Happy 2009

New Year's Eve in Sydney, Australia

It's Jan 1 there, so let's celebrate!

Enjoy some nice cards from

Judy Van Hagen 

Al and Diane Urbanckas 

HAPPY NEW YEAR

to us all!

A Year Goes By

As this year ends, watch one go by in 40 seconds.

Moving

On Jan 12, 2009,

the '58 website moves
to a new address.

Boston Charlie

From Walt Kelly's Pogo Website

Of the many ways to express holiday sentiment,

one of my favorites is Walt Kelly's parody

of the traditional English carol,

Deck the halls with boughs of holly.

Kelly's version begins:

Deck us all with Boston Charlie,

Walla Walla Wash., an' Kalamazoo!

The rest you may read at the Pogo site.

And if you want to hear the tune, 

here's a scene from a movie we like to see

every year at this time.

Jim Taylor

Our classmate, Jim Taylor, died on Thursday, Dec 11 2008, at Hardin Memorial Hospital in Elizabethtown, KY. 

Jim was born in Springfield and attended Stuart grade school. In the 50th Reunion book, he wrote that his favorite memories of SHS were faculty members Lenore Ashinhust, Marguerite Zimmerman, and Jack Turner. He was also fond of formal dances, the Alamo, and the Tick-Tock Inn.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Carol Schroeder Taylor, also a '58 classmate. He was a former manager of O'Charley's and credit manager of Sears. He was an avid fisherman and lover of horses.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Edith Barnett Taylor; and a brother, William Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Carol Taylor of Elizabethtown; a daughter, Laura Taylor and John of Elizabethtown; a brother, David Taylor of Chicago; a sister, Frances Myerscough of Springfield; two grandchildren, Preston and Ian Taylor, both of Elizabethtown; and several nieces and nephews.

Condolences may be expressed online at Brown Funeral Home in Elizabethtown, which is in charge of arrangements. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Season's Greetings

Diane Gurgens Urbanckas enjoyed the story on elder ball and sent a picture of her Mom, who will be 88 on Jan 23. Here she is with Santa at the 2007 Christmas Pops concert of the Springfield Symphony, held each year at UIS. They make a good match, in their red and black velvet, of course recalling our SHS colors as well.

In another picture, Diane appears with the art and environment committee at St. Jude Church after they finished decorating the Advent wreath. She and I got to speculating on the little sphere that appears in the picture's center. Some folks think these are spirits; Diane says a speck of dust, and I say it's a flash reflection on the shutter, just before it closed. She was using a timer.

What do you think? Let's hear some comments.

Elder Ball

Photo by Don Treeger 

Basketball is now a sport of choice among seniors, it seems. This lady is ready to sink a free throw in an Elder Olympics contest held in Agawam, MA. One 93-year-old made three consecutive shots, all from her wheel chair.

Today the NY Times has a feature story on Ken Mink, 73, who plays guard on the varsity team for Lambuth University in Jackson, TN. He's a crowd favorite, and they call him "Our Medicare Man."

Obvious moral to '58s: it's never too late--get out your sneakers and hustle!

Twelve Days

A week from today, Dec 14, we begin the 12-day countdown to Dec 25.

Here's a partridge in a pear tree, to anticipate that day.

Dave and Hedva Kobes have sent a Jaquie Lawson greeting card.

It reminds us of all our carols, trees, and gifts through the years.

Merry Christmas.

Larry Keafer

OMAHA, Ark. - A Celebration of Life service will be held for Larry Gene Keafer 68, of Omaha, Ark., from 12 - 2 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 20, 2008, at the Illinois Baptist State Association, Springfield. Burial will be at a later date in the Rochester Cemetery, Rochester.

Mr. Keafer passed away Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2008, at Skaggs Community Health Center in Branson, Mo. Cremation was under the direction of Snapp-Bearden Funeral Home in Branson, Mo.

Larry was born Sept. 24, 1940, in Danville, to Arthur and Eugenia (Miller) Keafer. He graduated from Springfield High School in 1958. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Larry married Toni Ford on Jan. 6, 1962, in Springfield.

Larry worked for the state of Illinois as a project manager of construction projects. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church in Omaha, Ark., the National Rife Association, Ducks Unlimited, and a life member of the North American Hunting Club. He and Toni moved to Omaha, Ark., from Chatham.

He is survived by his wife, Toni of Omaha, Ark.; two sons, Chris (wife, Joyce) Keafer of Midlothian, Texas, and Chad (wife, Pam) Keafer of Omaha, Ark.; two brothers, Eugene Peck of Oakland, Calif., and Mike (wife Diana) Keafer of Rochester; a sister, Joan Jett of Tucson, Ariz.; three grandchildren; and a great-grandson.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for Lung Cancer, Heartland Division; 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64105. Friends may sign a guestbook at the SJR site.

50th Reunion Pictures

The galleries of 50th Reunion pictures

are now available for viewing at this location.

Please browse, add comments,

and correct any errors.

If you took any pictures at the Reunion,

please send copies to me.

Thanksgiving

There's a familiar image, from the Four Freedoms series that Norman Rockwell painted in 1943. This one is Freedom from Want, and it's often reprinted at Thanksgiving. 

I remember family dinners like that, with several generations gathered at the table. We were thankful to be together, to enjoy the food and tell our news, and to remember those no longer with us.

Three classmates sent in those clever Jacquie Lawson animated greeting cards, all celebrating Thanksgiving. From Harriett and Rom Sidoli, there's a turkey; from DeeDee and Clay Wood, a pumpkin pie; and from Diane and Al Urbanckas, a homecoming. Thanks everyone, for sharing.

Wherever you are, we hope you have a happy and peaceful holiday.

Ken Mantle

Sad news for our classmate, Gay Logan Mantle: her husband, Ken "Russ" Mantle died on Thursday, Nov 20 at home in Pensacola, Florida.

Ken attended Lanphier and enlisted in the Navy in 1956. He served during Vietnam and received many decorations. He and Gay had three daughters and six grandchildren.

Services were held today in Pensacola. Classmates may read the full obituary in the SJR and also leave messages of sympathy in the Online Guest Book.

Street View

Want to see your old neighborhood?

Go to Google Maps and enter the address and ZIP.

Click on Street View. Then enlarge the view.

Click curved arrows to turn the view.

Click straight arrows to go up or down the street.

Move the little figure to see other views.

Or add a new address.

Much of Springfield is now visible in Street View.

I noticed: many houses are gone or remodeled.

And the trees are now HUGE!

Haunting

I don't suppose any of us believe in haunted houses?

Yet I live near one, and I remember a few in Springfield.

Troy Traylor, of Alton, IL. has a site on

Illinois Hauntings.

Scroll down for the Springfield sites.

They include the Lake Club, Dana Thomas House,

and several other surprises.

For lighter fare, check out the new Music video this week,

featuring rock 'n roll tunes and dances.

Gordon Jones

Harmony Boys in 1958

I'm sorry to report that Gordon Jones, drummer in the Harmony Boys quartet, is seriously ill and presently in Memorial Hospital at Springfield. Although he had a clean bill of health during his annual checkup in Phoenix, doctors now say he has lung cancer. He is undergoing chemo and radiation therapy, in advance of surgery.

Bob Barnosky reports that friends sent Gordy a long letter with pictures, reminiscing about times past. He got a tremendous lift from that, which is helpful in his present condition. Diane Urbanckas suggests that if other friends and classmates could take time to send Gordy a card, that would be great.

The address is Gordon Jones, 3300 South First Street, Springfield, Illinois, 62703. That's his mother's home; she sees him daily and can take him your notes. We don't ordinarily write about classmates who are ill, to preserve their privacy. But in this case, it seems that some attention would be welcome. Thanks to Bob and Diane for their help.

Veterans Day

Chicago Tribune

In honor of Veterans Day, the new President-Elect and Tammy Duckworth, an Iraq veteran and director of Veterans Affairs for Illinois, place a wreath at the bronze memorial at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Perhaps you saw this moment on television; the story in the Chicago Tribune provides more details. Today is a good day to remember all the veterans in our lives, and especially those among our classmates. 

Karen Lundsgaard Evans

A belated announcement: Karen Lundsgaard Evans died of cancer on January 5, 2008. Her daughter, Michelle Evans Eiden, sent us this information last summer, along with the above portrait, for the Reunion booklet.

Recently Michelle also sent this obituary announcement from the Chicago Tribune, which helps to fill in for us Karen's life. Our condolences to her family, and thanks to Michelle.

Vote Today

Have you voted today?

Every four years, we get the rare

privilege of electing our leaders.

Not true in many other countries of the world.

So please go VOTE, 

and watch the returns tonight!

Winter Weather

Think you know what's coming?

No, not the election; the weather!

Check out your region.

Consult the Farmer's Almanac 

for more details.

Boooo

Are you ready for goblins and ghosts?

In case you don't get any in your neighborhood,

Harriett and Rom Sidoli have sent a card 

that will liven up your Halloween.

Also, there's a new video in the Music channel

for you Judy and Mickey fans.

From Girl Crazy (1943)

New Videos

Check out the new flicks at Music and Video in the '58 site. 

Thanks to Lee Lochbaum for the Perry Como. 

And see the great films of Springfield in the 1930s and 1940s.

Please send in links and suggestions!

Save SHS

The Vinegar Hill Association in Springfield is organizing a drive to rebuild/expand SHS at its present site, the corner of Lewis and Adams streets.

The Association has a website where residents of District 186 may download a form, fill it in, and send it to members of the School Board. (Too bad school alumni can't respond!)

The Board is considering a proposal to relocate SHS west to Koke Mill Road. The old building would become a fine arts or technical academy and also administrative headquarters.

Vinegar Hill is the area directly west of downtown. The VHA is devoted to preserving and protecting its historic character. If you grew up in that area, you might like to join the Association for a mere $10 in dues.

New '58 Site

ANNOUNCEMENT

Our web site has a new look and contents.

You'll find it at the regular address.

You may read this news blog at the site.

Check out the music and video pages.

Also a contact form for writing us.

More new stuff soon to come!

Thanks to Jerry Johnson '58

for the image of his Senators pin.

Western films

Saturday at the Esquire (South Town, Pantheon) on a winter afternoon. Kids with popcorn and candy, settled in for a newsreel, cartoon, and a double feature. Like as not, one of the films is a Western.

In Hollywood they are oaters, shot in a few days on a back lot dressed with fake boulders and aging stars. They tell a skewed version of the Western past, favoring settlers and trashing natives, but no matter to the kids; for them it's all about good and bad guys, lots of shooting and chases on horseback, and riding off into the sunset.

Bob Wicks, long a big fan, sent a link to a site devoted to Those Old Westerns. It's a slide show of scenes and stars, with music. You'll see names and faces you may have forgotten. My personal favorite in this genre are the films of John Ford, which feature beautiful shots and good acting. Oh, and a big galoot named John Wayne.

Computer Tips

Ever wanted to take that computer and just . . . ?

Well, relax. One of the brightest guys in the tech-writing business

Has just compiled a set of tips that is worth printing and saving

Next to that expensive little toy that you hate to love

But can't do without on a day to day basis.

Enjoy. And stop asking me for the bookmark to this site!

Just kidding.

Singing Six

Bob Hails, Janet Beardsley Johnson, John Brownback, 

Bob Wicks, Judy Vicars Van Hagen, Carolyn Quinlan 

A sextet made up of Singing 7 and Senators.

Reunion head counts:

24 Golfers at Panther Creek  

37 for lunch at Panther Creek

165 for reception at Motor Boat Club

160 for dinner at Illini Country Club

71 for brunch at Panther Creek

That's excellent participation in all the events.

Thanks to Carolyn and Judy for picture and counts.

Last F-16

 

Shannon Kirshner,  State Journal Register

     The last of the F-16 fighter jets assigned to the 183rd Fighter Wing at Capitol Airport left the runway today. This marks the end of the unit's mission, which dates back to the 1940s in Springfield.

    In recent years, the unit focused on engine repair and controlling air operations in the Midwest. Now all the fighters are reassigned to other parts of the USA.

    The story in the SJR gives full details and provides a film of the last fighter's departure. Also see comments below the SJR story for some gripes by today's citizen residents.

    Thanks to Judi Dunkel Headrick for providing the story tip. 

Bob Owens

 

Bob at the 50th Reunion

     I'm sorry to report that Bob Owens died on Saturday, September 13 in the St. Louis airport. He attended the reunion and then spent time visiting family. A friend, Jim Sexton, drove Bob to the airport. A few minutes later, Bob collapsed inside the terminal. He was taken to a hospital but efforts to revive him failed.

     In his reunion biography Bob reported that he attended Cathedral Grade School and his favorite memories of SHS were the early morning gatherings in the auditorium. He was retired from a career with the Barnes Group, which manufactures components for a variety of industries.

     Bob is survived by his wife, Carolyn Ann, along with three children and one grandchild. An obituary appears in the SJR for Sep 28, 2008. You may sign the guest book and send messages to Bob's family.

Picture by Judy Van Hagen 

Reunion Decor

Our fantastic Reunion committee worked hard to get the weekend right, from scheduling events at different venues to decorating the tables and providing souvenirs. (Click on pictures to enlarge.)

The primary color scheme (of course) was red and black. Somehow, they managed to locate black table cloths and napkins.

 

Here's a closer view of a table at Illini CC, all set for feasting.

 

And a final touch was 50s confetti, in appropriate shapes.

 

Pictures by 

Diane Gurgens Urbanckas

Judy Vicars Van Hagen 

Gettin' Their Groove On

Illini CC, Saturday Sep 6, 2008

Tunes by Evans Brittin and the Music Makers

Moves by Distinguished 58s

 Sam Gore, Ruth Lance Gore, Bill Irwin

 Jo Ankeny Lindamood, Bonnie Bruce Baker

Bill Irwin, Unidentified, Tavie Bunn Casper

Janet Bailey Kerner, Joyce Means Pardue

Sandra Murphy McCool, Suzie Lee Boyd

Tavie Bunn Casper, Pete Casper

 Pictures by Judy Vicars Van Hagen

Lawrence Alumni

Alumni of Lawrence Grade School

Nancy Fromm, Don Arenz, Nancy Oldham 

Bob Hails, Jerry Pavlock, Pat Stein

John Yarbrough, Judy Lewis

 

Andy Holman, Don Arenz, Pat Stein

Bob Hails, Nancy Fromm, Nancy Oldham, Jerry Pavlock 

Pictures by Sid Arenz 

Reunion Golf Results

 

Larry Jabush, Bob Wicks, Tom Brosch, John Dunn

SHS 50th Reunion Golf Results
Panther Creek Country Club
September  5, 2008

Super Shots

• Longest Putt: (Hole 9) Chuck Harmon
• Longest Drive: (Hole 4) Steve Kwedar
• Closest to the Pin: (Hole 5) Jim Herron
• Closet to the Pin: (Hole 11) Pete Casper
• Longest Putt: (Hole 18) Bob Wicks
• Longest Drive: (Hole 15) Don Eickhoff

Skins Game Winners

• Roger Hocking
• Pete Casper  (2 skins)
• Scott Wike
• Jerry Pavlock   
• Chuck Harmon
• Don Eichkoff

Picture from Tom Brosch

Stats from C. E. Welch

Reunion Pictures 4

 

Group shot at Illini CC, Sep 7 2008

A preview of the official group shot, by Miriam Kennedy 

  

Closer shot, by Sid Arenz 

(Click on the pictures for larger views) 

Reunion Pictures 3

 

Carolyn Baldwin Quinlan, Sandra Murphy McCool, Judy Vicars Van Hagen 

at Panther Creek Brunch

Picture courtesy of Carolyn Quinlan

Reunion Pictures 2

 

Alan Kennedy, Miriam Kennedy

  

Suzanne Lee Boyd 

Pictures courtesy of Suzi Boyd

Reunion Pictures 1

Here are early pictures of the Reunion, courtesy of Dick Hart. In this scene, we're greeted at the front entrance to the dining room of Illini CC by Leslie Heineke Sandlin, Ann Tobin Hart, Champ Davis, and Jan Curry Davis.

In this shot, Keith Schnepp appears to be addressing some of the '58 men. I'm not able to recognize all the faces, so perhaps someone who does will send in a helpful comment.

Update: please read the comment by Judy Vicars VanHagen. She explains the picture and lists all the names. 

50s Party

 

Susan Farley, New York Times

For those of us unable to be in Springfield this weekend, here's a story in the NYT about "the world's biggest 50s party," held each Labor Day weekend in Parsippinany, NJ.

Check out the slide show of autos and fashions from those days. We won't call them vintage, right? But some of those folks do look a little grizzled!

Reunion Reservations 6

Reservations as of 8/27/08

Adams, Charlie
Ankeny, Jo (Lindamood)
Arenz, Don and Sydney

Bailey, Janet (Kerner)
Baldwin, Carolyn (Quinlan)
Barnosky, Bob and Jo
Beardsley, Janet and David Johnson
Blazis, John and Martie
Bluhm, Ray and Tena
Borg, Roy and Reta
Britz, Ruth and Tom Waymire
Brosch, Tom and Beverly
Brownback, John and Connie
Bruce, Bill and Diep
Bruce, Bonnie (Baker)
Brydges, Tom and Ellen
Burge, Lynda and Carrell Moss
Burnett, Gerald

Carmody, Mary
Carroll, Denny and Peggy
Carter, Bob and Sarah
Casper, Peter and Tavie
Castles, Sandra (Skeeters)
Chilovich, Ella Mae
Crouch, Carole (Ball)

Davis, Champ and Jan
Davis, Nancy (Henrichs)
de St. Jean, Sandra (Taylor)
Dunn, John and Sandy

Ebers, Joe and Shery
Eickhoff, Don and Marge
Ervin, Susan
Evans, Marilyn and Roger Bidwell

Flamm, Pat and Dave Crowner
Fleischli, George
Frederick, Janet
Fromm, Nancy (Gates)
Funk, Kim  (Friday night only)

Giuffre, Jan (Sables)  (Friday night only)
Green, Shirley and Frank Canavit
Gurgens, Diane and Al Urbanckas

Haake, Warren and Gwen
Hails, Bob and Vicki
Harmon, Chuck and Mary Ann
Heineke, Leslie and Bob Sandlin
Hill, Joe and Carrie
Hockenyos, Kris (Tipps)
Holman, Andy and Vera
Houghton, Mary and Charles Elberson
Huddleston, Dorothy and Tom Fitzgerald
Hyndman, Harry and Kathleen

Irwin, Bill and Peggy Royce

Jabusch, Larry and Mary
Jones, Juanita and Hamilton

Kennedy, Alan and Miriam
Klekamp, Betty (England)
Krueger, Liz (James)
Kuntzman, Herman  (Friday night only)
Kwedar, Steve and Becky

Lance, Ruth and Sam Gore
Leasman, Wilma  (Friday night only)
Lee, Suzanne (Boyd)
Leonard, Lee and Vicki Moody
Linxwiler, John and Anne
Lynn, Darlene (Klemaier)

Manuele, Joe
Markwell, Marilyn (Ruch)
Mason, DeeDee and Clay Wood
Matlack, Jack and Marilyn
Maulding, Beverly and David Berry
McCoy, Judy (Freeman)
McGaw, Judy and Tom Lewis
Means, Joyce (Pardue)
Meyerstein, Arnold and Jeri
Millhon, Jerry
Murphy, Sandra (McCool)

Oehler, Dale and Sharon
Owens, Bob and Carolyn

Pavlock, Jerry
Pearson, Mary and Hal Perkins
Peterson, Libbie and Charlie Britton
Plain, Albie  (Friday night only)
Prater, Lynn (Chandler)

Schein, Jey and Paul Kramer
Schnepp, Keith and Judy
Schroeder, Carol (Taylor)
Seppi, Vic and Joann
Shewmaker, Bob and Pam
Spengler, Phil and Polly
Stapleton, John and Nancy
Stein, Pat and Richard McPheters
Stephens, Allan
Stuckey, John and Linda

Taylor, Jim
Thomas, Stan and Mary
Tietz, Sharon and Jack Paine
Tinsley, Elizabeth and Steve Alexander
Tobin, Ann and Richard Hart
Tomek, Sally (Sahin)
Tozer, Clif

Vicars, Judy (Van Hagen)
Vespa, Chuck

Welch, CE and Joleen
Wicks, Bob and Glenda
Wike, Scott and Linda
Willi, Darlene (Guerin)
Wilson, Ron and Rita   

Yarbrough, John

DVD Project

Dear Friends,

Many of you have sent me wonderful photos, like these above from Carolyn Baldwin Quinlan. I have begun the scanning and labeling, a process that will go on for a while. Everyone will get their originals back before long, plus digital copies.

We've decided not to issue a DVD before the 50th Reunion, but after. That will let us include your pictures of the Reunion itself. So please send me your favorite shots from the festivities in Springfield on Sep 4-7.

As some of you know, I'm undergoing surgery today and the recovery period is 10-14 days. That means that I will not be able to attend the Reunion. I very much regret missing this special occasion. Please send me your pictures and thoughts, so that I (and many others) may enjoy from a distance!

Best wishes,

Will

Summer Afternoon

 

Catamaran on Lake Springfield

Diane Gurgens Urbanckas sent this image of a catamaran that sailed past her home on July 4. She and Al live on a no-wake bay, a quiet place where sailors take refuge from skiers and waverunners. The main lake that day was rough, so these folks came in to set anchor and eat lunch.

There's a parable here about going forth or staying home, or else just a sentiment about the lazy, hazy days of summer. Also, the picture reminded me of one of Henry James's rare happy lines:

Summer afternoon... the two most beautiful words in the English language.

Reunion Reservations 5

Reunion Reservations as of 7/31/08

Adams, Charlie
Ankeny, Jo (Lindamood)
Arenz, Don and Sydney
Bailey, Janet (Kerner)
Baldwin, Carolyn (Quinlan)
Barnosky, Bob and Jo
Beardsley, Janet and David Johnson
Blazis, John and Martie
Bluhm, Ray and Tena
Britz, Ruth and Tom Waymire
Bruce, Bill and Diep
Bruce, Bonnie (Baker)
Brosch, Tom and Beverly           
Brownback, John and Connie
Burge, Lynda and Carrell Moss
Burnett, Gerald
Carroll, Denny and Peggy
Carter, Bob and Sarah
Casper, Peter and Tavie
Castles, Sandra (Skeeters)
Crouch, Carole (Ball)
de St. Jean, Sandra (Taylor)
Dunn, John and Sandy
Ebers, Joe and Shery
Eickhoff, Don and Marge
Ervin, Susan
Evans, Marilyn and Roger Bidwell
Flamm, Pat and Dave Crowner
Fleischli, George
Frederick, Janet
Fromm, Nancy (Gates)
Funk, Kim
Giuffre, Jan (Sables)
Green, Shirley and Frank Canavit
Gregg, Barb and Jim Slack
Gurgens, Diane and Al Urbanckas
Haake, Warren and Gwen
Harmon, Chuck and Mary Ann
Heineke, Leslie and Bob Sandlin
Hill, Joe and Carrie
Hockenyos, Kris (Tipps)
Holman, Andy and Vera
Houghton, Mary and Charles Elberson
Huddleston, Dorothy and Tom Fitzgerald
Hyndman, Harry and Kathleen
Jabusch, Larry and Mary
Klekamp, Betty (England)
Krueger, Liz (James)
Kuntzman, Herman
Kwedar, Steve and Becky
Lance, Ruth and Sam Gore
Lee, Suzanne (Boyd)
Leonard, Lee and Vicki Moody
Linxwiler, John and Anne
Lott, Sandra and Don Gossett
Manuele, Joe and Nancy Henrichs
Mason, DeeDee and Clay Wood
Matlack, Jack and Marilyn
Maulding, Beverly and David Berry
McCoy, Judy (Freeman)
McGaw, Judy and Tom Lewis
Means, Joyce (Pardue)
Meyerstein, Arnold and Jeri
Morrison, Jack and Caroline
Murphy, Sandra (McCool)
Oehler, Dale and Sharon
Owens, Bob and Carolyn
Pearson, Mary and Hal Perkins
Peterson, Libbie and Charlie Britton
Prater, Lynn (Chandler)
Schein, Jey and Paul Kramer
Seppi, Vic and Joann
Shewmaker, Bob and Pam
Spengler, Phil and Polly
Stapleton, John and Nancy
Stein, Pat and Richard McPheters
Stephens, Allan
Stuckey, John and Linda
Taylor, Jim and Carol (Schroeder)
Thomas, Stan and Mary
Tietz, Sharon and Jack Paine
Tinsley, Elizabeth and Steve Alexander
Tobin, Ann and Richard Hart       
Vicars, Judy (Van Hagen)
Vespa, Chuck
Welch, CE and Joleen
Wicks, Bob and Glenda
Wike, Scott and Linda
Willi, Darlene (Guerin)
Wilson, Ron and Rita   
Yarbrough, John

Old Springfield Films

Old Southtown Marquee

The Springfield Journal-Register ran a piece on July 13 describing early films of Springfield, 1935-50, taken by Mr. Tom Hamilton, Sr.

They show the digging of Lake Springfield, early swimmers there and at the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Pool, the arrival of a steam train bearing President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and many other scenes. Fun to see for the places and costumes.

Mr. Hamilton's son, Tom Hamilton, Jr., had the films transferred to VHS and later to DVD, and now they are available in a YouTube style window, on the SJR site. Here's the link to the story and film.

The picture above is for Suzie Boyd, who laments the absence of the SouthTown theatre from the CinemaTour listing. The marquee is now an official Springfield Historic Site, and the above link gives the theatre's history.

Reunion Reservations 4

50th Reunion Reservations (7/12/08)

• Adams, Charlie
• Ankeny, Jo (Lindamood)
• Arenz, Don and Sydney
• Bailey, Janet (Kerner)
• Baldwin, Carolyn (Quinlan)
• Barnosky, Bob and Jo
• Beardsley, Janet and David Johnson
• Blazis, John and Martie
• Bluhm, Ray and Tena
• Britz, Ruth and Tom Waymire
• Bruce, Bill and Diep
• Bruce, Bonnie (Baker)
• Brosch, Tom and Beverly
• Brownback, John and Connie
• Burge, Lynda and Carrell Moss
• Carter, Bob and Sarah
• Casper, Peter and Tavie
• Crouch, Carole (Ball)
• de St. Jean, Sandra (Taylor)
• Dunn, John and Sandy
• Ebers, Joe and Shery
• Eickhoff, Don and Marge
• Ervin, Susan
• Flamm, Pat and Dave Crowner
• Fleischli, George
• Frederick, Janet
• Green, Shirley and Frank Canavit
• Gregg, Barb and Jim Slack
• Gurgens, Diane and Al Urbanckas
• Haake, Warren and Gwen
• Harmon, Chuck and Mary Ann
• Heineke, Leslie and Bob Sandlin
• Hill, Joe and Carrie
• Hockenyos, Kris (Tipps)
• Holman, Andy and Vera
• Houghton, Mary and Charles Elberson
• Hyndman, Harry and Kathleen
• Ice, Bill and Renate
• Jabusch, Larry and Mary
• Klekamp, Betty (England)
• Krueger, Liz (James)
• Kuntzman, Herman
• Kwedar, Steve and Becky
• Lance, Ruth and Sam Gore
• Lee, Suzanne (Boyd)
• Leonard, Lee and Vicki Moody
• Linxwiler, John and Anne
• Manuele, Joe and Nancy Henrichs
• Mason, DeeDee and Clay Wood
• Matlack, Jack and Marilyn
• McCoy, Judy (Freeman)
• McGaw, Judy and Tom Lewis
• Means, Joyce (Pardue)
• Meyerstein, Arnold and Jeri
• Morrison, Jack and Caroline
• Murphy, Sandra (McCool)
• Owens, Bob and Carolyn
• Pearson, Mary and Hal Perkins
• Peterson, Libbie and Charlie Britton
• Prater, Lynn (Chandler)
• Seppi, Vic and Joann
• Shewmaker, Bob and Pam
• Spengler, Phil and Polly
• Stapleton, John and Nancy
• Stein, Pat and Richard McPheters
• Stephens, Allan
• Stuckey, John and Linda
• Taylor, Jim and Carol (Schroeder)
• Tietz, Sharon and Jack Paine
• Tinsley, Elizabeth and Steve Alexander
• Tobin, Ann and Richard Hart
• Vicars, Judy (Van Hagen)
• Vespa, Chuck
• Welch, CE and Joleen
• Wicks, Bob and Glenda
• Wike, Scott and Linda
• Willi, Darlene (Guerin)
• Wilson, Ron and Rita
• Yarbrough, John

Movies

I'll admit, I get nostalgic about 50s movies and the place where I saw many, the Esquire Theatre on South MacArthur. On a gray winter day, I could spend a quarter and get four hours of entertainment, plus popcorn and a jaw-breaker. Who needs a video game?

A devoted movie fan has created CinemaTour, which aims to chart "the locations and histories of cinemas throughout the world." The database has a huge number of sites and photos. Go to Illinois, scroll down a bit, and you find 36 movie houses listed for Springfield. Most are now demolished. Did you know there was once an Empress Airdome (1917-18)?