With "Roadrunner," the latest IBM supercomputer, performing calculations at one petaflop (one thousand trillion calculations a second), tell your grandchild about trying to reach 40 wpm on those Underwood and Royal typewriters in our Typing Class. Have a camera ready, because the expression on their face is priceless!
The '59 class was so large, I did not know most of the members. Just those I went to elementary, junior high and church with. Also, surprised to find quite a few not listed in the Annona senior pictures. Horace (Buddy) Fleming is only one I know we lost in Viet Nam. Were there any others?
Buddy Fleming's helicopter squadron was on the other side of Freedom Hill (Danang) from my recon company and they provided us with transportation to/from combat missions. Sadly, I did not know of his proximity until I received word of his MIA status (later KIA). Later, at Troy University, the "Remember Buddy" day ceremony was attended by over 10,000 students, local citizens, and the news media. It was a fitting tribute to an outstanding Marine, Troy graduate, and PHS alum, who gave his life while attempting to rescue his comrades.
Horace (Buddy) Fleming's classmates from A. K. Suter School had a special program at the school honoring Buddy. At that time we also presented his flag and photos of him to the school. If any of you ever visit Suter School, ask to visit the Buddy Fleming Memorial Wall.
John ,I was sad to see that so many of our classmates have passed on. Does any one know what happened to Rick Rooker? He and I were very good friends in school, and we lost touch after I left. Thanks, Bob
My friend Rosemary Vaughn is listed in the Memorial Section. Did anyone know her and about her family, children, etc. After high school, I lost touch with her.
Also, I hope to see Yvonne Hammac at the reunion. We were friends since elementary school.
I look forward to seeing everyone. I know we will look different. Sometimes before and after's are good and sometimes not so good.
I certainly hope "the committee" can find a piano for Michael Aronson to play for us after so many years. I was told it would occur THIS time when I was requesting it for 1989 reunion. This is the time for our 1959 "stars" to shine. Surely Charles Cetti will rise to the occasion. It's difficult to imagine anything that might prempt these special moments shared by fellow students. From the contributions already entered on the website, it's quite obvious that many classmates have interesting talents, comments, or experiences to offer. How can we tap into this rich knowledge base?
WHO, posted all those old pictures? They are great, seems like a 'lived' at the 'Milk Bottle'; AND, I'm NOT in weight-watchers, I weight 'bout the same as I did in H.S.
Long before the term "designated driver" surfaced, there were "bridge drivers" in P'cola. It was an agreement among friends, that if you were too intoxicated to drive on the 3-mile Bay Bridge, you called a friend. Being a non-drinker (wow! has that changed!), I got a call from Conner Shaw; who was obviously feeling no pain and needed a ride home. When "Tex" Brock and I arrived at the Beach and located Conner, we discovered that Conner had gone behind a dune to "water some plants" and had encountered a skunk with an attitude. Conner smelled so bad, we made him ride on the fender of the car; which may sound dangerous, until you realize that the top speed of that vehicle under perfect conditions (i.e., hurricane-force tail wind and passengers leaning forward) we might reach at top speed of 40mph. When we got to the Santa Rosa Island Bridge, the draw-bridge portion was up, allowing a boat to pass. To Conner, that was a perfect opportunity to make new friends. He dismounted from the fender and began to go from car to car, greeting his soon-to-be victims. The car windows would open and after a sniff-or-two, close with record-breaking haste. We laughed until our sides hurt, as Conner swept the entire line of vehicles. It was one of those priceless moments.
Be the hit of parties and family reunions! Keep your grandkids entertained for hours! Drive unwanted house-guests insane! ...with the upcoming CD of this website! Get those photos on the "classmates" page now!
What's the big deal about a high school reunion? I have been intrigued about what makes a high school reunion so different. Perhaps you do, but I seldom place any importance on the assemblage of the classmates of the three universities I attended. After considerable reflection, buttressed by a few drinks, I have concluded that the difference lies in the combination of time and people. As teenagers, we were soaking up social information with adult-sized brains; how to establish friendships, how to influence decisions, how to be accepted in various groups, how to harness our peaking body chemicals (SEX), how to fit into the society beyond our own immediate neighborhood, and how to do it in a manner that would evoke parental pride (or relief). Being a product of a working-class family, I hungered for the success and security that many of you seemingly took for granted. Having no big brother or sister to mold my actions and thought, I learned by watching you, my high school classmates. You taught me many, many things; most were good, a few not-so-good. But the central theme is that you helped shape the character that I carried into college, into a war, through a successful career, in raising six kids (and the death of one), and into an love affair with the woman of my dreams. So, thanks for tolerating my curiosity and impatience, laughing at my cartoons, not laughing at my dancing, pushing me to use my brain, and most important - for being my friend. As a role model and example, you did a pretty damn good job! As for those who were rude and snooty, that's okay: I don't remember you anyway. Don
<em><font face="Verdana"> As has everyone else, want to express my thanks to all who are a part of putting reunion together and also thank all who have done such a great job of this site. Have thoroughly enjoyed it and check it almost everyday! As I imagine it has for others. this has opened a flood of memories for me!<br /> Would like to hear from anyone who might remember me after checking the 1959 Annona!<br /></font></em>
I have done the best that I can to find and include ALL classmates in this reunion. It will be a success for me if I am able to find, contact, or account for every single one of them. I am highly amused by the Dawn Benoit falderol, but such is almost a necessity to generate interest, however prurient it might be. Those of you I have contacted have been, for the most part, a real pleasure to have known or to get to know in a small way by a brief conversation. I can only hope that you all might feel the same way about me - the Rodney Dangerfield of the class.
Anyone remember Direct Plumbing Supply's annual jingle contest? The first was, "Direct came alive in '55." The next one was "Direct still clicks in '56". I forgot any subsequent years' winners. Kreitlein.
I believe it would be a good idea to split the two events, making one of them much less expensive than the other so that we could get participation from everyone.
I am continuing to search for people and have found five in the past few days. Unfortunately, several of the classmates I found earlier have expressed their feelings that they do not want to be involved with this reunion in any manner.
Apparently, this does not originate from anything that we or the planning committee have done, but rather comes from the individuals' personal feelings about their high school experiences. That, I am unable to address or do anything about fifty years later.
It is still difficult hearing that members of our class have passed on, but many of them remain in my memory. So, for as long as I am around, they will not be forgotten.
Although I can't remember his name, every time I see a Reese Peanut Butter Cup, I think of the classmate who ate them daily at lunch, to collect enough coupons for the "grand prize." After several months and tons of chocolate-laden peanut butter, he finally had the required "zillion" coupons. Reese acknowledged the box of coupons and he soon received his prize.......a case of Reese Peanut Butter Cups.
The classmate search is coming to a close. We have not accounted for only 21 (9 men-12 women). Hopefully, we'll find them all alive and well. We have some leads on some of them, but getting to talk to them and getting a viable address or e-mail contact point has been getting progressively more difficult.
Later, at Troy University, the "Remember Buddy" day ceremony was attended by over 10,000 students, local citizens, and the news media. It was a fitting tribute to an outstanding Marine, Troy graduate, and PHS alum, who gave his life while attempting to rescue his comrades.
Horace (Buddy) Fleming's classmates from A. K. Suter School
had a special program at the school honoring Buddy. At that time we also presented his flag and photos of him to the school.
If any of you ever visit Suter School, ask to visit the Buddy Fleming Memorial Wall.
Since I retired I wonder how I ever found time to go to work!
children, etc. After high school, I lost touch with her.
Also, I hope to see Yvonne Hammac at the reunion.
We were friends since elementary school.
I look forward to seeing everyone. I know we will
look different. Sometimes before and after's are
good and sometimes not so good.
Mary
It's difficult to imagine anything that might prempt these special moments shared by fellow students. From the contributions already entered on the website, it's quite obvious that many classmates have interesting talents, comments, or experiences to offer. How can we tap into this rich knowledge base?
Being a non-drinker (wow! has that changed!), I got a call from Conner Shaw; who was obviously feeling no pain and needed a ride home.
When "Tex" Brock and I arrived at the Beach and located Conner, we discovered that Conner had gone behind a dune to "water some plants" and had encountered a skunk with an attitude. Conner smelled so bad, we made him ride on the fender of the car; which may sound dangerous, until you realize that the top speed of that vehicle under perfect conditions (i.e., hurricane-force tail wind and passengers leaning forward) we might reach at top speed of 40mph.
When we got to the Santa Rosa Island Bridge, the draw-bridge portion was up, allowing a boat to pass. To Conner, that was a perfect opportunity to make new friends. He dismounted from the fender and began to go from car to car, greeting his soon-to-be victims. The car windows would open and after a sniff-or-two, close with record-breaking haste. We laughed until our sides hurt, as Conner swept the entire line of vehicles. It was one of those priceless moments.
Keep your grandkids entertained for hours!
Drive unwanted house-guests insane!
...with the upcoming CD of this website!
Get those photos on the "classmates" page now!
I have been intrigued about what makes a high school reunion so different. Perhaps you do, but I seldom place any importance on the assemblage of the classmates of the three universities I attended.
After considerable reflection, buttressed by a few drinks, I have concluded that the difference lies in the combination of time and people. As teenagers, we were soaking up social information with adult-sized brains; how to establish friendships, how to influence decisions, how to be accepted in various groups, how to harness our peaking body chemicals (SEX), how to fit into the society beyond our own immediate neighborhood, and how to do it in a manner that would evoke parental pride (or relief).
Being a product of a working-class family, I hungered for the success and security that many of you seemingly took for granted. Having no big brother or sister to mold my actions and thought, I learned by watching you, my high school classmates. You taught me many, many things; most were good, a few not-so-good. But the central theme is that you helped shape the character that I carried into college, into a war, through a successful career, in raising six kids (and the death of one), and into an love affair with the woman of my dreams.
So, thanks for tolerating my curiosity and impatience, laughing at my cartoons, not laughing at my dancing, pushing me to use my brain, and most important - for being my friend. As a role model and example, you did a pretty damn good job! As for those who were rude and snooty, that's okay: I don't remember you anyway.
Don
Just read your Direct comments. I remember them well, but unfortunately only the same two that you mentioned.
It was a hoot! Just keep searching; maybe '57 will come forth!
khw
I am continuing to search for people and have found five in the past few days. Unfortunately, several of the classmates I found earlier have expressed their feelings that they do not want to be involved with this reunion in any manner.
Apparently, this does not originate from anything that we or the planning committee have done, but rather comes from the individuals' personal feelings about their high school experiences. That, I am unable to address or do anything about fifty years later.
It is still difficult hearing that members of our class have passed on, but many of them remain in my memory. So, for as long as I am around, they will not be forgotten.
Just found the website today. What a trip! I've enjoyed all the comments I read, as well as all the divisions.
Whoever is responsible must be some kind of genius, because it is really very, very well done. Thanks a whole bunch!
Looking forward to the reunion in May.
k
Regards to all, JOHNNY REB