CHS Remembered as Grads Gather for All
Transcription
CHS Remembered as Grads Gather for All
on i un sue e R Is r a nir 3 e Y ve 01 l 2 Al Sou West Virginia’s Only High School Weekly 1926 - 1989 CHARLESTON HIGH SCHOOL, CHARLESTON, WEST VIRGINIA James R. Jarrett Coach Jarrett Instrumental in Charleston’s Integration CHS Print Shop Gave Real World Experience by Dan Robinson CHS 1959 — Printing I spent three years in Charleston High’s print shop under instructor James Loop. He was a hard taskmaster, but once he knew he could depend on you, he let you proceed at your own pace with minimum supervision and maximum encouragement. I didn’t need much encouragement. I loved setting type on the big, clanking Linotype machines, and from CHS, I went to the Charleston Gazette for another five years. A Working Print Shop The Charleston High print shop did all the printing for Kanawha County Schools. Grade cards, permit slips, stationery school newspapers and all. That means James W. Loop Charleston High’s Printing Teacher from the 1930s to the 1960s the students did the work. In doing the work, we actually were accomplished printers by the time we graduated. If you were one of “Jim’s Boys” you were almost assured of a job at any print shop in the state. No one worked harder than Jim Loop. The man was strong as an ox. Back in the days of hot metal, type was cast from lead, and a four-page spread weighed in at over three hundred pounds. Two students and Mr. Loop were enough to carry it back to the big press. That’s another reason I chose the Linotype over the pressroom. Those of you who remember me from school will recall a skinny kid standing 5’ 11”, and still only weighing 105 pounds. I didn’t play football for the same reason. It’s In the Blood Well . . . in my family it is. Both my father and my uncle took printing at CHS under Jim Loop. My father, Delmer Robinson, went on to a life-long career at the Charleston Gazette. My uncle, Bill, went to the Daily Mail. The Book Strap Students and staff at Charleston High took the Book Strap for granted. But it was a source of great pride for Charleston High. As it says in the masthead, Continued on Page 3 In December of 1958 former Garnet High School coach James R. Jarrett was named head basketball coach at Charleston High School, the first African American in the state to be appointed head coach at a previously all-white public school. He also taught several history courses in the 50s and 60s; particularly “Problems of Democracy,” an indication in 1960s Charleston that the school board recognized an African-American might bring a unique relevancy to the course. Although the area did not suffer the same turmoil as other cities, the mood was certainly one of cautious optimism. In addition to his winning record on the basketball court, the legacy of Coach Jarrett in achieving a smooth transition to full integration cannot be overstated. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to home of Coach Jim and Mrs. Virginia Jarrett in January 1960. Left to right: Mrs. Ruth Newsome, Rev. Moses Newsome, Mrs. Virginia Jarrett, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Mrs. Josephine M. Rayford, James R. Jarrett. Memorial Christmas Ornament — 1989 — Ann Castle Montgomery August 10, 2013 Accepting recognition for the weekend of August 9-11th and making it the Official Charleston High School All Class Reunion Weekend at the Charleston City Council on Monday August 5th. From right to left. Front row; (?1), Andy Richardson, (?3), (?4), Kathie Hess Crouse, B. Diane Clements, Sharon King (?8), (?9), Beth Wood Hall. Back row; Councilman Mike Nichols, (?2), (?3). IT’S OFFICIAL! CITY COUNCIL SAYS SO CHS Remembered as Grads Gather for All-Year Reunion Over 2000 Charleston High School graduates from 35 states and two foreign countries gathered on the weekend of August 10, 2013 for the second All-Year Reunion. The weekend was a success by any measure, event organizer, Sharon King (’59) and the entire reunion committee brought their professional skills to the event. For many years she was one of the driving forces behind the Sternwheel Regatta. With only 2000 tickets available, the grads filled the Charleston Civic Center for the main re- union event Saturday night. Individual classes held their own activities with golf, tennis, shopping and meetups all around town. The Facebook group from the Shadowlawn and Westview neighborhoods met Saturday for a tailgate party and stroll around the old neighborhood. (See picture on Page 4.) — Ann Castle Montgomery — The Charleston Daily Mail. Ike Fauber Guard “Comeback Player” Against George Washington — Fauber recovered an offensive fumble. Championship Game — He trapped an end for the first two TDs. ——————— Charleston High football player 1968-70, Ike Fauber still resides in the Charleston area and works at the Charleston Area Medical Center. —Debbie Baldwin Charlie How we wound up with a stuffed African Lion as the CHS mascot, is not really clear, but Charleston High was known to take in strays. Above, playing ‘fetch’, is the first known picture of Charlie, October 1958. Below, at a later date, surrounded by pom-poms, looking none the worse for wear. Page 2 Charleston High School, Charleston, West Virginia August 10, 2013 Blasts from the Past 1984 Girls Track and Field — Brenda Hairston Shelton Relay standouts are the girls who ran on Charleston High’s top-notch relay teams of 1984. From left to right: Audrey Jones, Joya Jones, Melissa Denson, Brenda Hairston, Quenetta Smith, Renee Carter, and Kim Canterbury. 1971 Basketball The Book Strap — from February 5, 1965, featured the annual talent show. It Was Worth All the Work ca. 1970-71 — Debbie Smith Baldwin Dribble Derby Seven Charleston High School students leave the school Saturday morning to take turns dribbling a basketball to Huntington for tonight’s Clas AAA Region Four finals between Charleston and Logan. From left: Ralph Jeans, Steve Ellis, Jim Watson, David Sweeney, Jay Shwartz, Amos Workman, and Duke Haddad. CHS Principal Carl Young (upper left) watches them go. (Charleston Gazette Staff Photo by Lewis Raines 1954 Championship Majorette Corps “I received the most awesome phone call this morning. One that makes you say ‘heck yeah it’s all worth it.’ I loved hearing that our Friday and Saturday night CHS reunion made a 70 year old wonderful woman feel 20 years old again and that she lived everything we did that makes me smile, cry, laugh, and renews my vigor to start all over again for the next one in 2016. And it makes me be able to say without a doubt that if you missed it, or if you just don’t think you would like it, or just had no excuse or a good excuse — I can say you don’t know what an awesome time you missed.” said Kathie Hess Crouse (class of ‘88) Kathie now resides in Buffalo, WV (about 45 minutes outside of Charleston) and was on the Saturday Night All Class Reunion Committee for 2013. Kathie has been on the committee from the very beginning! She headed up, along with Chad Hall the All Class Summer Bash on Friday night of the reunion doings! Kathie also ran the Alumni website for around 10 years, but when facebook became so active and the alumni site slowed down, she began running a website for the reunion called www.CHSWV.com. “FB was just a better alternative” said Kathie. Sisters Reunite at Reunion “My sister Ruth and I went on a vacation to WV for a CHS reunion. We didn’t know what to expect. It was very surreal to come home and see the forests, mountains and trees of our youth. We saw some sights, our old home, some old friends (well, I mean longtime friends), but most of all we loved the reunion. People were kind and it was so good to see people we know and people we met on FaceBook. Did I say it was surreal yet — like an out-of-body experience. I love all of my dear friends and will never forget the wonderful memories made at the CHS reunion and beautiful WV.” said Laura Garrard Heiner. Laura now resides in Idaho and is known fondly by her FB buddies as “Miss Idaho.” Kudos to Laura and Ruth for making this long trip. (Ruth is class of ‘73, but graduated early in ‘72; Laura is class of ‘75, although she actually moved to Idaho in her senior year) The Book Strap Staff Left to right: Harriet Smith, Delores Cooper, Jackie Friend, Carolyn Lawson, Sue Hancock, Sherry Rentz, Lynn Holsclaw, Cynthia Daley, Ginny Lou Carter. Head Majorette: Martha Robinson Editor: Dan Robinson Contact: [email protected] Assistant Editor: Ann Castle Montgomery Contributors: Debbie Smith Baldwin, Karen Wingo Davis, Sandy Michael Haden, Georgeann Lilly-Barker, Mack Miles, Francine Clark Rada, Andy Richardson, Brenda Hairston Shelton. August 10, 2013 Charleston High School, Charleston, West Virginia Page 3 The ‘Greatest of the Great’ — R. G. Williams Delmer Robinson At the Linotype, CHS 1934 by Ann Castle Montgomery CHS 1956 He was, in my humble opinion, the “greatest of the great” band directors. He designed the uniforms that were worn for many years (blue with white cross braids) . . . all his female band member wore skirts and boots like the majorettes — this was not done by any other band in the 50s. He and his wife, who also worked with the CHS Printing Continued from Page 1 it was West Virginia’s only high school weekly paper. Moreover it was also the only self-produced, full-sized newspaper. The first week of school, I needed to fill a hole in the Book Strap, so I went tooling down the hall to the Book Strap office. I looked around. There were no teachers in evidence, so I tapped the shoulder of a brunette in a royal blue jumper and starched white blouse. “Hey, girl . . . where’s the teacher?” With a look of disdain that would freeze the eyelets off a pair of gym shoes, she replied, “I am the teacher.” Working with the Book Strap staff, was always interesting. Every year there was a new crop of wannabe reporters. Miss Garrity might not have looked much older than we were, but she knew her stuff and soon had her new staff cranking out the column inches for upcoming issues. Robert G. “Bob” Williams CHS Band Director, 1936 - 1965 majorettes on their routines designed the majorette’s uniforms which embraced the military style. This style majorette uniform lasted though many years . . . blue and white . . . then was changed to blue and gold at some point, but still about the same design. In 1954 we were the first band in the state to march eight steps to five yards, before that it was five to five. Everyone always says “He was so tough” with a smile on their face. Yes, he was very tough, but we all respected him because he was “one of a kind” and expected the very best from everyone. With all his roughness he also had a wonderful soft side and was very helpful to so many students who had problems. He would take boys and girls who had nothing else and teach them how to play an instrument and it would help them with their self respect to be part of a championship unit! He was totally into teaching music, encouraging you to do your best — nothing else would do; and you knew you were In 1940, Robert “Bob” Williams became the director of the 40-piece Charleston High School band. His Mountain Lion Band would become acknowledged as the best in the state and one of the finest in the nation. His stepped-up cadence, from 120 to 180 steps per minute, made the halftime show at football games as exciting as the game itself. New, colorful uniforms were purchased, intense practice sessions were augmented, and a program for developing music students in grade and junior high schools guaranteed a steady flow of new talent for CHS. Williams and his band were responsible for a number of innovations that established his band as a model in the state. He formed a majorette corps, used extensive “black light” exhibitions on the football field, and introduced white gloves and spats to accentuate hand and foot movements, among other accomplishments. Principal, E. C. Richardson congratulates Robert G. Williams on his successful band trip to Atlantic City. part of something great! He graduated from Ohio State University and every thing we did was based on the band he learned from. We were PROUD!!! He was the type of person that cared about everyone. A trum- Georgeann Lilly-Barker It was amazing meeting so many past CHS Majorettes last night. You are an amazing bunch of ladies! Thanks to those whom joined in on our “impromptu” performances. Just a reminder that at the next one in three years, I would love to get a corps together, batons and all, to march in with the band and perform as many routines that we can. We will figure out the logistics somehow. For those ladies who are graduates prior to 1970, would love for you ladies to do your routines, i.e., Goofin, or any others that only you guys did. Please “friend” me on Facebook so we can keep in communication so we can make this happen in 2016. — Georgeann peter always ran onto the field and played the “Fanfare” before the band marched on. In 1954 the first chair would do this during most games, but all seniors got to play that opening one time, whether they were good or not (this is the heart of the man). His famous line was “Just One More Time.” I don’t know about later years, but when I was in school (54-56) we loved him, we sweated at Laidley Field all summer — just one more time — again and again and again — but we were great and the students, friends, parents, football players, etc. would shout so loudly when we entered the field that we could hardly hear ourselves play. As an old timer I will always remember the smell of Brasso in the old band room of CHS! — Francine Clark Rada CHS lady band members hanging on a ladder. Another Rose Bowl picture. This was a great time for us all! Top to bottom, Francine Clark Rada, Carla Smallridge, to her left Rosemary Faber (deceased) and Sharon Plantz. Charleston High Band Directors: J. Henry Francis, 1909-1936 Robert G. Williams, 1936-1965 Robert A. Leurant, 1965-1988 John Marshall, 1988-1989 — Mack Miles Page 4 Charleston High School, Charleston, West Virginia August 10, 2013 Saturday Night with a Few of My Closest Friends . . . — G L Callihan (Fountain Hobby Center) . . . and a fine time was had by all. The evening was a great success as the alumni revelers got into the swing of things. In spite of the fine security, a few gate crashers managed to sneak in. The uninvited guests were familiar to everyone there, so people can be forgiven for thinking they were CHS alumni Mountain Lion Memorabilia Found Down Memory Lane by Andy Richardson CHS 1976 “ . . . and Andy Richardson will take the lead on gathering together some Charleston High memorabilia for the All-Class Reunion. We had a few pictures last time, but I know there must be more we can gather and display.” Thus, All-Class Reunion Chair Sharon King (’59) thrust me into the role of gathering Charleston High School mementos. My mind raced. I knew where the large photos from the prior reunion were stored – but where would I find new items? What items should I seek to display? How will we secure it to be sure that these historic artifacts are protected . . . and respected? Of course, I called my cousin Barbara Lazenby Richardson (’52), who shared the portrait of her fa- ther-in-law, long-time CHS Principal E. C. Richardson. We visited about family, Charleston High, and memories. I enlisted my dear friend Beth Wood Hall (CHS ’60) for ideas and treasures. She brought forth her daughter Carrie’s cheerleader uniform, Book Straps (one showing the original “Charlie The Mountain Lion,”) t-shirts, and other items. “Let’s call Martha Class of 1964 Cole,” suggested Beth. The visit with Ms. Cole was a wonderful visit to the “old days.” Charleston High’s iconic Biology Teacher talked about her many memories at The High. Then the search reached high gear. A few examples: • Basketball guys Doug O’Dell (’68) and Ameche Watson (’75) provided pictures of state champions that hung in the hallways – and recalled those championship runs; • Kenny Shock (’70) provided a bat and ball from the 1970 baseball team that was destined for a state championship before the tragic death of a teammate; • Memories of the the Mountain — Karen Wingo Davis The class of “64 group pic taken at Fazio’s, Friday, August 9th, 2013. Sherry York Doss is our coordinator of events. In the past few years, we have made several trips not related to reunions. When all of our class turned 60, we went to the Stonewall Resort to celebrate this milestone. The class of ‘64 is truly a group of friends who enjoy being together! Back Row left to right: Rod Childress, Tom Shaffer (partially hidden), Marion Jeffers Sinclair, Joe Robertson, Frank Matthews (hidden behind Allen), Allen Weiner, Adam Reed, Charles “Rick” Eskins (hidden behind David), Chic Krukiel Middle Row: Lynn Tincher Ingmire, Karen Wingo Davis, Sherry Doss York, David Cassis, Donna Ong O’Field, Lynn Gunnoe Front Row: Beth Ann Surber, Barbara Hammack McCracken, Ellen Galinsky Wright, Bev Hart Bisbee, Betty Caplan “CHS Basketball uniform worn during the late 60s, including the 1968 state AAA championship and unequaled 48-game win streak.” — Reed Spangler, ’69 Lion Band in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Rose Bowl Parade, Miss Kanawha Valley Majorette, and trips to Hawaii with Karen Haas Winter (’66), Tonya Johnson Parker (’73), Kathy Wingo Holder (’70) and Harriett Leurant (’52); • Rex Repass (’72) brought items from the three years when the Mountain Lion football team never tasted defeat, 1968-1970; and • Casey Robinson (’76) topped them all, finding a Treasure Trove of memorabilia obtained over the years by a mid-60s graduate . . . including Charlie The Mountain Lion. Over and over, this pattern repeated. Catching up, sharing memories, and remarking on our special multigenerational bond through Charleston High School. While I began the “Treasure Hunt” with great apprehension, the search for Charleston High School memorabilia brought a journey down memory lane full of reconnecting, memories, and surprises. Charlie Class of Shadowlawn — Dan Robinson The Shadowlawn ‘Kids’ — We grew up here. From all over the country, it was a real homecoming for this group with over 120 members on Facebook. Shadowlawn is at the top of Greenbrier Street on the left. As we are all alumni of Charleston High, we also graduated from the ‘old neighborhood’, and we never really left it behind, either. From left to right: Joyce Sowards, (unk.), Bill Ashby, Jerry Cottle, Bill Wolfe, Elise Wolfe, Patti Townsend, Richard Townsend, Lynn Crislip Durham, Dan Woodrum, Tom Tilton, Sharon Lee Gates, Susie Ross, (unk.), and Dan Robinson. August 10, 2013 Charleston High School, Charleston, West Virginia . . . and the Band Played On by Ann Castle Montgomery master of ceremonies. CHS 1956 Robert A. Leurant 1931-2007 attended Thomas Jefferson Junior High School and Charleston High School, where he played trumpet in the Charleston High Band. However, drums were his favorite. Bob began playing drums at age six and professionally at age nine. He had to get a work permit in order to join the Musicians Union due to his young age. He played with Lloyd Neely’s band at the American Legion post on Pennsylvania Avenue, where he was billed as “the world’s youngest drummer.” While in high school, he began playing with the Don Osborne band, playing at Edgewood Country Club, Daniel Boone Hotel, Casa Loma and The Greenbrier. Also, while he was in high school, WCAW radio had a variety show and Bob was the disc jockey and Bob majored in music at what is now the University of Charleston, received a master’s degree in administration from Marshall University and spent one summer at Ohio State. Bob’s teaching career started at Marmet Junior High in 1954. After one semester, the board transferred him to Roosevelt Junior High and Horace Mann Junior High and 10 feeder grade schools. He was the first traveling teacher. Next, he was at East Bank High School from 1958 to 1965. During this time, he took the band to the New York World’s Fair. The next 23 years, Bob directed the Charleston High School Band, which participated in the Tournament of Roses Parade, went to Disney World twice, Hawaii three times, Macy’s Parade and the Mardi Gras. He directed the half-time show for the North-South game for many years. Robert A. Leurant CHS Band Director, 1965 - 1988 Through the years, as he would meet former students, most would say that the band was their fondest memory. Bob’s wonderful sense of humor was his forte with students, family and friends. He was a choir director for 43 years, beginning with Kanawha City Baptist Church and continuing to First Christian Church on Beauregard Street, the United Methodist Church in South Charleston and Boyd Memorial Christian Church on the West Side. Bob was also past president of the Kanawha County Band Directors Association and chairman of AllCounty Bands for several years. He and Al Frey originated the Charleston Metro Band. One of his biggest thrills in later life was in 2004 when he was selected to be the grand marshal for the Regatta Parade. Mr. Leurant was married to Ms. Harriet Smith Leurant, who is shown far left in the Championship Majorette Corps picture on page two. Ms. Leurant has continued to donate her time and talent, and is well known for her band and her help with the majorettes of Charleston High School and Roosevelt Jr. High School . . . She also won the title of Miss Kanawha Page 5 Valley Majorette in 1954, as well as attending the recent All Class Reunion of Charleston High School (where, I might add, She still looked very beautiful.) . . . Thank you Ms. Leurant for your dedication to music and dance to both the schools and the City of Charleston throughout all the years. — Connie Snyder Smith Harriet Smith Leurant CHS, 1956 The Award-winning 1956 Charleston High School Marching Band and Championship Majorette Corps Left to right: Please refer to the 1956 Charleston, W.Va. telephone directory. Everybody who was anybody was in the band . . . Give me a “C”! These girls are still kicking it. From left: cheerleaders, Paula Aliff Newell, Bev Osborne, and majorettes Patti Swancar Wiggins, Judy Sturm Knox, and Lynn Crislip Durham. Give me an “A”! . . . and they still are! Page 6 Charleston High School, Charleston, West Virginia August 10, 2013 — Andy Richardson From left to right: Skip Mason, Hot Rod Hundley, Dennis Harris, and Levi Phillips A Pride of Basketball Mountain Lions by Andy Richardson CHS 1973 Four of Charleston High’s basketball greats were in attendance for the All-Year Reunion. Skip Mason — standout on CHS basketball 1966-1969; undefeated state champs in 68; 48-game win streak; 3-year record of 72-3. Hot Rod Hundley — CHS superstar, 1950-1953; WVU AllAmerican, 1957; #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, 1957; 4 time NBA All-Star; voice of the Utah Jazz for 35 years. Dennis Harris — leader of the 1973 CHS undefeated state champions and the team that started a 33-game win streak in 73-74; WV Player of the Year 1973. Levi Phillips — standout on CHS basketball 1966-1969; undefeated state champs in 68; 48-game win streak; 3-year record of 72-3; scored the last basket in the old Fieldhouse at WVU, and the first basket in the Coliseum. Teresa Wiersteiner Ansell CHS 1973 We Got T-Shirts! Thanks to Teresa (aka TWA) and her fearless crew of shirtsellers from the CHS class of 1973, there are two flavors of T-shirts available. She can be contacted on Facebook. Prices are $15 plus $5 S&H. Supplies of gold on blue are running low so don’t dawdle. The latest, blue on gold, are still plentiful. CHS Class of 1959 A Happy Alumna Our Queen Is a King! (taken 7 years earler at Capitol Grade School to avoid the last minute rush) Sharon, front row center, seems to be saying “Aw shucks . . . t’warn’t nuthin.” by Debbie Clark Trolsen CHS 1958 Wake me up in 2016. Through these portals stepped the children of seven decades. They were forever changed by the experience. E. C. Richardson Portrait of E. C. Richardson, CHS Class of 1921, Principal, 19401962, this portrait hung in the main hallway by the office over the main door of the auditorium from 1962 until the school closed in 1989. During the All Class Reunion I was reunited with several people I hadn’t seen in over forty years. I loved it, and will definitely go next time. The folks I re-met were Betsy Jesser White, Lynn Tincher Ingmire, and Bev Shelton Triplett. They all looked fabulous. The retiree band (not sure of official name) was awesome — they brought back so many memories. The girls who had enough nerve to get up front and strut were much admired. I would have been with them if not facing a knee replacement. Also I was very happy to meet Paula Aliff Newell, who’d been a FB friend for a long time. Thanks to Lynn Crislip Durham, Judy Sturm Knox, and Patti Swancar Wiggins for getting me to make this trip from my home in South Carolina. Despite her protestations to the contrary, queen of the ball was Sharon King. Yes, we fully realize it was a team effort and the All-Year Reunion Committee is to be commended. The event was a rousing success by anyone’s definition. But just as the leader gets the flak when things go wrong, Sharon now gets our praise after a hard job was done exceedingly well. We are not surprised. She has been surpassing expectations for a long time — longer than we sometimes care to admit. (See photo above.) Sharon has served our home town diligently over the years be- fore retiring from her post as Director of Sales and Marketing at Charleston Civic Center. Charleston has benefitted greatly from her drive, charisma and expertise year after year. Not the least of her accomplishments was the muchloved Sternwheel Regatta. Visitors from all over the country have commented on her professionalism as she smoothed over the rough spots for their stop in Charleston. Could you plan a sit-down dinner for 1,500 hungry reunion attendees? Successfully? The Bell Saved from a retired steam locomotive and donated to CHS by the Baltimore and Ohio Railway. Sharon King CHS 1959