Thursday, December 31, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 28


Classmates......
Mary Sue Silk will celebrate her 90th birthday on Jan. 3. If you would like to send her a greeting, her mailing address is: 7201 SW 11th Street, Lawton, OK 73505. I am sure she would be delighted!

Sorry to report the passing of L.S. "Skip" Grundman, 72, of Lawton. Skip passed on Dec. 22. He was born in NY and grew up in New Jersey before moving to Lawton in 1949 and graduated LHS, class '55.He is survived by former wife, Patricia; four children - Mark, Kelly, Dawn, Tracy.Services will be at 2:00pm, Tuesday Dec. 29, Lawton Ritter Gray Funeral Home Chapel. Extended obit and guest book at <www.grayfuneral.com>

Well, I spoke tooooooo soon about snow and bad weather.....someplace else! Christmas Eve we had one of the worst 'blizzards' I can remember in Lawton, America! The wind was horrible, it blew, howled, 40-60mph for hours! A 'white out'.... at sea level yet! It was something and dumped 6-8-10 inches of snow in our area in a fairly short period of time! More in OKC and Wichita Falls was hit hard also. Roads closed, power off, businesses closed! Man! What a storm. Started about midnight Wednesday night.....blew through by about 4:30 Thursday afternoon and Santa loaded up for his deliveries! Numerous couldn't get home for Christmas and that made it tough for some. Christmas Day brought sunshine and shovels out of the garage and things slowly melting and back to 'normal'.Bracing for more snow on Tuesday!
I had several write to let me know that Jean (Shanklin) Orr is class of '62. I'm sorry I do not have an update on her. Will try to find out how she is doing.
My sister-in-law, Lugene (Williams) Mushrush, remains in ICU in Houston Methodist, but is better. Some have emailed on how to contact her and the easiest....she now has her 'computer' - IPOD thing, and if you would like to email her - . Lugene is class '54.
'Boucher Was Dominating Hurler at LHS'....so reads the headline. This Sundays weekly column by Constitution sports writer Herb Jacob - Where Are They Now?' - is all about '59 classmate Jerry Boucher and the Wolverines rise to become the dominant baseball team in Oklahoma. Other names mentioned: '59-ers David Hillis, Oscar Pickering, Charles Brooks, Billy Dayton; plus, Bob Howard, Jimmy Bohl, Gale McCray, Hartwell Menefee, Johnny Parrish, and Dennis Blanton. Also, coach Bob 'Peewee' Williams. Great read about great times, page 3-C, Sunday Constitution, Dec. 27.

From the eMail bag - Great Christmas story:
"I wanted to tell you about my Dad, Art Farrington. He has been a Shrine Santa for over 30 years and is planning on retiring at the ripe old age of 90. He and another Shriner friend started the unit to raise money for the crippled children and burn units supported by the Shriners. They have raised over $100,000! I'm so proud of him. One day I asked him why he wasn't Santa when I was a child. He said, "I was, I just didn't have the suit for another 50 years!". Ouch!! KSWO will be doing a piece on him Christmas Eve. Hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas -- I will be with Santa!"
Linda Farrington, class '66
(a great Santa he is....(pix above)
All the news for now.......Georgia

Saturday, December 26, 2009


......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 22

I am sorry to report the passing of Lois Jean (Thompson) Hinman, 65, of Lawton. Lois passed on Dec. 20, after a lengthy illness. Lois was a '62 grad of LHS and attended Cameron. She is survived by husband Robert; daughter Lana.
Services will be at 2:00pm, Wednesday Dec. 23, First Christian church, burial in Highland Cemetery.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com
So sorry for this familys loss.

I had a chance meeting earlier this evening with Jerry Orr. Jerry is married to Jean (Shanklin). He told me Jean suffered a seizure about 9 days ago, her heart stopped. She was revived by paramedics, but some loss of oxygen to her brain was sustained (amount of time not known). She has been in a coma since then & is in ICU at Memorial Hosp here in Lawton. He said the prognosis was not particularly good and asked for any who would to please include Jean in their prayers. And remember Jerry too. This is very difficult for him.
Jean has a twin sister Jane, LHS grads but do not know year. Also, brothers Jack, Bob, Jerry. A brother Bill and a sister Judy are deceased. All LHS grads.

And, we would also appreciate your prayers on behalf of my Bills sister - Lugene (Williams) Mushrush. She has a very serious chronic lung condition and was admitted to a hospital in Houston earlier this evening. She is in ICU also.

Earl Barton & Marilyn are with daughter in VA and report some 20" of snow!!!! Kay (Pavillard) and Jerry Otis send pictures of new triplet grandkids out in first snow of great depth......and our daughter Leslie in Boston area sends pictures of new puppy out in first snow! Kay (Crossland) sent snow pictures also from her kids areas. Beautiful snow....especially when its somewhere else!

Charles Ellenbrooks' monthly article in the Lawton Constitution today - Dec. 22 - is a great article/interview with 86 year old Arlie Wood. Wood reminisces about the days when his father helped build the road up Mt. Scott and 'hard time' Christmases of the '30's. Great read. Page 1B.

Note: Arlie Wood attended Lincoln School, dropped out of LHS in 1941 to try and get into the Army. He later received his GED and recently on his 86th bday received a diploma from LHS.

Do you know.....'Rudolph the RED nosed Reindeer' is 60 years old this Christmas! Younger folks may not know the name Gene Autry, but it was Autrys writing and recording that made Rudolph famous and Autrys' remains the most popular rendition of the song. Along with Autrys recording of 'Here Comes Santa Claus'....Autry was dubbed the "Christmas Cowboy". Happy Birthday Rudy and thank you Gene Aurty! Listen and/or sing along with Gene at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cLf0DDt3Xiw&feature=related

I personally believe global warming is a hoax, but some are genuinely concerned. With all the media coverage, a picture is still worth a 1,000 words and I thought a picture of global warming protestors would be of interest. (above).

Next few days but will busy for all. I hope you have a wonderful holiday of family and love! I have 23 coming for Christmas dinner Friday! Everyone brings tasty morsels, so works well. Needless to say, I will not be on computer much, so try not to do anything 'newsworthy'.

I want to wish all my classmates and friends a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Georgia

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 18

Not much news right now, but a loss I wanted to get out as funeral is tomorrow (Sat).
Sorry to report the passing of Jennie Ellen (Sullivan) Green, 92, of Lawton. Jennie passed on Dec. 15 at her home in Lawton. She was born in Arkansas but moved to Lawton and graduated from LHS. (do not know year).She is survived by a son Dr. Lawrence Green; three daughters, Jane Ellen Johnson, Jenny Lou Whaylen, and Saradell Horton She was preceded in death by her husband Dr. Charles Green and a daughter Ann Mary (Green) David.
Services will be at 1:30pm, Saturday Dec. 19, First Baptist church. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

Dee (Vanderpool) Glass, class '52, just celebrated a birthday recently and her hubby Hugh celebrated his 90th yesterday (17th) and the topper is they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary today - December 18! Major congrats guys!

And....another bday......"My mom use to make all kinds of candy at Christmas and would make up boxes of her candy to give to friends and family each year. Aunt Bills Brown Candy was one of them and also, my favorite. Mom no longer makes her candy, but will celebrate her 98th birthday on December 18. Her younger sister, my Aunt Lilith (Baird), was 96 on December 3rd. They are both a delight to be around."
Kay (Crossland) Arceneaux

I appreciate '59 classmate Wade Harrison for sending links to some great 50's Christmas songs. I have had a little trouble with this site so hope it will work for you! My fav is White Christmas by the Drifters!

Gotta get back to it.........an elfs work is never done! Georgia

Monday, December 14, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 12

Sorry to learn of the passing of Peter 'Pete' Arnold Sherman, 56, of Pasadena, CA. Pete passed on Nov. 25. Pete is '72 grad of LHS, attended OU and USAO in Chickasha. He is survived by ex-wife Donna Seron; brother Ernie; sisters Sevelta and Lela.Funeral and burial service was in Anadarko.

The 'circulation' for LHS News continues to grow. I am happy you enjoy the news and I enjoy hearing from so many of you across the US of A, Germany, Africa, and pen-pals it has created in other areas of the world! Aren't computers grand!

From the eMail bag:
"The LHS fight song has been going round and round in my head since yesterday. As I recall, the last line as I remember it, differs from Fullerton's. I think it should be all our loyal fans go marching back to the bar for more beer, beer, beer, beer, beer, beer, beer . . .? then begin again."
Scotty '56 [Scott Brown]

"I am quite familiar with the Polka Dot house. It belonged to Whit Ozier who was the Youth Leader at Centenary Methodist Church downtown. He also sponsored the senior high Methodist Youth Fellowship and we had many a Sunday night at his house after MYF Meetings and Church. I was lucky to have my father stationed at Fort Sill and we went to Centenary (my years were 1955-1957). We all looked forward to those gatherings."
David B. Craig, '57

And, a little bit of a differing remembrance on the polka-dot house:
"The story I remember about the house was as follows: The owner of the house delivered bread and parked his bread truck in front his home. Neighbors complained and said the truck distracted from the homes and did not blend it with the neighborhood. Since he delivered Wonder Bread, he painted the same colorful circles on his home that were on his truck! That took the focus off of the truck!!!"
Paul Porter, '64, Atascadero, CA
Paul emailed again that he thought someone named 'Martin' had owned the house on 17th. Maybe after Oziers? Anyone know?

"Happy Holidays to all LHS Classmates. Just a reminder for all of you to make a note on your calender for April 10, 2010 for our ALL CLASSMATES REUNION. We will start the planning after the holidays. If any of you have any ideas, your input will be greatly appreciated. AGAIN HAPPY HOLIDAYS!"
Geneva (Harris) McIntosh LHS 62
Sherry (Asbery) Wiley LHS 61
Wynnann (Moore) Wright LHS 62
Wiley "Don" Hamm, LHS 63

Lawton Public Schools formerly turned control of the old High School/Central building to the City of Lawton on Friday. The school still owns the property, but the building - which has undergone extensive renovation - will now be managed by the city and is officially Lawton City Hall. The ceremony included former students and teachers.

btw...Fred Fitch - LHS '65 and brother of '59 classmate Carlana (Fitch) Murray, has just been elected Mayor of the 'home-town'. Fred is a longtime business owner and will bring knowledge and expertise of private sector business to the city office!

Christmas Treat! Last year about this time, I ran the recipe for Aunt Bills Brown Candy. (considered by myself and most others who have had joy of munching, to be the 'KING' of home-made candies). I had much response about it and some have asked recently. So....if you have interest, the recipe is re-posted on the WolverNet blog. Enjoy! (see post below)

Well, temp in teen digits night or two.... I would say...winter has arrived! Stay warm....Georgia

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Aunt Bills Brown Candy ~ Oklahoma Tradition!

The recipe for Aunt Bills made its debut during The Oklahoman and Times - WKY Cooking School held in October 1932.
The candy was an instant success/favorite. This soft, nutty, and somewhat crumbly southern delight is a cross between praline and fudge and is the ideal holiday treat.
Although some persons have made it with no help, two people are reccommended - especially to beat it. Makes 30 pieces.

Ingredients:
3 cups sugar, divided
1 cup half and half
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pound pecans, toasted, coarsely chopped (about 4 cups)

Preparation:
Butter 8x8x2-inch metal baking pan. Combine 2 cups sugar and half and half in heavy large saucepan. Stir occasionally over low heat until sugar dissolves. Set aside.
Bring remaining 1 cup sugar and 1/4 cup water to boil in heavy medium saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Increase heat; continue boiling without stirring until syrup turns deep amber, brushing sides of pan with wet brush and swirling pan, about 8 minutes.
Immediately pour caramel syrup into half and half mixture in large saucepan (mixture will bubble). Stir constantly over medium-low heat until caramel dissolves. Attach candy thermometer to side of pan. Increase heat to medium. Continue cooking and stirring until mixture registers 244°F, about 12 minutes.

Remove from heat and immediately stir in baking soda (mixture will foam slightly). Add butter and stir to melt. Let stand without stirring until mixture cools to 160°F, about 20 minutes. Mix in vanilla.Using large wooden spoon, stir constantly until candy begins to thicken and loses its gloss, 4 to 5 minutes. (usually takes two people to beat). Mix in nuts (candy will be very stiff). Scrape candy into prepared pan.
Using wet fingertips, press candy firmly into pan. Cool completely, then cut into 30 squares.

YUM! YUM!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 6

I am so sorry to report the passing of Maurice Bolton 'MB' Garlow, 84, of Lawton. Mr. Garlow passed on Dec. 1. He is husband of our '59 classmate Barbara (Walston) Moeller Garlow. MB is also survived by a son.The family will receive friends 6:00 - 8:00pm this evening (Sunday) at Becker Funeral Home.Services will be at 11:00am, Monday Dec. 7, First Baptist church in Lawton. Burial with full military honors will be at 2:30 Monday at Restlawn Cemetery in Altus.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

From the eMail bag:
Tommye Hobbs emailed she is going 'green' with her Christmas cards this year (they will be via email). She said it may save stamps, transportation, paper, but sure didn't save any time!!!!

'59 classmate Larry Joe Thompson emailed that he is on 'final approach'...once again with a load of 'stuff'. Larry Joe retired last year from his job at the Pentagon and is in process of moving back to the 'home town'.

And, I know '59 classmate Richard 'Dick' Densley is in process of moving from Washington state to Texas! Not sure where he is...? He may be there or at least getting close!

Regards to all........Georgia

Sunday, December 6, 2009

......LHS News......
Originally sent Dec. 4

I am so sorry to report the passing of Linda (Gross) Evilsizer Strelecki, 65, of Lawton. Linda passed Dec. 3. I understand that she was very recently diagnosed with cancer. She is '62 grad of LHS, also a graduate of Cameron University. Survivors include a daughter Amy; a brother, '59 classmate Ken Gross; two sisters, Carolyn and Nanette.
Services will be 10:00am, Monday Dec. 7, First United Methodist church in Lawton. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Extended obit and guest book at: www.beckerfuneral.com

From the eMail bag:
This email on the 'song' was from James Byrn, forwarded to me by James Fullerton....I remember the song and sure numerous of you do also. I remember the 'faculty' made 'us' stop singing it at pep rallys and such, don't think they appreciated it! haha! Current students don't seem to know or have heard of it?
To the tune of the Notre Dame fighting song.....anyone know who came up with this little 'ditty'...?
"Cheer, cheer, for old Lawton High, bring on the whiskey, bring on the rye; send a freshman out for gin and don't let a sober sophmore in. [O honey] We never stagger, we never fall; we sober up on wood alcohol...while our loyal fa-cul-ty lies drunk in the study hall.....beer, beer, beer......"

"Thanksgiving in Chili is a little different. The only turkey I had was my traveling companion Johnny. We went to the beach, had a beautiful lunch. It is a diverse and beautiful country. and cheap! Hope all of you had a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving. Love, Enoch Daniel"
(Dan Glascock, '59)

"I was a cheerleader in Sr year with Gwen Patterson. Also went with the Spanish Club to Mexico City between Sophomore and Jr years with Ada K. "Ms. Knight" a bunch of parents and our "Youth Ambassador Club". I am right now in Guatemala on a mission trip with 4 others from our church in Yucca Valley, CA. Just got here Saturday morning and have been out to the "out country" where we are checking out the water filtration that were installed and some have a few problems.Also our 2 missionaries called "Servants 4 Him" have built cook stoves with stove pipes to clear the smoke from the huts. We saw several and also saw one family of 22 people who are waiting for a cook stove. She showed us the floor pit fire where she kneels to make their food. A stove costs our missionaries $150 just for material and they do all the labor. We also had a kids activity and sang 2 songs with them. I got a video of that. You can not imagine the poverty of people or the way of life in this country. Usually I just hang out in Yucca Valley, CA with Norma Lee (Curry) Gardner also class of 56. We live in the same Sr Mobile Home Park. I do enjoy your newsletter. Thanks a lot."
Charlotte E. Magill, '56

Georgia, I also remember the polka dot house. I rode the 16th St. bus to & from LJHS.
Barbara Odom Smith '56

According to Ed Harp's class '54 newsletter, about 30 traveled to Sedona for the October reunion. Charlotte (Mills) Dittmore has posted some pictures at classmates.com. You can view by going to: <This">http://www.classmates.com/photos/album/view?communityId=596&communityType=1&albumId=22041220&photoId=143517864>This group is looking at a trip to San Antonio next April. They do get around!

All the news for now.........Georgia