Springfield Rewind

Remember the Southtown Theatre? Above is how it looked in Jan 1949 and below in Nov 2005.

A great new site on the Web is Springfield Rewind, which offers visual tours of our town now and then. The fun part is interactive: place your cursor on a picture of Myers Brothers from 1967, and you see how it looks today.

Sometimes the results are happy, sometimes not. The Illinois State Journal building looks better today as the Historic Preservation Agency, while at 11th and South Grand, the old H. N. Blalock & Son store makes a sad "Beauty Supply" company now.

Author of the site is Russ Friedewald, a history and architecture buff who works with picture collections at the Sangamon Valley Collection at Lincoln Library to document changing Springfield.

So far Russ has compiled pictures of Downtown and Southtown. He is looking for folks who have old photos; if you do and want to share, his e-mail is on the Rewind site.

Jack Leckel

1958 English teachers: Mary Sue Dilliard, John L. Leckel, Muriel Eastham, and Mary Virginia Lamson.

One of my favorite teachers at SHS was Jack Leckel. He taught speech and drama at SHS in 1956-58, directing "Antigone," "The Skin of Our Teeth," and "Gold in the Hills." Later I saw him at the U. of I, where he was a graduate student in drama. He wrote and directed his own play, "Blue is the Antecdent of It," and judged the annual Stunt Show.

For a while he tried professional theatre in New York, and later moved to Chicago, where he had a long career training and evaluating teachers in the public school system. Along the way he wrote TV scripts and then cookbooks, all focusing on Illinois food, land, and history. You may still buy copies online; look for "John L. Leckel" as the author's name.



A few years ago, Jack retired to his home town of Collinsville, IL, where one of his childhood friends was Mary Sue Dilliard. There he has been active in historic restoration and in writing online reviews of drama books.

I no longer have Jack's e-mail, but Google gives his mail address and phone. When I corresponded with him, he was delighted to know that members of our class remember him.

On this Thanksgiving Eve, I'd like to thank Jack for bringing his lively, creative imagination into our lives. Day after tomorrow, I will try his recipe for turkey tetrazzini, in The Legendary Illinois Cookbook, page 219.

Dan Fernandes

Dan Fernandes leads an active retired life in La Verne, CA, keeping busy with politics, computers, hi-fi music, and (when time allows) tennis and biking. After earning degrees from Springfield JC and the U of Illinois, he worked at General Dynamics for 33 years as an aerospace engineer, mostly building missile defense systems.

In 1980, Dan joined a design team that built the world's fastest human-powered vehicle, "The Vector," featured on ABC-TV "That's Incredible" and also the cover of Scientific American. In the early 1990s, he earned teaching credentials in math and taught for two years at the secondary and college levels.



In recent years, Dan has been a member of the Libertarian Party and candidate for the California State Senate in his district. He stands for individual rights and free markets, and he invites friends and classmates to visit his web site and drop him a line.

Our Town in Photos

The Illinois State Journal-Register marks its 175th anniversary next year, 1831-2006. To mark the occasion, the paper has mounted a gallery of photos on its site, and one set features "Our Town: A Visual Journey," showing images from 1936 to 2005.

The above image depicts an early snowfall on October 16, 1945. The scene is the Old State Capitol, then serving as the Sangamon County courthouse. An American elm stands on the left, and the Springfield Marine Bank at the rear.

I don't know the year or the make of the car, but it looks to be pre-war. The war had ended two months earlier, and we were five years old.

The gallery has 32 images; credits and photo reprints are available at the SJR site.

Jon Corzine

Few people know that Jon Corzine, U. S. Senator and newly-elected governor of New Jersey, is an Illinois native. He was born in Christian County, on a small farm close to Taylorville, about 27 miles southeast of Springfield.

As a kid he joined 4-H and was a St. Louis Cardinals fan. He went to the U. of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, joined the basketball team as a walk-on, served as president of his fraternity, and majored in Commerce.

After earning an MBA at the U. of Chicago, he joined the investment firm of Goldman Sachs and worked his way to the top. He took the company public, winning a rep for being low-key, efficient, kind, calm, and casual--he wore sweater vests on the trading floor, while making billion-dollar deals. (That's Illinois for you.)

Some observers say he may be President one day. Right now he looks forward to moving into a governor's mansion, since his current home in NJ is an apartment in Hoboken.

Campus Life

I have been remiss of late in posting news because (a) no one has sent me any and (b) I am dealing with mid-terms. Mid-terms is half-way through the semester, when papers and exams pile up at faculty doors and all the students skip off to enjoy a week of vacation from their jejune duties.

Well, this time I am leaving ahead of them, going to Wisconsin for a week of rest and hiking. I will have e-mail access via a local cafe that grants wi-fi to patrons "who are willing to buy a little food," the owner says, so I'll try to stay in touch and not spill coffee on my laptop.

In case you wonder what a professor does, Joel Achenbach of the Washington Post recently wrote a column describing a course that he took with me. He's also mentioned it in a book, so I guess he wants me to change his grade. (Just kidding; he was a star pupil.)

That picture is of Princeton, but not my classes, for I prefer to teach indoors. And I do have some news to impart about a '58, so stay tuned for my next report.

Autumn Leaves

The University of Illinois Extension maintains a beautiful site for leaf-peepers, The Miracle of Fall. It has information on driving, hiking, and picture-taking for many areas across the USA. Updates on the progress of fall color, tons of photos, and even live Foliage Cams will help you plan a trip or enjoy the fall at home.



The image above is from the site of Matthew Kuehl, a talented photographer and musician from Grayslake, Illinois. All of his pictures are available for sale as custom enlargements; he provides an e-mail address at his site.

Elijah Iles House

Springfield's newest historic museum is its oldest standing house, occupied by Elijah Iles (1796-1883), the town's first merchant. He was a friend of Abraham Lincoln and fought with him in the Black Hawk War of 1832. Iles later helped Lincoln bring the Illinois capitol to Springfield, and he supported Lincoln's campaigns for political office.

The Greek Revival house originally stood at the southeast corner of Sixth and Cook and later at 1825 South Fifth. In 1990, the Iles House Foundation incorporated as a non-profit group to give the home a new location on the northeast corner of Seventh and Cook. The foundation has raised funds to sponsor a restoration of the building as a museum and conference center.

Much of the Foundation's work has been a labor of love for Dick Hart, husband of Ann Tobin Hart. A Springfield attorney, Dick has tirelessly raised funds, hired architects and builders, and moved the project along to its grand opening date, September 23-24, 2005. He supplied this picture and many others for a blog I maintain on the Iles House.

In time, the House will anchor a neighborhood devoted to the history of Springfield, making our home town a premiere center for antebellum preservation in the Midwest. Dick and Ann have pursued this vision for two decades, and Springfield owes them much thanks.

If you would like to become a member and support historic preservation in Sangamon County, write to The Elijah Iles Foundation, P. O. Box 144, Springfield, Illinois 62705

Gas Prices

To folks in the USA suffering from gasoline-price shock, CNN presents a little table of "Gas Prices Around the World" that offers cold comfort.

Even at $3.00 a gallon, the US is far behind the average $5.50 charged in the United Kingdom. Most European prices are in the $4-5 range. In Asia, the average price is $2-3.

To get rock-bottom gas, you'd need to live in Moscow, Tajikistan, or Azerbaijan; and good luck on finding Western-style amenities.

In Venezuela the price is 14 cents a gallon, although the government monopoly charges far more at its 14,000 Citgo stations in the USA.

Rising prices hit hard at commuters and fixed-income retirees. What are you doing: driving less, riding a bus, or (gasp) walking? Comments are welcome.

Mother Jones

54 miles south of Springfield lies the village of Mount Olive, Illinois, featured today in the Washington Post as the last resting place of Mary Harris Jones.

Known as "Mother Jones" during her long public career, 1870-1930, she was a tiny, white-haired woman with a gift for passionate oratory. She fought against low wages and poor conditions in mines and factories, helped organize labor unions, and often went to jail for her beliefs.

The monuments to her today are Mother Jones magazine and her grave in the United Mine Workers Union Cemetery in Mount Olive. She asked to be buried there, with other martyrs of the labor movement, 75 years ago this summer.

Tom Cole '59

C. E. Welch sent me this obituary notice last night. Many '58s will remember Tom Cole from his years as a varsity basketball center, and for leading the SHS 1959 team to the Illinois state basketball championship.

George Thomas Cole: Ann Arbor, MI

Tom passed away Thursday, September 22, 2005 at the age of 64. He was born June 14, 1941 in St. Louis, MO the son of George and Lucille Cole. Throughout his life Tom was a very compassionate man who put others first. He was inducted into the State of Illinois Sports Hall of Fame for basketball. He graduated from U of M and was the captain of the basketball team from 1962-1963. He was a member of the Victors Club, and was very involved in youth sports. He retired as owner of Cole Associates, and was looking forward to enjoying his retirement.

Tom was an intelligent, honorable, and loving person and will always be with us. He is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Linda, dear children Christina Cole Slade (Mark), Tom Cole Jr., his precious grandchildren Madeline Dixon Slade and Andrew Cole Slade, sister Lucy (Don) Folger, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Serv ice will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2005 at 4:00 PM at First United Methodist Church of Saline with Pastor James Tuttle officiating. The family will begin receiving visitors at the church at 3:30 PM. A private family burial service will take place. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to Bank of Ann Arbor-George Thomas Cole Memorial Fund (to be used for stroke awareness and research) attn: Patti Judson 125 S. Fifth Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Published in the Ann Arbor News on MLive.com on 9/23/2005.

Customer Service Heaven

Tired of trying to call a major corporation and landing in Voice Mail Hell? Timothy Noah has written a series of articles for Slate magazine on how to find a human operator at those places.

He has also published a link to IVR Cheat Sheet, which offers a handy chart of instructions for evading voice mail at banks and companies selling cell phones, credit, insurance, computers, Internet, retail, shipping, telephones, travel, television, and power.

Rita comes to Houston

I've only been to Houston a few times, usually just pausing at the airport on my way somewhere else. It's a huge city, made rich by energy and aerospace, and it lies just 60 miles from the Gulf, where Hurricane Rita is fast approaching.

We have two '58 classmates in Houston, Jim Hollis and Helen Young. I am hoping they are safe tonight, either headed away from the storm or hunkered down somewhere with family and friends.

Most of the U.S. population lives in coastal areas, even though they are far more dangerous than inland locations. We are in a more active hurricane cycle now, and the damage is made worse by rising costs and larger populations.

In truth, we ought to have a national no-build zone of 25-30 miles, to preserve coastal wetlands and barrier islands, which absorb the killer storm surges. But folks with boats and beach houses don't want to hear that. (You don't agree? Let's hear comments!)

Agritourism

First we had tourism, then ecotourism, and now agritourism. Visits to Illinois and staying at family farms has become a new trend in the travel industry, according to an August 21 story in the Los Angeles Times.

The story cites three locations, in Nauvoo, Rantoul, and Belleville, but doubtless many others exist. Check out the Illinois Tourism site for suggested stays and getaways this fall.

Out of Town

Dear Friends,

I will be away from Princeton Sep 12-17. During that time, I will have spotty e-mail access and won't be able to write any entries for the class blog.

If you have news or pictures, please continue to send them in. I'll resume as soon as possible after returning.

Thanks for your notes and cards.

Will

Jerry Johnson

I regret to report that Jerry Johnson died today at 1:30 am EDT. He had a number of post-op complications and was unable to rally.

This picture is from our 1957 junior yearbook. In 1958 Jerry graduated from New Mexico Military Institute in Roswell, NM. He considered SHS his school because of the many classmates he knew from his grade and high school years.

At his request, Jerry's ashes will be scattered on the North Carolina property that he so loved. If you wish to share memories of Jerry, either leave a comment here or write to Ivy Johnson at Jerry's address in the directory on our class pages.

Passings

Three of our class members lost their mothers this week. The obituaries in the Journal-Register are as follows:

Ruth McGaw

SPRINGFIELD - Ruth Gust McGaw, 92, of Springfield died Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2005, at Lipe's Care Home. She was born April 27, 1913, in Joliet, the daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Shafer Gust. She married John W. McGaw in 1935; he died in 1995. Mrs. McGaw was a homemaker and member of Elliott Avenue Baptist Church.

Survivors: two daughters, Judy (husband, Tom) Lewis and Marsha (husband, Dan) Rion, both of Springfield; two grandsons; two sisters, Margaret Kimble and Katherine O'Malley, both of Wilmette; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel, the Rev. Leslie Rempel officiating. Private family interment was held in Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Juanita N. Welch

SPRINGFIELD - Juanita N. Welch, 92, of Springfield died Monday, Sept. 5, 2005, at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. She was born July 20, 1913, in Marion County, Mo., the daughter of Henry and Edith Moore Shroder. She married Clarence E. Welch in 1934; he died in 1963. Mrs. Welch retired from the secretary of state's office in 1978. She was a member of Order of the Eastern Star, King's Daughters and Central Baptist Church, where she served on the Diaconate, trustee and mission boards and was a member of Weber Sunday school class and Women's Service Council.

Survivors: son, Clarence E. (wife, Joleen) Welch of Springfield; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Services: 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Central Baptist Church, Dr. Reg Mills officiating. Graveside services: 3 p.m. Thursday, Emerson (Mo.) Cemetery. Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Miriam D. Nation

SPRINGFIELD - Miriam D. Nation, 90, of Springfield died Sunday, Sept. 4, 2005, at St. John's Hospital North. She was born June 15, 1915, in Normal, the daughter of Walter P. and Anna Vetter Dyson. She married George H. Nation in 1939; he died in 1998. A son, Michael G. Nation, and infant daughter, Mary Ann, also preceded her in death. Mrs. Nation retired as a secretary from the Kerasotes Theaters in 1980. She was a member of Laurel Avenue United Methodist Church, Irene Smith Circle of King's Daughters and St. John's Samaritans. She volunteered at the Sojourn Thrift Shop and as a guide at the Old State Capitol.

Survivors: son, Tim (wife, Gwynne) Nation of Springfield; four grandchildren; and a great-grandson. Cremation rites will be accorded at Bisch Crematory. Memorial services: 5 p.m. Thursday, Bisch Funeral Home West. Private burial will be at a later date.

For the addresses of Judy McGaw Lewis and C. E. Welch, see the Directory on our class pages. Thanks to Judy Vicars Van Hagen and Ann Tobin Hart for relaying the sad news.

Land and Books

The Library of Congress has a new exhibition, Language of the Land: Journeys into Literary America, and the website version features four regions, Northeast, South, Midwest, and West.



For those who still live in the Midwest, or miss it a little, or don't miss it at all, I urge you to take a look at the images and texts gathered to celebrate that chunk of our mid-continent.



The pictures shown here are some I took on a June visit to southwest Wisconsin, the Uplands or Driftless Region. The country church was the site of a Welsh chapel sing, where the congregation sang in Welsh and in four-part harmony.

Jerry Johnson

Jerry Johnson suffered a massive heart attack on August 23. During a few days of pre-op medication, he had a second, smaller attack and went on a respirator. On September 1, he had triple bypass surgery. A day later he was sitting up, eating spoon food, and preparing for intensive therapy before he goes home.



Jerry attended Dubois School. At SHS he was active in Wranglers and played as trombonist for the Starduster dance band. (second row, far right). He married Ivy Levchenko in 1960 and spent his career with Greyhound, retiring as a district manager. Ivy worked for the PGA in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. They moved to the Asheville, NC area to enjoy mountain living. Their daughter, Cathy Nines, lives nearby in Weaverville and works for the Mountain Area Health Education Center, where Ivy also worked for eight years.



Jerry is a fan of the SHS pages and has sent me several pictures of souvenirs, including the Senators pin on our home page. For a hobby he makes cool knit caps and sells them on eBay. Here he is modeling one under his handle, J Malo, though he could easily pass for Ernest Hemingway.

You may send notes or cards to his e-mail or postal addresses, both listed on our Directory, or just leave a get-well comment here. Jerry is a great guy, full of fun and good humor. For all of us, I wish him a speedy recovery.

Eye for Art

Jo Meiers Leggett lives near Alamo Square in San Francisco with her dog and cat, Chance and Sally Tomato, both aging and lucky to have found her. Her son, Cameron, is a doctor at nearby Kaiser Permanente, and her daughter, Cate, is a certified massage therapist in Pittsburgh.

Jo learned photography in 1975 while living in Pittsburgh. She began to teach and win prizes, especially for her studies of animals, and her stunning portfolios have toured museums from Oregon to Usbekistan.

In 1989 she relocated to San Francisco and later became publisher of photo metro magazine, a premier showcase for art photography. She has sold her pictures to museums in Pittsburgh, San Diego, Austin, Brussels, and Paris. Her writing appears in two books, Our Mothers and Our Grandmothers, both available from Amazon.

Jo sent me several of her pictures, which I'll share with you in future entries. What you see here is only a sample of her extraordinary taste and talent.