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Due to the tremendous response we have had for memories of Humes, we are adding another page to increase the speed in which you can view comments from our classmates. Enjoy.
The views expressed by those submitting memories to this website are strictly the views of the writer and not that of the website
The memories of the following classmates can be found on this page: James Thomas; Gloria Trout; Rose Howell; Mattie Rainey; David Francis; Monte Wener; Vernon Graham; Georgia Avgeris; Lillian Jenne; Doris Wilburn; Suzanne Martin; Fannie Crowder; Phyllis Trabish; Bill Bishop; Shirley Ruleman; Shirley Hubanks.
Before, During, and After Humes by James (Jim) Thomas
I had
to rack my old gray matter to come up with events from my early life. Thanks
to you who shared your memories already , I can now recall some of the old
days.
I spent 8 years at Guthrie
School along with Bobby Perry, Monte Wener, Betty Diepholz, Arma Jean Hewlett,
Marjorie Paullus, Renee (Sissy) Warmack, Vernon Graham, and many others I
can’t seem to recall at this time.
In
my neighborhood, near Chelsea and Breedlove, we had a group of guys who played
various sports. Bobby Perry ( probably the best baseball player in North
Memphis), Kenneth Wray, Johnny Martin, Billy Paul Warmack, Vernon Graham and I
were among those who got together to play baseball, football, cork ball and
other games we made up. We played a game similar to cork ball, using a tennis
ball instead of a cork- saving on our parent's adhesive tape. One of my
hobbies was photography. I still have many snapshots of snowball fights at
recess or lunch at Guthrie. We had to improvise a lot of our playtime toys
and activities so we wouldn’t get bored. We would have thought we had died
and gone to Heaven if we had just a few of the electronic, motorized toys and
gizmos kids have today. Of course, most of today’s kids lack the creativity
that we possessed.
When
I was 12 years old, I had a Press-Scimitar paper route in the afternoon. The
papers were delivered at the intersection of Chelsea and Breedlove and I had
to deliver them near Chelsea and Watkins. That was a long, long bike ride.
I was like so many others ,
when I started to Humes - wary of the size of the school and afraid I wouldn’t
find my classes. I don’t remember much about the 9th grade. Johnnie Devine
and I hung out together in Spanish class. Miss Schroll did everything
possible to help us, but we only survived.
I wanted to try out for
football in my sophomore year, but my father passed away in July before school
started; it became necessary for me to work and help out my mother. I didn’t
even talk to the coach about trying out until my senior year. I had gotten
things in order at home, so I was free to play- if I made the team. Coach
Rube Boyce would not let me even try out, nor would he give me an explanation
why I couldn’t try out. That ended any thoughts I had of playing football at
Humes.
I really liked ROTC. I was
made an NCO, and later became a platoon leader. My first sponsor was Helen
Hartsfield. When I was promoted to Captain, my sponsor was Billie Mae
Chiles. She was the nicest, sweetest girl and was the only girl at Humes I
ever dated. There were other nice girls there; but I was so shy, I could
never muster up enough nerve to ask any of them for a date. I remember the
parades down Main Street on Armistice Day, as it was called then. We would
always win some award. I was also on the ROTC rifle team. I enjoyed going
from school to school and competing with other ROTC rifle teams in Memphis.
One of the subjects I enjoyed most was drafting with Mr. Walter Hiltpold. He taught me quite a lot in the 3 years I was in his class. I also enjoyed History with Miss Schrivener; it was one of my double majors in college.
One of the subjects I enjoyed most was drafting with Mr. Walter Hiltpold. He taught me quite a lot in the 3 years I was in his class. I also enjoyed History with Miss Schrivener; it was one of my double majors in college.
Some
other kids I remember from Humes are Frank Greer, David Francis, George
Grimes, Larry Holmes, Mike Henderson and Rose Howell. I spent a lot of time
with Frank Greer on and off campus. I remember his pleasant home on Faxon,
and his sweet mother. She was a joy to be around.
ELVIS: I remember Elvis from
Humes; but we were not close friends. I went to see his concert in Baton
Rouge in 1975. I ran into Red West backstage and he took me to see Elvis.
After a nice chat, my friend and I were invited to their hotel for a visit.
Elvis’ entourage had reserved the entire top floor of the hotel and I must
say, those folks knew how to party. We had a great time.
After
graduation, I married, joined the service and spent 13 months in Korea. I
spent the remainder of my service time in Texas. I graduated from Louisiana
State University (LSU) in Baton Rouge, stayed there and settled down. I
attended Law School at Loyola in New Orleans and did graduate work in Criminal
Justice at the University of Virginia. I am also a graduate of the FBI
Academy in Quantico, Virginia. My career in Baton Rouge included
service with the District Attorney’s Office (20+ years), the Public Defender’s
Office (8 years) and teaching at LSU (8 years).
My
current wife, Carole, and I have been married over 30 years. We retired to
the country near Magnolia, Mississippi ( a town of 2000 residents) over six
years ago and have loved every minute of it. We spend our spare time working
on community projects, participating in the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce, The
Pike County Historical Society, and helped to organize the Southwest
Mississippi Genealogy Society. We have done a lot of genealogical research.
I have one daughter who has a career in Charleston, South Carolina, as the
Public Information Officer for the County of Charleston.
I
really missed not being able to attend some of the reunions. I fell through
the cracks and no one knew where I was. Rose Howell saw my name on the
internet and sent me an e-mail inviting me to our 50th Class Reunion last
October. Carole and I enjoyed it very much and are looking forward to the
next one.
Rose
Howell-Klimek and I have been working together since the reunion establishing
a website for our class. It became a reality on February 10, 2004. We have
included the memories and some of the pictures that will be in the “Dear Ole
Humes, We’ll Always Love You” Memories Book by the Class of ‘53, which Rose
is editing. We have been very pleased with the outstanding class
participation in this project. We recently went to Memphis and had a nice
visit with Rose and her husband, Walt. We all went to Anna’s Steak House to
visit the Humes Room and think about those grand old days with other Humes
students.
7-29-04
My Memories of the 50’s by Gloria Trout Sawyers
I grew
up with two younger brothers, Ronny and Tommy, and we lived in North Memphis
at the corner of Seventh and Cedar. Mother was a homemaker and also made
costumes for the Gladys Reeves Dance Studio. My father worked at Used
Equipment Exchange in the daytime and the Commercial Appeal at night. In the
morning, Daddy accompanied me to Leroy Pope School on his bike and then went
to his day job on North Third.
In the
7th grade I entered Humes. I walked there and back every day, rain or shine.
Other kids, including Jo Ann Van Blake, would join me along the way and then
it wasn’t so lonely. I was a little apprehensive at first with the new
surroundings and the changing classes, but soon got the hang of the new
routine and enjoyed all my high school years. I liked all my teachers,
particularly Mrs. Moss, Mrs. Conyers, Miss Marmann, and Miss Alexander. The
Glee Club was so much fun and helpful with the musical influences in my life.
I looked forward to Christmas Caroling in the halls before the holidays. I
also remember the Y-Teen potato chip drives and rarely made it home with an
unopened bag.
The after school ROTC sponsor drills and cheerleader practices were always fun
and the first part of my long walk home with Jo Ann was very enjoyable, until
she left me at her street, and I had to finish the last 6 long blocks alone,
sometimes after dark. If we had the time and the money, we would stop at
Speedway Drug Store at Thomas and Chelsea for ice cream or a cherry coke.
Jo Ann’s grandmother made our long pleated cheerleader skirts out of wool (pre-polyester days). They were beautiful and we felt so proud to be wearing them. Early in the football season, it poured rain during a game and our skirts shrunk. We were soaking wet and looked ridiculous; so we walked all the way home from Crump Stadium, rather than ride the bus in our condition. It was a long walk! We had to have new skirts made. We laugh about it now. Mr. E. H. Crump, for whom the football stadium was named, came to almost every game and gave each team’s cheerleaders a box of candy before the games started.
Jo Ann’s grandmother made our long pleated cheerleader skirts out of wool (pre-polyester days). They were beautiful and we felt so proud to be wearing them. Early in the football season, it poured rain during a game and our skirts shrunk. We were soaking wet and looked ridiculous; so we walked all the way home from Crump Stadium, rather than ride the bus in our condition. It was a long walk! We had to have new skirts made. We laugh about it now. Mr. E. H. Crump, for whom the football stadium was named, came to almost every game and gave each team’s cheerleaders a box of candy before the games started.
During
the summers we played at Bickford Park. I remember: the dances at Holy Names
and Dave Wells, the Golden Gloves boxing matches, the Roxy Theater, Malone
Swimming Pool, "Schmoos", "Kilroy Was Here", autograph books, Porky’s
Drive-in, neighborhood ball games in the front yard, playing Rummy at the
kitchen table with home made fudge and a bowl of popcorn. Those are great
memories.
During
the 11th and 12th grades, Mother and I drove to Turrell, Ark. on Saturdays,
where I taught dancing to about 35 students. Mother took care of the
bookkeeping and made the recital costumes. I alternated picking up Cora
Louise and Sissy Davis, who played piano for the studio.
ELVIS:
I had 12th grade English with Elvis and recall how nice and polite he was.
His hair and clothes were unique and he had his own style (he did it his way)
even then. His talent before his fame was already shining and he put all his
efforts into his performances at the talent and variety shows and received
thunderous applause.
After
graduation I went to work at First National Bank and remained close friends
with Nona Bass. We attended Harris Memorial Methodist Church and we sang in
the choir together (AKA Bass & Trout duo). The first date with my future
husband, Andy Sawyers, was at the home of Nona and her husband, David McCoy,
during the 1953 Christmas holidays. We were the only people there without
dates. We were married the following August and had two children. Andy and
David were employed at Lavender Radio Supply and played baseball and softball
on the same teams. Andy then worked at Ace Appliance Co. for 30 years until
it closed and was with Haverty Furniture Co. when he died in December, 1993.
The
class reunions have kept so many of us in touch through the years and I have
thoroughly enjoyed my association with the planning committee and the alumni.
One of my dearest friends since school is Shirley Ruleman-Palmer. I didn’t
get to know her well during our childhood since we lived so far apart and
rarely saw each other. I became very close to her and Billie Chiles -Turner
while working on the class reunion planning committee. We all miss Billie.
She was a driving force in laying the ground work for the reunions, a hard and
dedicated worker and good friend to all.
The
50’s were truly the "Good Old Days"!!!
7-29-04
My Humes Memories by Rose Howell-Klimek
It
has been over 50 years since I attended Humes for 6 years, but I still
remember the school, the teachers, my friends and most of the students in
the class of 1953. I lived on Breedlove for the first 3 years and walked
to school no matter what the weather. When my family moved to Midtown, I
was supposed to go to Central. I stayed for 2 hours and headed back to
Humes after the homework assignments on registration day convinced me I was
in the wrong school. I rode the bus for the next 3 years and thought it
was worth the extra effort. The people were friendly and most of the
teachers were dedicated and caring. Humes was my kind of place.
I
spent so much time working at The B and J Café, Ralph’s Sundry, Gerber’s
Department Store and the Lamar Theater that I missed a lot of sports events
and extra curricular activities which I would have liked to attend; but I
was never broke.
I
had 3 favorite teachers. Miss Fisher saved me from being kicked out of the
Honor Society when I got caught leaving school early to attend a Hi Y
basketball game. Miss Moss encouraged me to excel in all things. Miss
Thompson taught me good basic English skills and how to communicate my ideas
in print.
I received a wonderful education which allowed me to pursue a variety of interests. My one regret was I did not take typing. My sister, Doris, begged me to take the courses she had taken so I could master office skills. I was so stubborn, I wouldn’t do it because I didn‘t plan on working in an office. I should have listened. I had to learn typing as an adult. My best skills are in organizing and planning, not typing.
I received a wonderful education which allowed me to pursue a variety of interests. My one regret was I did not take typing. My sister, Doris, begged me to take the courses she had taken so I could master office skills. I was so stubborn, I wouldn’t do it because I didn‘t plan on working in an office. I should have listened. I had to learn typing as an adult. My best skills are in organizing and planning, not typing.
Doris
was a super achiever. Miss Richmond, the Assistant Principal, told me that
I should be more like my sister . She and the Principal, Mr. Brindley,
thought Doris hung the moon. I just wanted to follow my own star. I had
4 brothers and 2 sisters and dozens of cousins. It was not easy to be an
individual in the Howell-Davis clan.
When
I was in the ninth grade I won a state essay contest "What America Means to
Me". I have always been patriotic, always voted and even worked in
political campaigns from time to time. I owe my patriotism to my teachers
at Humes.
My
first steady boyfriend, George Grimes, had wonderful parents. They treated
me like their own daughter. When George and I broke up, which is what
happens when you are both immature, I felt like I had lost part of my
family. I did not have another boyfriend at Humes, although I spent a
couple of years mooning over Carl Bethea and Frank Simonton. We attended
Speedway Terrace Baptist Church with many of our classmates because of their
great Christian youth programs.
Shirley Patterson and I knocked on every door within 3 miles of Humes to
raise funds to elect Gloria Trout "Queen" of the eighth grade. She won!
Carol Kimbrell and Barbara McKenzie were my best friends during high school
. Barbara moved to California before she graduated and Carol got married
and moved to Las Vegas. Iris Hopps, Jim Music, Frank Greer, David Francis,
Jo Ann Hammett, James Thomas, Carolyn Dellinger and Margaret Johnson (class
of 52) were other students I knew well. I had a diverse group of friends
from Humes and Midtown.
One
night after an event at Humes, I accepted a ride home with Donald Clatworthy
and several other kids. He had an old junk car which he drove like a
maniac. I was lucky to get home alive. I always liked Don but I never got
in his car again.
After
church on Sunday night, my friends and I liked to go to Leonard’s Barbeque
on Bellevue and then to East Trigg Baptist Church to listen to the
spirituals. The church had a special section for white visitors. Elvis
Presley was often there and occasionally sang with the choir. I loved to
watch the people who got the spirit dance and roll in the aisles. I guess
that’s where the term "holy rollers" came from.
Other
Elvis Stories: He was in the study hall where I called the roll. As soon
as I called his name he would get up and leave. Then I would go downstairs
to cashier in the lunch room. He was usually my first customer and always
bought the same thing - two ice cream sandwiches for 10 cents. I didn’t
think he could afford lunch. One night he showed up at a school event
wearing black clothes and pink socks. Miss Richmond didn’t recognize him
and asked me who that rogue was. Later she liked to brag that she always
knew that Elvis would make it big.
My
daughters, Roxanne and Rozanne, went to Hillcrest High School with Elvis’
step brothers. We had parties in our back yard which Ricky and Billy
attended. Several times Elvis dropped them off in one of his fancy cars
and created quite a stir in the neighborhood. My son, Ralph sold seats in
our front yard.
My
memories of Humes are precious and I love attending our class reunions. The
years fade away and I see all those bright shiny faces again. Our class is
special, but not because of Elvis. We were the last innocent generation
and have contributed proudly to our county’s prosperity. We are still
contributing!
After
I raised my children, I graduated from Memphis State and the University of
Tennessee, earned an MSW and spent many years working at the Metropolitian
Interfaith Association (MIFA) directing many of their social service
programs.
Since
retirement, my husband, Walt ( a former Marine pilot), and I have been
church and community service volunteers, especially for Habitat for
Humanity and the Church Health Center. I am an avid gardener and we spend
many hours caring for the flowers at Immanuel Lutheran Church and School,
the Hope and Healing Center Meditation Garden and our own garden. It is
rewarding and helps us stay in shape. We are truly blessed with our blended
family (5 children, 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren) and friends. We
spend time on the road visiting with our clan. Our faith in God sustains us
through all the travails of life and all the joys.
7-30-04
Humes Memories of Mattie Rainey-Smith
Dad
worked at Ford Motor Company and Mom ran the Rainey Family Grocery Store.
The 6 boys and 2 girls in our family took turns working in the store at
some time or other while they were growing up. I attended Oakville
Elementary and Whitehaven Jr. High.
After
I graduated from junior high, my aunt, Yancie Luke, suggested that I take
the cosmetology courses at Humes High School and get my license so I
could work at her beauty shop. I transferred to Humes in the 10th grade.
I had a long bus ride back and forth for 3 years. I was afraid I wouldn’t
know anyone and would feel all alone with a bunch of students who had gone
to grammar school and junior high together. To my surprise I ran into
Kenneth and Joyce Black, who had been my neighbors; and Christine Johnson,
whose father had worked with my father at Ford Motor Company. Then a few
days later I saw Lewis Pittman from a church camp I had attended. I began
to feel at home. I soon began to make other friends.
Aunt Yancie knew Mrs. Lokey, the cosmetology teacher, which helped
me adjust faster. Some of the friends I made in that class were: Alma
Jean Delk, Janice Lawrence, Frankie Miller, Christine Wilson, Betty
Sparks, Peggy Butcher and Betty Beaty. They welcomed me and made me feel
good about myself.
Phillis Trabish became a special friend. I lived so far from school, she
invited me to spend the night whenever we had to go downtown to see movies
that were English assignments. She was a beautiful person inside and
out. I would love to see her.
Some other school pals were Juanita Richardson, Rachel Bailey and Norma
Jean Blankenship. They often spent the night at my house. We would get
up in the middle of the night and make a batch of fudge and eat it all.
I met my future husband, Bob Smith, through Juanita . My date and I
actually double-dated with Bob and Juanita at the Senior Prom. Ada Lee
Thompson and I ran around together after graduation. I was with her when
she met her future husband, Eddie Robinson. I would spend the night with
her when her parents were out of town. One Sunday morning, we dressed up
in heels, hats and gloves and headed for St. Matthew’s Methodist Church in
her father’s jeep (which had a missing door). It started storming and we
tried to keep out the rain by covering the door opening with an umbrella.
We arrived at the church dripping wet, but we went in anyway. We were a
sight to behold!
Miss Mildred Scrivener was also a good friend of Aunt Yancie‘s. The
Scrivener family owned cabins on Long Boat Key in Florida. Aunt Yancie
and her husband, Red , spent at least two weeks with them every year.
Miss Scrivener and all of her sisters came to Yancie’s Beauty Shop. We
fixed Miss Scrivener’s hair when she went to New York to accompany Elvis
to the Ed Sullivan Show. She was a very good teacher. We didn’t have to
take semester exams if we did all the work assignments and made A‘s. I
did my home work between customers at the beauty shop and I never had to
take any exams. I also helped a few other people in the class with their
assignments.
I worked at Lowenstein’s during the 10th
and 11th grade. I took my state boards after the 11th grade and received
my State Hair Dresser License early. I worked at the Madison Circle
Beauty Shop that summer and during my senior year. I worked at night at
Dobb’s House at the airport for about a year and also did some modeling
for the Memphis Hairdresser’s Association which met on Monday nights at
the Peabody Hotel.
Even though school and work took up most of my time, I still had a social
life. Some of my Humes beaus were Bobby Robbins, Charles Davis, and
Herman Morgan. I also dated a lot of boys who did not go to Humes.
Elvis:
I never dated Elvis, but we were good friends. I helped him pass a
couple of subjects. He came to my house once with some of my other
friends and wound up being the life of the party. When I was riding the
bus to school every morning, I would usually see Elvis sitting at the
corner of Alabama and Poplar, listening to a black man in a chair playing
a guitar. He wanted to play and sing like that man. He was a country boy
with big dreams. After he became famous he did something to thank every
person who ever helped him in any way. I knew his cousin Bill Mann, who
was also a hair dresser. He and Elvis were very close.
I
have been happily married to Bob since October 8, 1955. We have two
boys, one girl and 8 grandchildren. I worked at Yancie’s Beauty Shop for
over 20 years and then went to work at Sears after we moved to the other
side of town. Bob retired as Deputy Chief of the Memphis Fire
Department. I am currently working part time at Sam’s, making memory
books for my grandchildren and putting up home-made jams and jellies. We
are active members of Grimes Memorial Methodist Church. Our family is
truly blessed.
I
will always remember my friends at Humes and the good times we had
together.
8-3-04
I REMEMBER …………..MR. T. C. BRINDLEY
by David Francis
I remember my first day in the 7th grade at Humes High School. I was a
skinny kid, but tall (the tallest kid in my 6th grade class at
Christine) and I felt I was going to be OK with those "Big Guys."
There were several "Big Guys"( I don’t believe they were seniors, just
bigger than me) who walked the halls with their arms locked together,
just daring someone to try and not "hug" the wall. I became a "wall
hugger." After several days, I got angry and decided I had as much
right to walk down the middle of the hall as anyone else. ..I did…and I
was no longer hugging the wall, I was laid up against it.
This incident along with several other "bully tactics" went on until Mr.
T. C. Brindley arrived to become our principal. He didn’t "hide out" in
his office like the other principal had done. He made himself very
visible.
I
was lucky enough to witness Mr. Brinkley in action. He came upon a
young man who was smoking out by the bicycle parking area. Mr. Brindley
walked up and asked him if he knew that Humes had a smoking room. The
young man took the cigarette out of his mouth and put it on one of the
bicycle seats. As they talked the cigarette burned down close to the
leather seat and Mr. Brindley asked him if that was his bicycle and he
responded "no." Fast as a bullet, the young man was on the ground
looking up….
We ALL looked up to Mr. Brindley. He was tough, but fair and I believe
he made Humes a school that we were proud to be a part of…..I was.
8-5-04
Greetings from Monte Wener
I remember my years at Humes very well. I
will never forget all the kids and teachers who made it so much fun to
be there. I enjoy coming to the reunions and dancing with all the girls
and talking to all my friends. Life was so simple then.
I am blessed with a great family- my wife,
Ida Leigh; daughters, Sharon Fielder and Cynthia Brown and
granddaughter, Magen Felder. Cynthia is a LPGA Golf
Professional in Park City, Utah.
Professional in Park City, Utah.
Now that Ida Leigh is retired, we are
going on a long trip out west for a month or two. Hope we make it back
for the next Humes get together to celebrate the memories book
publication.
8-6-04
Humes Memories of
Vernon Graham
I
have two best memories of Humes.
The first is how many friends I had that I have never forgotten. I went
to school with many of them for 12 years, starting at Guthrie. Some of
the Guthrie gang were: Arma Jean Hewlett, Davie Lawrence, Carolyn Jones,
Betty Diepholz, Barbara Logan, Sidney McKinney, Marjorie Paullus,
Beverly Bailey, Kenneth Hearn, Donald Morris, Gene Gann, Renee Warmack,
Verna Nell Faverty, Bobby Perry, Kenneth Wray and Suzanne Martin. My
best friend in the 10th, 11th, and 12th was Terry Johnson. We had a lot
of fun together at Rainbow Skating Rink and East End Skating Rink,
along with many of our other classmates, especially girls.
The second is how I found my wife. The Barber sisters, Nancy and
Peggy, were usually together and really looked like twins, even though
they were 2 grades apart. I first spotted them in the hall when I was
in the 10th grade. Even though Nancy was a grade ahead of me, by the
11th grade, I knew that she was the girl for me. In 1952 Terry and I
were in the school auditorium watching the Honor Society Induction
Program and I pointed her out on the stage and said, "Look up there at
that red haired girl- I am going to marry her someday!" My dream came
true when we were married on September 18, 1953.
Elvis: One year, I think it was the 10th grade, he sat in front of me
in the big study hall. His hair was extra long. We were talking and I
asked him why he didn’t get a haircut. He said he had nothing to get
one with. I walked around with the cigar box that pencils were stored
in and collected enough for him to go to the barber shop. The next day
when he sat down in front of me, I asked him why he didn’t get his
haircut with the money. He said he did. He only had it trimmed. That
was Elvis! I still have my Humes Herald, signed by Elvis. Must be
worth a few bucks by now!
My life since leaving school: Nancy and I both retired from E. I. DuPont
Chemical Company in December, 1992. She worked there 34 years at
various positions, and was the first female supervisor at the Memphis
plant. I started as an operator and after 33 years I retired as
Production Supervisor of one of the plants at the Memphis site. There
were a number of Humes graduates at Dupont: Billy Warmack, Class of ‘52;
Robert Bland and James Rotenberry, Class of ‘53; Jean Kelly, Class of
‘55. There were probably others but my memory isn’t as good as it used
to be.
We have retired to a canal of the Tennessee -Tom Bigby Waterway. I can
fish out in my backyard. We celebrated our 50th Anniversary last year.
We have a daughter, Sharon; a grandson, Christopher; and two great-
grandchildren, 4 year old Lexie and 3 year old Colby. I recently had
knee replacement surgery caused by an accident I had at DuPont years
ago. Life is good.
8-6-04
My Wonderful Years at Humes High School
by Georgia Avgeris-Scarmoutsos
My days at Humes High School were a
wonderful experience I cherish even today. They were warm and fruitful
times, which I enjoyed immensely. In order to properly reflect, I
must address the teachers. I could never forget the loving principal,
Mr. T. C. Brindley and his assistant, Miss Eleanor Richmond. Miss
Alexander, the music teacher, guided me through Glee Club, which
assisted me to sing in my church choir for the past 50 years. She was
grand! Mrs. Conyers, sewing; Miss Branch, home economics; Miss
Allensworth, English; Miss Scrivener, history; and the rest of the
faculty were instrumental in guiding me. My business courses enabled
me to be my husband’s legal secretary and my brother’s medical
receptionist in the years following graduation.
I was most pleased to be Robert
Lyles’ ROTC sponsor and to be a Princess in the Cotton Carnival. My
sister, Helen, and I worked in the school cafeteria, which paid for
our lunches. It helped our family since our parents were poor
immigrants from Greece. They were old-fashioned so I was not allowed
to date, unless my big brother, Johnny, went too. He tagged along to
the ROTC Ball with Robert and me.
Elvis Presley was our neighbor in Lauderdale Courts for many years. He really liked my mother’s homemade hot Greek bread, and ate more of it than I did. Mama liked him, but did not understand the way he dressed- which was mild compared to today’s standards. Elvis worked at Loew’s State and I worked at the Malco, so we exchanged free tickets. We had a lot of fun with that. He made sure I got the best seat available. We had several classes together and in our senior year, we were in the same homeroom. He sat behind me and threw gum wrappers at me to get my attention. He was fine and genuine, and did not bother anyone.
On June 6, 1955, our classmate, Bessie
Ghika, married a young man from Corning, New York. My future husband,
Manuel Scarmoutsos, came from Corning to the wedding and we met at the
reception. We became engaged on August 15, 1955 and married on
December 25, 1955! Who says long distance relationships don’t work?
We had three children, Peter, Eve and Andrew. We lost Andrew in a house fire in October, 2000; but we have been blessed with two beautiful grandsons, John and Manuel Andrew.
We had three children, Peter, Eve and Andrew. We lost Andrew in a house fire in October, 2000; but we have been blessed with two beautiful grandsons, John and Manuel Andrew.
One never gets over the loss of a
child; but much of our therapy came when Manuel and I wrote a humorous
book about the law and judges, "Unfrocked & Unashamed" A Collection of
Humorous Stories from the Courtroom. The greater part of the proceeds
of the sale of this book are for a scholarship fund for poor students
in memory of Andrew. Many have responded and the scholarship fund is
growing.
Our life in Memphis has had many
experiences - a few downs, but mostly ups. As we enter our twilight
years, I can’t help but reflect on my tender years at Humes and the
many friends I enjoy to this day.
8-7-04
My Memories of Humes by Lillian Jenne-Sommerfield
Most of all I remember the Humes
Band. Mary Sanders and I were the best of friends. We always sat
on the bus together when the band traveled. We went to the Humboldt
Strawberry Festival every year. We really looked forward to that
event. We marched in the Roy Rogers Parade down Main Street, then a
bunch of us went to the Warner Theater, stopping first at the Carmel
Popcorn Store next door. We couldn’t afford lunch and the movie,
too. I remember the first Minstrel Show we had at Humes. The
entire band blackened their faces and the girls braided their hair.
I can’t believe we did all that. It was fun at the time but what a
mess! After the first year only the end men blackened their faces.
Oh, what memories!
I walked to Gordon Grammar School
and Humes most days with a group including Billie Ann Banks and
Margaret Johnson (class of 52). By the time we arrived there were
at least 20 of us plodding along together. During bad weather my
mother made me ride the bus. I was the baby of 7 children. By the
time I came along I had to deal with teachers who knew my older
siblings. Miss Boswell told me that my sister, Esther Louise, would
never have done what I did in her class ( I was defending myself
from getting my hair pulled.)
Miss Mary Fisher was my favorite
teacher. Frank Greer, Nancy Fisher and I were her pets. Mrs.
Conyers, the sewing teacher, would ask me to be her lookout while
she went into the coat room (to take a swig or two). Miss Mildred
Scrivener gave me
The only B I made in the 12th grade. My grade was 89.75. All she had to do was give me .25 of a point and I would have made an A. I told her I would do extra work to make up the difference. She wouldn’t let me do it.
The only B I made in the 12th grade. My grade was 89.75. All she had to do was give me .25 of a point and I would have made an A. I told her I would do extra work to make up the difference. She wouldn’t let me do it.
The day I was inducted into the
National Honor Society, I came in a little late and had to sit at
the back of the auditorium. Jerry Hunter had a hard time finding me
to bring me to the stage. I was the last one tapped.
Jackson Ave. had many shopping and
entertainment establishments. After school I worked at the Speedway
Terrace Drug Store at Decatur and Jackson. My father walked me home
after work. My parents were very strict and I was not allowed to go
into Greer’s Sandwich Shop because it was a "beer joint." They had
wonderful barbeque so my father would buy it and bring it home. I
went to the Rialto and Rosemary Theaters, but not to the Suzore. My
father said it was in a bad neighborhood. I hung out in the O & S
five and Dime Store a lot.
I remember the night that I , Betty
Chipman, Johnny Dunwoody, Herbert Howell and some others I can’t
remember stuffed ourselves into Herbert’s father’s car and went to
the Krystal on Summer Avenue for burgers, fries and cokes. It was
such a treat because we usually had to ride the bus. After we
placed the order we pooled our change, even the pennies from our
penny loafers. Herbert gave it all to the car hop and said " keep
the change." She thanked us profusely, but returned a couple of
minutes later to tell us that we had short-changed her 78 cents.
Herbert promised to return on Friday and bring her a dollar (which
he did). She paid the difference.
It was a wonderful time to be a
kid. I enjoyed every minute of it.
About Elvis: When Elvis first
started to Humes, he was really poor. The office sent a letter home
about a classmate who couldn’t come to school when the weather was
bad because he had holes in his shoes, had no warm coat and needed a
haircut.
It didn’t name him, but we all knew who it was. My mom gave me a whole dollar (WOW!) and a jacket she had bought for my brother Bill (she explained that she would get Bill another jacket when my dad got some overtime). I was so proud to take the jacket and the money to the office. My parents had hearts of gold.
It didn’t name him, but we all knew who it was. My mom gave me a whole dollar (WOW!) and a jacket she had bought for my brother Bill (she explained that she would get Bill another jacket when my dad got some overtime). I was so proud to take the jacket and the money to the office. My parents had hearts of gold.
The day we got our annuals, I asked
Elvis to sign mine. I handed him my pen and he said he didn’t do
well with a pen so he signed it with a pencil. He wrote "To Lil,
With Love, El". No, we were not close friends- I guess it was quick
and easy.
Several years after high school I
met my husband, Gus, who was a handsome sailor about 11 years older
than me. We married 3 months later. Some people said it wouldn’t
last!! It lasted for 42 years until his death on November 8, 2000.
I have 2 girls and 2 boys and 14 grandchildren, who are the lights
of my life.
I didn’t sell my
annual in 1978 when an offer came in the mail, but shortly
thereafter it disappeared. My daughter thought that her brother
might have sold it.
In 1990 he said to me, "Mama, do you want me to tell you what happened to your annual?" I nearly flipped because I thought he was going to confess he sold it. He explained that when he was in the 10th grade, he told some friends that I had graduated with Elvis and they didn’t believe him. He took my annual to school to show them. He was driving a little hatchback and had left the back open. It rained; the annual got wet; the pages swelled up; and Elvis’ penciled autograph faded out. He was so scared he threw it in a dumpster on the way home. My daughter still thinks he sold it, but I don’t think he could have made up a story like that.
In 1990 he said to me, "Mama, do you want me to tell you what happened to your annual?" I nearly flipped because I thought he was going to confess he sold it. He explained that when he was in the 10th grade, he told some friends that I had graduated with Elvis and they didn’t believe him. He took my annual to school to show them. He was driving a little hatchback and had left the back open. It rained; the annual got wet; the pages swelled up; and Elvis’ penciled autograph faded out. He was so scared he threw it in a dumpster on the way home. My daughter still thinks he sold it, but I don’t think he could have made up a story like that.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to any of
the reunions. My husband was very shy and I did not wish to go
alone. Even though I now have health problems of my own, I have
had a truly blessed life. God has been good to me and I am
trusting the Lord that my health will improve.
I do miss those special
days at Dear Ole Humes.
8-8-04
Remembering Doris Wilburn by Lillian Davis-Hicks
Doris and I were really good
friends. Her aunt was married to my brother so we were sort of
related. We were in the same grade at Humes so we spent a lot of
time together at school. She lived on Loony and I lived on Seventh
Street. Since we didn’t live that close, we kept the phone lines
busy planning what we were going to do and where we would meet. We
went to dances, movies, and football games together. We talked
about all the football players, and which ones we would like to
date. Doris was a pretty girl with long hair and a great big
beautiful smile. She didn’t have any trouble getting boys to like
her.
After
graduation, I moved to Plymouth, Michigan, and kept in touch with
her through her aunt. Whenever I came to Memphis for a visit I
always called her. I loved to hear her laugh. She married, had two
children, then died of cancer at the age of 29.
She was a special person and I will
never forget her.
8-8-04
Greetings from Suzanne Martin-Toth
My husband Bob and I have moved to
Meridian, Idaho and have built a home on a horse ranch owned by our
youngest son. We plan to have some great adventures in the wide
open spaces of the West. We had to move from our property on Holmes
Road, right outside of Memphis, when the city decided to widen
Holmes Rd. We raised 2 daughters and 3 sons in Memphis. The two
older boys have a business called Hubcap Heaven in Salt Lake City,
Utah. Our two daughters are still in Memphis. We have 8
grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Seeing the pictures from my old
Humes days brought back wonderful memories of many good friends and
good times. I enjoyed going to Humes. It was very special. I
want to say hello to all my friends. Thanks for inviting me to
participate in our Humes memory book. I am enclosing some family
pictures.
8-12-04
Humes Memories of Fannie Mae Crowder-Caldwell
My memories of the past are
somewhat vague, but I do have some impressions that I would like to
share. I do remember that no one at Humes was ever rude to me. I
think I can say I basically enjoyed my years there, and made some
good friends. I ran around with Rosemary Barracco and Carolyn
Poole.
When I was in junior high, I
remember listening to the radio after dinner at night. I would
finish my homework and the dishes so I could join the family for
our favorite radio shows. We didn’t have a TV until later. Life
was so simple.
I liked Art Class very much and
enjoyed working on the floats for the Cotton Carnival parades each
year. We worked after school ,sometimes late at night and then
walked home from the downtown building where they were stored.
During my senior year, I worked
downtown at a department store. I left school at noon and worked
all week until the store closed and then caught a bus home. I also
worked all day Saturday. I think I cleared about $5.00 a week
after I paid for my lunches, dinner on Thursday night, when the
store stayed open until 9, and bus fare.
I would go with Carolyn and
Rosemary to a dance club in East Memphis. I was very shy and
wasn’t much of a dancer; so I just went along to watch the other
girls dance. If Carolyn found a good partner, the dance floor would
clear out and everyone would watch them dance. Carolyn was an
excellent dancer.
The person who taught Carolyn to
dance was Elvis Presley. I think he had a crush on her for a
while. He would find us in the hall and at lunch and various other
places. He always wanted to talk to Carolyn, so I made myself
scarce. Sometimes I had to walk to my sister’s apartment when my
mother had to work late. Elvis and I would walk along together
since he lived close by. We were both fairly quiet and did not say
much. I found Elvis to be a nice boy who was a little shy.
I don’t remember how I got into a
couple of plays. One was just for Humes students, the other one
was for the public. I remember getting the giggles in a serious
part and laughing until tears ran down my face. Another time I
remember freezing up in the wings when my time came to go on.
Someone put their hand in the middle of my back and pushed me onto
the stage. Ha! What a great performance I gave that day.
I’m sorry that I can’t remember
more. I was in an accident several years ago which affected my
memory. I have chronic pain most of the time. Since I have
gotten older I realize just how nice and courteous most of the
people in our class were. I
appreciate being included in the class memory book. A lot of the memories of my classmates are my memories, too. God bless you all.
appreciate being included in the class memory book. A lot of the memories of my classmates are my memories, too. God bless you all.
8-25-04
Phyllis Trabish, please contact Rose at her e-mail address on the first page of our website.
Memories of Humes by Bill Bishop
I guess I can try to remember some
things about dear old Humes. I remember walking to school
everyday during my early years there. I was usually bringing up
the rear. I must admit that I was somewhat of a sleepy head and
my mother would say that it would take a stick of dynamite to wake
me up. George Grimes likes to tell about how he and some of the
other players would stop by to get me for early football
practices and my mother and father would tell them if they could
get me up they could have me.
My mother and father raised us to do
our best and to treat others as we would like to be treated. They
were great parents.
My favorite teacher was Miss Mary
Fisher. She was always helping me to do my best and encouraging
me. After I became a coach, she was teaching at the school where
I taught and became like a second mother to me. I certainly
can’t forget to mention Miss Allmond. I was there when she
threatened to jump out the window. I think she probably did that
on a regular basis, so it has become a Humes legend.
I also have great respect and
fondness for Coach Phillips. He had a steady influence on me in
school and later when I was a coach. He made my football life
bearable during the years he was the assistant coach.
I enjoyed my years playing football
at Humes much more than my college years at Southern Mississippi.
The Humes football players formed a special bond that will exist
as long as we live. We will never tell certain things about the
team that will remain ours alone. I have a special place in my
heart for my Humes team mates and I know they feel the same way
about me.
I worked full time during the 11th
and 12th grades. It wasn’t easy but I managed to do it because I
had some teachers who helped me and a family who was supportive.
My favorite subject was American History which I later taught
when I was a coach. Coaches usually have to teach classes as well
as coach.
Paul Hathcock and I coached together
and worked at a freight lines together for a while. He was a
really neat guy. I will miss him.
I have been happily married to my
wonderful wife, Anne, for many years. We have 3 children and 3
grandchildren. I am retired, but Anne is still working. I am
fighting multiple myeloma, a cancer of plasma cells which attacks
and destroys bones. I am fighting the battle the same way I
fought in every football game, to win.
9-13-04
Humes Memories of Shirley Ruleman-Palmer
Our North Memphis neighborhood on
Dunlap was a safe, secure place to live with a strong closeness
among the neighbors. I was happy with our friends and our
modest home. Gordon was my elementary school and most of my
Gordon friends went with me to Humes. Because Humes was the
junior high and high school for several feeder schools, I easily
made many new friends.
I looked forward to going to Humes
High School - MY HUMES! My two older brothers, Wilbur and Jack,
went there before I did, so my time had finally come.
Just before I entered the 7th grade, we moved to Woodlawn Street. Our yard backed up to the school grounds; I could sleep longer and spend only 3 minutes walking to school. I really liked that advantage.
Just before I entered the 7th grade, we moved to Woodlawn Street. Our yard backed up to the school grounds; I could sleep longer and spend only 3 minutes walking to school. I really liked that advantage.
Our Principal, Mr. Tom Brindley,
was a very firm but fair man who had a tight control on school
academics and activities. Miss Eleanor Richmond, the Assistant
Principal, kept a close watch on everything. Most of the
teachers were our friends, but they commanded respect for their
positions.
Teachers: Mary Frances Kennedy (
Home Economics) taught me to sew and cook and was sweet and
helpful.
Louise Weeks (Typing) was very attractive and sophisticated. She made me want to work hard and display excellence in all my studies.
Delores Fuller (Latin) was so caring, she made me enjoy learning the "dead language."
Miss Marmann (Music) I was scared of her. She wore "old lady" black oxford shoes, carried a black umbrella between the handles of her carpet bag, and walked very fast with a long stride. She made sure we learned the National Anthem correctly. If you made a mistake, she would smack you on the arm or back. I did my best to sing it correctly.
Mr. Meeks (Science) was a sweet man who loved to laugh, but was very serious about science.
Louise Weeks (Typing) was very attractive and sophisticated. She made me want to work hard and display excellence in all my studies.
Delores Fuller (Latin) was so caring, she made me enjoy learning the "dead language."
Miss Marmann (Music) I was scared of her. She wore "old lady" black oxford shoes, carried a black umbrella between the handles of her carpet bag, and walked very fast with a long stride. She made sure we learned the National Anthem correctly. If you made a mistake, she would smack you on the arm or back. I did my best to sing it correctly.
Mr. Meeks (Science) was a sweet man who loved to laugh, but was very serious about science.
Fall was my favorite time of the
school year. Why? FOOTBALL GAMES! They were exciting - Cool
nights! Crowds! Running around with my friends yelling for our
team! WHAT FUN! If we won the game, Hooray! If we lost, it
would be okay because we had another game next week.
When I was a Junior High
Cheerleader, we rode to the games with the players on the back
of a flatbed truck with railings along the sides. After one of
the games at Hodges Field, we were acting silly on the way back
to school and we all lunged to one side of the truck when it
turned a corner. The railing broke and several of the players
fell from the truck and were injured. The driver, Wendell Seelig,
Class of 1951, checked on everyone and then ran as fast as he
could to call an ambulance. He had to climb a tall fence to get
to a phone. Soon he returned, running and out of breath and
began consoling everyone until the ambulance arrived. That was
the last time we rode on a flatbed truck. And Wendall was my
hero.
ROTC: I was Tommy Young’s sponsor.
Our families were friends and we were long time friends. We had
a great time together, laughing often. He had a great sense of
humor. Our school won 1st place for best marching ROTC unit in
the Armistice Day Parade. We were very excited and proud. Our
military leaders, Major John Ellis and Capt. John Evans, were
prouder than we were. It made them look good.
During one of our "inspections"
some visiting high ranking Army ROTC military officers were
present. Carl Bethea had to introduce all of the Humes officers
and sponsors. He was very nervous (as we all were). During the
intros he couldn’t think of someone’s name, so he made one up.
I thought that was very smart and displayed the quick thinking
skills needed for success in the military, which he later
achieved.
Don Morris was also an officer who
marched close to us and always had something funny to say and
was a pleasure to be around. I enjoyed my time as a ROTC
sponsor very much.
I was supposed to graduate in 1954,
but after taking 11th grade English in Summer School in 1952 , I
was able to become a senior and graduate in 1953. I was a
little nervous and apprehensive because I would have to make
close connections with some different girls. Fortunately, Joan
Liberto and Marie Henson were willing to include me and we spent
a lot of time hanging out.
Some of us went to Maywood Swimming
Pool the day of graduation and got sunburned. That was a pretty
stupid thing to do and we were miserable during the ceremony,
but we had great fun.
Gloria Trout and I became good
friends when we met with the Planning Committee to work on our
Ten Year Class Reunion. Our relationship has grown over the
years and she has become the sister I never had. I cherish her
dear friendship and hope for many more years to come.
Because of the atmosphere at Humes,
I have life long friends that mean a lot to me. We may not see
each other for a long time; but when we do, that same feeling of
loyalty and friendship returns.
DEAR OLE HUMES WE’LL ALWAYS LOVE
YOU.
Editor’s notes: Shirley married
Charlie Palmer in June, 1956, and became a stay at home mom,
which she loved. She and Charlie have raised 3 very
accomplished children. They have no grandchildren - yet; but
they have a lot of fun babysitting 5 grand dogs. Shirley helps
Charlie in his business at busy times during the year.
9-17-04
Humes Memories of Shirley Hubanks-Scott
Growing up in North Memphis on
Pearce Street was the best. I was an only child of young
parents. The houses were small and close together, so we all
knew each other and the neighbors very well. Great
friendships were formed that have lasted to this day. When I
run into a North Memphis person from the old days any where,
there is an instant bond. It is just like it used to be.
Gordon School: Don Sage and
I held hands during story time in Miss Bell’s 1st grade
class. We were teased a lot. I liked Robert Lyles in the 3rd
grade. He ruined my new coat by spilling ink on it. My
mother never let him forget it. When my dad was District
Chief over the Memphis Fire Dept.Training Center, Robert was
accepted for training. Dad told Robert he knew he was a tough
football player, but he was going to make a fireman out of
him. And he did. Robert later became a chief.
I developed a passion for
travel in Miss Hopkins’ 4th and 5th grade geography class.
One day a strong gust of wind came in through the open window
and blew her hairpiece out the window. I felt so bad for her
I almost cried. One of the boys had to retrieve it. I think
of her often as I travel all over the world. One day George
Klein told me that he wanted to be a disc jockey. We both had
dreams that came true.
Humes: Mr. Meeks was a quiet man and a good teacher.
He and his wife didn’t have any children. I called his wife
when he died and she seemed pleased that I remembered him.
Miss Marmann, my 8th grade music teacher, was very strict. If
you chewed gum in her class it wound up on your nose or behind
your ear.
What
I learned from Mrs. Lokey, the cosmetology teacher, has been a
blessing both personally and professionally. Ada Lee
Thompson, Maryleen Reece and I went to Nashville with our
mothers, who we used as our models, to take our state boards.
We were all in the Thompson’s car with Maryleen driving. What
a great trip. Our spirits were high and we all received our
cosmetology licenses. I worked downtown at Kay’s Beauty Salon
in the Commerce Title Building during my senior year.
Ada Lee now lives in
Metairie, LA and we get together 2 or 3 times a year.
Maryleen’s son, John Robertson, owned Alfred’s on Beale until
his recent death.
Fun things
included football games at Crump Stadium. We would walk
either to the game or home. We couldn’t afford the bus fare
both ways. Maywood was another adventure. Maryleen and I
borrowed Henry Pittman’s car to go swimming there. On the way
back we had a flat tire. We found a ride home and Henry had
to come get his car after he got off from work. My dad thought
Henry was too old for me, but he let him take me to my first
prom. The dances at Dave Wells Community Center and Holy Names
Catholic Church were great. We attended the Midnight Rambles
at the W.C. Handy Theater on Park Ave. Most of the
entertainers went on to become stars. It was there that I met
Buddy Scott, my future husband.
I dated Bobby Blancett ,who
lived in South Memphis. He took a bus across town to my house
and we would take a bus downtown to a movie. Then we would go
back to my house on a bus and then he would go home on another
bus. Coach Rube Boyce was always telling me not to keep Bobby
out late because he needed his rest to do his best in the
football games. Red West took me to a football banquet.
Freddie Barrow, Billie
Chiles, Mattie Rainey and Mary Sanders are some of my dearest
friends. Billie had a knack for putting people together as
friends and couples. Her brother, Sonny, taught us to dance.
I really miss her. Billie was the glue that held out class
reunions together. I also remain close to the Anderson
family. Guthrie Anderson’s personality reminds me of my dad.
Fun! Fun! Fun!
Buddy and I were married at
Decatur Trinity Christian Church. We have one child, Teresa
Kay. Also married that night was Ben Anderson and Mary
Sanders, in the preacher’s study, during our wedding
reception. Over 100 Humes alumni still attend Decatur Trinity
which moved to Bartlett many years ago.
Elvis: The first time I saw
Elvis perform was at the Male Beauty Show at Humes.
Elvis asked me to sign his yearbook, and I asked him to sign mine. He couldn’t believe that I wanted him to sign mine. Elvis’ mother and my grandmother worked together at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Buddy, Teresa and I visited Graceland several times during the early years that Elvis lived there. My mother, Katherine, and I had the pleasure of being the guests of Elvis and Red West for a weekend at the Sahara Hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in May, 1973. The opening night party was spectacular. Elvis never forgot his roots or his friends. I saw several of his concerts before he died. He was a great entertainer and a good friend. George Klein comes to the Elvis Festivals in Tupelo (where I now live) and we have fun talking about the old days and catching up with what is going on in our lives.
Elvis asked me to sign his yearbook, and I asked him to sign mine. He couldn’t believe that I wanted him to sign mine. Elvis’ mother and my grandmother worked together at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Buddy, Teresa and I visited Graceland several times during the early years that Elvis lived there. My mother, Katherine, and I had the pleasure of being the guests of Elvis and Red West for a weekend at the Sahara Hotel in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in May, 1973. The opening night party was spectacular. Elvis never forgot his roots or his friends. I saw several of his concerts before he died. He was a great entertainer and a good friend. George Klein comes to the Elvis Festivals in Tupelo (where I now live) and we have fun talking about the old days and catching up with what is going on in our lives.
I have had a
wonderful life, certainly not without problems. Mother used
to say a person can’t have it all. God has truly blessed me.
He is my Savior and the Lord of my life. I had a very serious
illness and actually saw the light at the end of the tunnel.
Without God, I would not have had all these extra years.
I retired from General
Electric. I have lived in Tennessee, Florida, Texas,
California and Mississippi. California was my favorite place
to live. God made a beautiful world for us to enjoy and I am
still traveling as much as I can to see it. I have met people
and made friends I will always remember. I do a lot of mission
trips and enjoy them tremendously. They are very rewarding. I
am involved in absolutely everything I have time to do in
Tupelo including church projects, Civitan Club, ballroom
dancing, Friends of the Library, Telephone Pioneers and other
senior group activities.
I was born in Memphis, TN,
and Elvis was born in Tupelo, MS. I guess I could say that
Elvis and I changed places. I hope Elvis is as happy as I am.
9-18-04