of the crash. We commented to each other how terrible this was and we speculated whether or not we should have a moment of silence at the game that night in their memory. (We broke the news to our classmates when we returned to school and our hoped for moment of silence was not observed.)
Rock 'n Roll was still very young and the untimely death of these early super stars hit teenagers very hard. Buddy Holly was the more famous of the three with hits like "Peggy Sue", "Oh Boy", "Rave On" and "That'll Be The Day." Big Bopper was something of a one hit wonder with an early Rap type song "Chantilly Lace." Ritchie Valens will forever be known as the pioneer Latino of Rock 'n Roll with his "La Bamba" hit. He also performed "Donna."
In future Posts I'll cover some of the music that I liked during those wonderful, hormone-filled, coming of age days at PCHS.
Side Note: My brother, Gary, calls me Mr. Peabody who was a cartoon character on the Rocky and Bullwinkle Cartoon Show. I earned that title because Mr. Peabody had a Way Back Machine that enabled him to visit historical events in the past. Gary defers questions about the 1950's to this almost 70 years old Mr. Peabody. In a strange way they seem like yesterday to me.
The tragic death of Buddy Holly (22), Ritchie Valens (17) and The Big Bopper (28) in an aircraft crash in Iowa, Feb 3, 1959, prompted the Beattles to write, years later, the song "The Day The Music Died" in their memory.
I will always recall where I was and who was with me. Donnie Malcomb, Garnett Sparkman, Joann Thomas and I were traveling to the Tea Creek Baptist Church to borrow their popcorn popper for a home basketball game that night. We were in Donnie's parents car and we got out of school to go get the popcorn popper. I am not sure why Mr. Harris, Principal, selected this quartet to make the journey.
We were listening to the radio when the news announcement was made of the crash. We commented to each other how terrible this was and we speculated whether or not we should have a moment of silence at the game that night in their memory. (We broke the news to our classmates when we returned to school and our hoped for moment of silence was not observed.)
Rock 'n Roll was still very young and the untimely death of these early super stars hit teenagers very hard. Buddy Holly was the more famous of the three with hits like "Peggy Sue", "Oh Boy", "Rave On" and "That'll Be The Day." Big Bopper was something of a one hit wonder with an early Rap type song "Chantilly Lace." Ritchie Valens will forever be known as the pioneer Latino of Rock 'n Roll with his "La Bamba" hit. He also performed "Donna."
In future Posts I'll cover some of the music that I liked during those wonderful, hormone-filled, coming of age days at PCHS.
Side Note: My brother, Gary, calls me Mr. Peabody who was a cartoon character on the Rocky and Bullwinkle Cartoon Show. I earned that title because Mr. Peabody had a Way Back Machine that enabled him to visit historical events in the past. Gary defers questions about the 1950's to this almost 70 years old Mr. Peabody. In a strange way they seem like yesterday to me.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Bath On A Path
For my years at PCHS we had outdoor toilets. After some boys burned the old one, they were ordered to construct a new one. A brother of one of the "Out house fire bugs" carved a note that this new toilet was from the efforts of....and he named the guilty.
Our basketball coach warned the players that he had better not catch them just hanging out at the toilet. You had better be doing your business and get away as soon as possible. The coach knew a bunch of the boys smoked at the out house.
On one occasion I was there just in time to see a match tossed down one of the three holes. The paper ignited and threatened to burn it down again! The quick action by me and the two smokers saved the day. We carried snow to douse the blaze for so long my hands seemed frost bitten.
I was less worried about the toilet burning down than the coach catching me there. I would have been "numbered with the transgressors!"
Our basketball coach warned the players that he had better not catch them just hanging out at the toilet. You had better be doing your business and get away as soon as possible. The coach knew a bunch of the boys smoked at the out house.
On one occasion I was there just in time to see a match tossed down one of the three holes. The paper ignited and threatened to burn it down again! The quick action by me and the two smokers saved the day. We carried snow to douse the blaze for so long my hands seemed frost bitten.
I was less worried about the toilet burning down than the coach catching me there. I would have been "numbered with the transgressors!"
The Not So Perfect Storm
I believe this event happened our junior year.
It was not snowing when the buses arrived at PCHS one wintry morning. About 10am the snow started falling. We are talking half dollar size snow flakes! In a matter of just a few minutes the ground was totally covered and it showed no signs of letting up.
Students with cars were released to go home. Several inches fell in less than half an hour. Boy students were sent outside to help push any cars that may have become stuck. We were told the buses were on their way to take us home. The snow kept falling and it was a wet snow, ideal for rolling snow balls ---gigantic, mega snow balls!
One male student (name withheld) suggested we start rolling huge snow balls and block the entrance into the school. Imagine several boys rolling snow balls that were at least six feet in diameter. The snow balls were placed at the entrances to the "U" drive in front of the school.
About the time the buses started to arrive, our principal came out and shouted that the snow balls must be immediately removed. The snow was now so deep rolling them away was impossible. The only shovels at the school were in the coal fired boiler room. Two gents at a time had the shovels flying and the snow was knocked down to where the buses could safely turn.
On the trip back to Lovett our bus could not make it up the hill just outside the Paris Crossing turn off. The driver orders us out and to start pushing. Several boys pushing from the back got the bus to the top of the hill and our remaining journey home was without event. We were soaked from the flying snow from the large tires.
Can you imagine this happening today? Some parent would sue the school for putting their "Johnny" in harms way! Maybe some wrecker union would file a suit that the boys kept them from a paycheck! The school system today might sue the radio stations for not providing enough warning!
In all 12 years of schooling (Lovett and PCHS) I never knew of anyone suing anybody for anything! My have things changed!
It was not snowing when the buses arrived at PCHS one wintry morning. About 10am the snow started falling. We are talking half dollar size snow flakes! In a matter of just a few minutes the ground was totally covered and it showed no signs of letting up.
Students with cars were released to go home. Several inches fell in less than half an hour. Boy students were sent outside to help push any cars that may have become stuck. We were told the buses were on their way to take us home. The snow kept falling and it was a wet snow, ideal for rolling snow balls ---gigantic, mega snow balls!
One male student (name withheld) suggested we start rolling huge snow balls and block the entrance into the school. Imagine several boys rolling snow balls that were at least six feet in diameter. The snow balls were placed at the entrances to the "U" drive in front of the school.
About the time the buses started to arrive, our principal came out and shouted that the snow balls must be immediately removed. The snow was now so deep rolling them away was impossible. The only shovels at the school were in the coal fired boiler room. Two gents at a time had the shovels flying and the snow was knocked down to where the buses could safely turn.
On the trip back to Lovett our bus could not make it up the hill just outside the Paris Crossing turn off. The driver orders us out and to start pushing. Several boys pushing from the back got the bus to the top of the hill and our remaining journey home was without event. We were soaked from the flying snow from the large tires.
Can you imagine this happening today? Some parent would sue the school for putting their "Johnny" in harms way! Maybe some wrecker union would file a suit that the boys kept them from a paycheck! The school system today might sue the radio stations for not providing enough warning!
In all 12 years of schooling (Lovett and PCHS) I never knew of anyone suing anybody for anything! My have things changed!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Partial History of PCHS
Those members of PCHS Class of 1959 might find this website interesting: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~injennin/school%20history.html
The site is a compilation by several former students and is far from being the definitive history, but represents an excellent effort.
The site is a compilation by several former students and is far from being the definitive history, but represents an excellent effort.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Cafeteria Chaos
Long, long, before school lunches became politicized, long,long before school lunches cost 2 bucks a meal, and long, long before schools developed an avenue to handle student discontent, there was the infamous school lunch incident at PCHS.
During our Sophomore year, some of the boys, primarily seniors, showed their displeasure with the food served in the cafeteria by turning their plates over, the food sandwiched between plate and the table top. This was followed by notes to the cooks from the upset diners. Most were laced with the worst sort of profanity.
The Principal, Ira Whitaker, called an emergency assembly after several days of these events. He started by lambasting anyone who would do such a terrible thing. He said he wanted to find out specific complaints and asked for student response.
One student stood and said, "OK, when we had creamed corn the other day I found more cob in my corn than corn." Lots of student laughter followed. Thrown a bit off stride by this unexpected input, Mr. Whitaker countered with his trump card, " Where else in Indiana could you find lunches like ours for only 20 cents?"
An unidentified sitting student shot back, "Nowhere, (expleted deleted); they wouldn't allow you to serve it!" Applause and much laughter followed. Mr. Whitaker's face, and bald head, turned beet red and he said in a very loud voice" This assembly is over and so is the terrible behavior in our cafeteria!"
Amazingly, the cafeteria incidents stopped but the food didn't get any better. At least the cooks were not exposed to four-letter remarks and almost impossible to clean table tops.
During our Sophomore year, some of the boys, primarily seniors, showed their displeasure with the food served in the cafeteria by turning their plates over, the food sandwiched between plate and the table top. This was followed by notes to the cooks from the upset diners. Most were laced with the worst sort of profanity.
The Principal, Ira Whitaker, called an emergency assembly after several days of these events. He started by lambasting anyone who would do such a terrible thing. He said he wanted to find out specific complaints and asked for student response.
One student stood and said, "OK, when we had creamed corn the other day I found more cob in my corn than corn." Lots of student laughter followed. Thrown a bit off stride by this unexpected input, Mr. Whitaker countered with his trump card, " Where else in Indiana could you find lunches like ours for only 20 cents?"
An unidentified sitting student shot back, "Nowhere, (expleted deleted); they wouldn't allow you to serve it!" Applause and much laughter followed. Mr. Whitaker's face, and bald head, turned beet red and he said in a very loud voice" This assembly is over and so is the terrible behavior in our cafeteria!"
Amazingly, the cafeteria incidents stopped but the food didn't get any better. At least the cooks were not exposed to four-letter remarks and almost impossible to clean table tops.
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