Tuesday, February 15, 2011


......LHS News......
Originally sent February 14

Last Call if you want to get a recipe in the Museum of the Great Plains Anniversary Cookbook. To celebrate the Museums 50th Anniversary, will be out [planned] in July. They want old family favorites...grandma's, Aunt Nellies, Uncle Bob's....old recipes for most part, maybe unusual recipes not so common now, or old recipes for staples like beans, cornbread, BBQ, stew, chili's, cobblers, and a little story or history of the recipe if it has any. Can send directly to Marilyn (Lewis) Smith - rsou@aol.com - or send to me & I will forward. NOTE.......need them NO LATER than February 17.

Susan (Hankins) Ellington
has out 2 pages - in PDF format - about the 55th Reunion of the class of 1956. Lot of activities planned for this June 10-11-12, 2011. I would suggest the easiest and best thing to do is to contact Susan via email or phone & ask her to email the info to you... IF... you did not get it and want to know about the reunion. Susan: or call: (505) 662-0435. Sounds fun & hope to be able to attend some of it myself!

From the eMail bag.......many comments about last news and other......

Mike Harris, '59, asking about the Goofus Dancers prompted several replies and a picture (above).
A picture of the dancers appears on page 98 of the 1959 Lore.

"The dancers are Ella Price, Kay Holsey, Johnna Gordon, and Stella Price. Johnna's mother, Jean Gordon, helped us with the idea. She had done it or seen it at OU. We had burlap sacks with bright colored faces painted on them with iridescent paint so that they showed up under the lights. We extended our arms over our head so that the face was over our head and down to our waist. Then we had men's coats that extended from our waists to below our knees. I believe we borrowed band members white buc shoes. I can hum the tune, but do not know the name of it. It was a funny skit and we had fun doing it."
Kay (Holsey) Strickland, '59

Preston McPhail dug into his photograph archives and produced the picture he had taken for the Lore. (below). It is the four mentioned above but don't know who is who?

"I remember the Goofus Dancers. The Phil Harris recording as I recall. But the outfits as I remember them were the bags over the heads and arms (held upward to hold the bag) but is was the chest and bellies of the dancers that were painted with faces. I too laughed myself silly up in the balcony among the many "great unwashed."
Joe Boyd, '59

"I remember the "then" picture of Howard Council very well. In those days he was making belts and wallets for all the guys in FFA. He was always a very nice guy. Good to see him getting the recognition he deserves. I still have a belt that he made. And, I can still wear it."
Bobby Spradlin, '55

I know Bobby and he DOES stay in great shape! Disgusting! hahahahhahahhaha

"Maybe I'm the last one to discover this fantastic book, "Empire of the Summer Moon" about Quanah Parker. His granddaughter was my 5th grade teacher at Will Rogers Elementary School. It is a wonderful history of the Comanche Chief. It is very interesting to read a book and know exactly where parts of it took place. Parker's Star House, the Mountains, Cache, Ft. Sill. At one point the writer references "An amusement park" no longer there which has to be Craterville Park. My family on my mother's side used to have family reunions at Craterville Park. I have one picture of the Blake and Parks families taken when my cousin Naomi (Parks) Schraner and I were infants and Naomi's brother, Wayne Parks, '60, wasn't born yet. The picture had to have been taken in 1941. I highly recommend "Empire of the Summer Moon". It isn't for the faint hearted being graphic about the hardships of life then and the reality of the conflicts between the Indians and the white man but it is well written and I found it so interesting I didn't want to put it down."
Jovita (Reinwand) Weeks, '59

Fran (Jacks) Wehner, '64, continues to receive honors and regognition for her photography work. This past week she was presented the 'Artist of the Year-2010' award by the City of Lawton Arts and Humanities Council. Lawton Mayor Fred Fitch (brother of '59 classmate Carlana (Fitch) Murray) helped present the award honoring Fran's decades of contributions as a professional photographer, painter, jewelry artist, photography teacher, and mentor to dozens of aspiring artists. She was presented a lovely hand-made pottery bowl made especially for this presentation by another local artist, Patty Ferguson. I understand that Patty has a gift shop/studio in Medicine Park area and Frans' work can be seen at:

www.photosbyfran.com

A note from '59 classmate and Washington School alumni Raymond Butler, that he & wife Carolyn (Durham), '60, have just celebrated their Golden 50th Anniversary! Quite an accomplishment this day and time. Major Congrats!
Raymond also add this....."delighted to hear George Karty is still around. George was a great artist at Washington [school] and inspired me to get into art."

Received another comment about George Karty. This from Bobby Newton, '60:
.." I can honestly tell you that George Karty was the toughest person I ever knew. Didn't know him well, but he boxed Golden Gloves when he was in high school, I believe 147 pounds. The event was held at Ft. Sill. I do not remember who George fought or who won, but it was the most awesome fight I have ever seen, bar or professional. He and the other fighter stood, flat footed for three minute rounds, hitting each other as hard as they could, as fast as they could for the entire 9 minutes. The crowd came apart. I can still see it today and think of it often. He was some kind of fighter."
Bobby

btw....Bobby's mom - Wynona Newton - taught 4th grade at Washington School many, many years. Occasionally would go to her house after school and bake cookies! I owe learning the multiplication tables to her. She told us to go home & learn whatever numbers x whatever number....we were scared not to!!!! Now if I can just remember them!!??

Belva (Hollingshead) Williams - would have been '59 but moved - sent a great picture with these comments.....
..."this is a picture taken at Lincoln Elementary in the spring of 1952 (5th grade). I was there for only 6 weeks. This was a school play (musical). It was probably 5th and 6th graders. So the [future]classes of '58 and '59. That was cool about George Karty. I remember him from Jr. High. Very athletic, as I recall." (photo above).
Belva
Maybe some will recognize classmates.

"Saturday [Jan 15]the Oklahoma City Philharmonic began their program with Brahms Academic Festival Overture. Anyone who was in the LHS band in ’54-’55 would have been awash in memory because it was the band’s contest piece that year. It seemed we rehearsed at least a portion of it during every rehearsal from the spring of ’54 through the spring of ’55. The purpose of all that work was to win contests and – it just recently occurred to me – that the purpose of winning contests was to get the band director a better job; which it did. After four years as a high school director, he became director of bands at the University of Houston. A few years ago he retired from that job.
A friend told me that transcriptions of serious orchestra works are no longer available for bands. Pity. Since there are only four or five high school orchestras in Oklahoma, the majority of instrumental music students do not have the opportunity to play ‘good’ music.
John Waller

Don't normally mention but I just happen to know some February birthdays (and sure there are others).....
Alice Aurrell; Larry Campbell; Shirley Brittain; moi!

Does anyone else remember - in grade school - we brought a shoe box to school and covered it with crepe paper, cut-out hearts, lace paper doilies. Some glued those candy hearts with messages (Be Mine, Luv U) on them - man, those hearts tasted terrible! Still do! Cut a slot in top and we sat them in the room with our name on box and kids would deposit their Valentines in them! Such fun - at least at the time!

Wishing you love, hearts, flowers, and LOTS of chocolate on this
Valentines Day ~ 2011! S.W.A.K.! xoxoxoxxoooxxoox.........Georgia

Sunday, February 13, 2011




......LHS News......
Originally sent February 10

Again more sad news, but some happy news too!

Sorry to report the passing of Effie Lee Williams, 96, of Lawton. Lee passed Monday February 7. She is mom of classmates Paula (Williams) Johnson, '55 of Lawton and Ronald Jim Williams, '63, of Marlow.
Services will be 10:00am, Friday, February 11 at the Western Hills church of Christ in Lawton with burial at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Personal note: I have known Effie Lee (Lee in later years) my whole life. Attended church with her & her hubby Paul (deceased) & Paula & Ronald Jim for many years. Very gracious and pleasant lady. Talent in so many areas, an excellent cook. I have many a great recipe Lee was happy to share.

Also passing, classmate Martin Sanchez, 73, of Lawton. Martin passed February 1after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was LHS class 1958. Services with full military honors were held February 5. Martin is survived by a daughter Gayla; sister Denise Castro; many nieces and nephews.
Extended obit and guest book at: http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

'64 classmate and friend Sue (Chalk) Briggs will have a cancer related surgery next week at Mayo Clinic. She would appreciate your prayers in her behalf.

Doyce Grayson is now at home after lengthy stay in hospital and the loss of a toe due to diabetes. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

I hope you will join me in remembering all these in our prayers!

And speaking of Doyce....."I Hope Doyce Grayson is doing well. He's about the last living guy that I used to strike out all the time in little league baseball. Or, maybe I never struck him out . I can't remember for sure. Anyway, I hope everything goes well for him."
Bob Spradlin, '55

I have a feeling Doyces recollection will be different!!

In other news......

The [Daily] Oklahoman featured a front page color picture and great article on Howard Council, Lawton - expert saddle maker - in Sunday January 30 issue. Howard's saddles are owned by George Strait; numerous world champion rodeo celebs including 8 time world champ Roy Cooper. Howard will receive the Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award during the 50th Anniversary Western Heritage Awards on April 16 at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in OKC.
The article and additional pictures (maybe video?) available at: search for Howard Council.
Howard is LHS class 1945 and married since 1949 to '52 classmate Genevieve (Thomas) Council.
Photos above, show Howard recently; blk/wht shows Howard in 1950 in his first shop.

Once again Herb Jacobs Sunday column - 'Where Are They Now' - in Lawton Constitution (Feb. 6), features really great story on '54 classmate Buddy Braddy. A good read if you can get a copy.

OK '59 er's....."A new question. One of our assembly programs that I remember had a skit titled "The Goofus Dance" which to me was hilarious. I don't remember the names of the dancers (must have been four or five) and I could never figure out how their costumes were made. They seemed like large bags with faces painted on them, the bag covered the dancer's head and came down to knee level as I recall. Who were the dancers and what would be a better description of the costume?"
Mike Harris

'50's trivia: Gladys Horton who sang with the Marvelettes on hits including 'Mr. Sandman', died in Los Angeles at age 66. Who can forget that..."bom, bom, bom, bom, bom, bom, bom.......bom, bom, bom, bom, bom....Mr. Sandman...." (sing with tune).....haha!

I have posted the pictures that I took at the September 2010 Reunion - classes '49 ~ '52, on the blog. Will work to get those Jo Riley gave me posted soon also. Go to blog: On right hand side of page under 'Links to LHS Pictures'.....class '49-'52 reunion - Sept. 2010. Have names for most, but if you see one with no name or wrong name, please let me know.

Wednesday night it was -2 (two BELOW) in Lawton, America! Cannot remember it ever being that cold! Only good thing, wind hasn't blown for couple of days! Chilly regards from the home town. Georgia

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

......LHS News......
Originally sent January 29

It is with heavy heart I report the passing of my sister-in-law, Lugene (Williams) Mushrush, 74, of Houston.
Lugene passed on Thursday evening, January 27 after a lengthy illness with her lungs. She was LHS class 1954.
Lugene is survived by her husband Bill Mushrush; her brother - my Bill; 3 sons - Steven Stratton, Mark Stratton, and their wives and children, both of Austin, TX; Stan Stratton and wife and children of Houston.
A niece, Leslie (Williams) Boudrieau of Boston; three step- children and several step-grandchildren. Numerous cousins and friends.
Lugene - known as 'Gram' to all the grandkids - was a wonderful and talented lady, she is certainly going to be greatly missed by so many.
A Memorial Service will be held 10:00am, Thursday February 3 at the Memorial Drive Presbyterian church in Houston. Arrangements by George H. Lewis Funeral Services of Houston.

So very sorry to report the passing of John Damon Garrett, 46, of Lawton. John passed on January 24 after a lifetime battle with leukemia. He is the son of Beth (Faulkner) Garrett of Lawton and Nick Garrett of Lawton.
He is also a cousin of classmates
Allen Johnson; Bill Kilpatrick.
Services were January 27. Extended obit and guest book at:
http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Also passing, Hazel Love Arnold, 98, of Checotah. Hazel is the mother of LHS classmate Rex Arnold, '55. Services were January 29 in Lawton.
Extended obit and guestbook at:
http://www.beckerfuneral.com/

Please join me in keeping all these who have lost loved ones...in your prayers.

Doyce Grayson is in Comanche County Memorial Hospital. Complications of a toe injury hampered by diabetes!
Doyce would love to hear from you! And certainly wishing him all the best!!!

From the eMail bag:

'59 classmate Jerry (Sasser) Childs and her husband Ron have been in Africa as missionaries for some 30+ years. They recently traveled over 1,000 miles with their grandchildren - Tanika and Tobi - traveling from Niamey to Diffa. Jerry is in sunglasses.


Fran (Jacks) Wehner, '64, received the Photographic Craftsman Degree from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) at a formal ceremony during the International (PPA) convention in San Antonio earlier this month. The degree is a prestigious national-level award for photographers who have met the stringent requirements for teaching, mentoring, and furthering the art of photography. Taking years to accomplish the requirements, a rather limited number of professional photographers achieve this highest level of professional recognition.
As a result of her accomplishments, Fran was also invited to become part of the American Society of Photographers (ASP), a separate organization (by invitation only), comprised of the best photographers in America. She was inducted into the organization during the international convention and becomes part of the prestigious Who's-Who in American Photographers. (see photo below).

And another great photographer in our LHS midst.......I appreciate Jeannnine Stegin for giving me a heads-up on LHS classmate
Dixie (Massad) Sheridan.
"The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, at Lincoln Center, is pleased to announce the acquisition of the theatre photographs of Dixie Sheridan, documenting Off and Off-Off Broadway theatre.
Noted for her unique relationships with her subjects and a talent for capturing the theatrical moment, Dixie Sheridan's collection will be a valued addition to the holdings of The New York Public Library."
To read more and see some of Dixies amazing work, check it out at:
www.dixiesheridan.com

With so many of our classmates and families ill, I have received links to couple of sites that might be helpful. I have no personal knowledge of the service offered by either.

1). For women currently undergoing chemotherapy, there is a service that provides free housecleaning - once per month for 4 months while she is in treatment. Need to sign up and have your doctor fax a note confirming the treatment
Cleaning for a Reason will have a participating maid service in her zip code area arrange for the service. This organization serves the entire USA and currently has 547 partners to help these women. It's our job to pass the word and let them know that there are people out there that care. Be a friend to someone and pass this information along.

2). And this site to perhaps help those who are care givers:

Appreciate Wade Harrison and Bert Click for the links.

A gorgeous 76 here today, beautiful evening, BUT....this next Wednesday night low forecast at....brrrrr....10! Regards to all.......Georgia