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Comments: An error in my prior post has been gently brought to my attention. The photo of Mary Helen and daughter was sent to me in 2006, not 1966. And while I'm here again, let me encourage you to watch tonight's episode of Extreme Home Makeover. It comes on at 7:00pm (central time) on the ABC channel. The home is in Keller, Texas, and the lighting fixtures were provided by Jimmy Powell of the SOC Class of '62. Jimmy and wife Karen own a lighting business in Fort Worth. Karen reports that it was really cold last November when they did the big "Driver - Move That Bus" moment.
Comments: As I recall, Mary Helen attended Clara Oliver and Boude Storey with some of you. Here is a pic she sent me in 1966 of she and her daughter. The daughter (Dorothy Elizabeth) will turn 21 this year. http://people.consolidated.net/swsw/mhh-dgtr.jpg Mary Helen reminded me that she and I had once been neighbors living in a four-plex on Atoka near Fitzhugh. Digging thru her family album, she found this photo that looks like escapees from The Little Rascals. Back then, I had the unfortunate nickname of "Little John" (being a Jr.). She is at the far right in a goofy little pose and I am at the far left. It is Easter Sunday, 1950. You can tell who is dressed for church and who isn't: http://people.consolidated.net/swsw/mhh-js1950.jpg
Comments: JS - His daughter, Mary Helen, attended our 40th reunion. I scanned our website pix, but didn't see her photo.
Comments: The "Golden Debs" were the 1952 creation of Marianna Brady who taught at SOC until 1957, then became an elementary school principal. Ruby Bartlett ('55), one of the early Debs, had this to say about the Deb director: "Ms. Brady made history when she created the Golden Debs, and she did it her way. She was assigned the task of organizing a drill team for the brand new school, SOC, but she was adamant about not copying other schools with marching, batons, etc. At her own expense, Ms. Brady studied dance and actually spent a week in New York with the Radio City Rockettes to learn some of their secrets of the chorus line. Sticking by her guns, she accepted no more than 48 girls on the team and with the help of many members and a wonderful SOC parent, they designed the golden tuxedo that became famous throughout the school systems. She shared a story with many of us, at a luncheon in her honor, in which she was spending her free period shopping for the materials. As she stood on a downtown street corner for her ride back to school, one of the top DISD officials saw her and called SOC to ask what she was doing downtown. She had several difficult times but stood her ground and was very respected for her efforts in creating the award winning Debs. During this time, she also was the cheerleading sponsor and had gym classes. We all still love and respect that wonderful lady." My research (my, being JS) turned up the January, 1954 edition of Bear Tracks which reports 125 girls showed up to tryout for 14 openings in the Deb ranks. Ms. Brady, William Beckhart, and Betty Eskrigge were the judges having to make the hard decisions. I don't know if Betty Eskrigge was still at SOC during your years, but on March 20, 1964 she married the ROTC Commandant who first arrived at SOC back in 1953 as a young Captain - Joe M. Hill.
Comments: John - That was a great video clip of SOC, the old neighborhood & things in general during the 50's - thanks for posting it. Don Fugate produced another great one for our 40th reunion, plus several others since then of our mini get-togethers.
Comments: Sandy Mc, below is the most recent pic I've seen of Ms. Thomas. In 2005 one class threw her a surprise "reunion", complete with an ice sculpture of a top hat and boots. Quickly a couple of more classes horned in (not sure if the '66 Debs were there). In the pic I think I can recognize Gail Peterson and Barbara Boerschinger at the left, and Margaret Williams and Phyllis Kelley at the right. Each class stood with her for a photo - so this would be the '65 girls. http://people.consolidated.net/swsw/thomas&65ers.jpg Thomas was a tough gal. In recent years I've heard several SOCites admit "Ms. Thomas made me cry". Some of them were even females.
Comments: John, that was a great video. I especially liked the picture of Ms. Thomas. Thanks
Comments: i loved the video...it was great to see the pool, the texas theater, and everything else. and the tradition of good looking socites was obvious from the pix. thanks ronney...i really will try to be at the mini. v
Comments: Sally, When is your mom's birthday? I think you told me a year or so ago; but, I forgot. Still love that woman. Without a doubt, one of the sweetest women I have ever known.
Comments: Virginia Macon: I hope you can make it to the next mini. It is a nice, more casual venue to visit with one another. I enjoyed seeing you at the last reunion. Wish we had more time to visit. You seem to have the same "sparkling" personality you had in school. I am glad of that. I always enjoyed that in you.
Comments: John, That is a wonderful film. We were there in Oak Cliff in 58, just not in HS. Funny all the girls had curly hair ( like me) but when I got to HS, all the girls had STRAIGHT hair ( not like me) The straight hair has prevailed over the years. And many of the clothes were classic Audrey Hepburn-- so beautiful.
Comments: Sandra Mac....You little DEVIL...Thank you for my gift....This is our secret
Comments: That was a really good film - someone spent a really long time putting that together - 100 yrs ?!?
Comments: Last year the Class of '58 had their ... 100th reunion? and I think the following video clip was presented. I doubt you'll see any familiar faces, but the styles, music, and locations will bring back some memories of the old stomping grounds: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3419484971650301895 Hawkins, maybe you'll spot your brother. Sally & Virginia, you can save yourself a trip to Big-D and just watch the movie. [sidebar: the clip is 24 minutes, so pour yourself a margarita then kick back and enjoy when you have the time]
Comments: Sally, For the last few years, I have come down for the State Fair... love it! I really hope to make it to the mini..I will be returning from Florida on th 12th...maybe I'll just keep driving. |
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