Jan Guiffre Sables

Another milestone: Jan Giuffre and Roger Sables celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary recently with a party at Island Bay Yacht Club. They married on June 23, 1962 in Blessed Sacrament Church.

They have three children and seven grandchildren, all living in Springfield. Roger is the owner of Giuffre Buick and Jan is a broker associate with Re/Max. Congratulations to the couple, and thanks to Libbie Peterson Britton for locating the story and picture, now appearing in the SJR.

Golden Anniversary

Dee Dee and Bill Benedict have reached a life milestone earlier than anyone else in our class: the 50th wedding anniversary. They married on April 21, 1957 when she was 17 and he was 20. After a three-day honeymoon, she returned to her Junior year in high school and he went back to the Navy.

Dee Dee says some folks said the marriage wouldn't last, but today they have three children (Michael, Kathy, and Amanda) and five grandchildren. They've lived in Pompano Beach, Florida for 42 years and both are now retired. Congratulations to Dee Dee and Bill on such a long and happy union.

Mr. Fantastick

From left, Rusty Rechenbach as El Gallo, Dave Eaken as Bellomy, and Allan Stephens as Hucklebee rehearse a scene of the Rose Barn Theatre's production of “The Fantasticks.” Photo by Bill Robinson / The Register

In our Sophomore year, Allan Stephens starred in “The Skin of our Teeth,” playing George Antrobus in Thornton Wilder’s madcap survey of history repeating. Charles Boughton directed. Now 51 years later, Allan will appear as Mr. Hucklebee in “The Fantasticks,” a musical with elements drawn from Shakespeare and Rostand. It played off-Broadway for 42 years and brought fame to the likes of Jerry Orbach and F. Murray Abraham.

Allan first appeared in "The Fantasticks" in Austin, Texas about 35 years ago, for 40 performances. The current show plays at the Rose Barn Theatre in Richmond, KY on July 12-13 and July 21-22. A full story appears in The Register of Richmond, KY. Of this gig, our favorite thespian in Kentucky says “ It’s the best coverage I have had since Bill Tranquilli and I buried the skull.” (Do you remember that story? Let us know in a comment.)

Harry Hyndman

On this Independence Day, another military career to honor is that of Captain Harry Hyndman, who served in the United States Navy and Reserve for 27 years, 1962-89.

Harry was Chief Engineer aboard the USS Warbler, a coastal minesweeper. His other duties included damage control, repair and salvage, movies, morale, and recreation, which meant coaching the ship's football team, with little prior experience.

His home port was Sasebo, Japan, and he spent much duty time patrolling the shores of South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines, and Vietnam, where he was on duty during the Gulf of Tonkin incident, the start of the shooting war.

In his later years Harry assisted with intelligence operations in the central Pacific, at Guam and the Micronesians, for support of air patrols and nuclear submarines. For a man trained as a research scientist, he had many assignments that roamed far from the laboratory.

Before retirement, Harry served as professor of Naval Science, and commander of the NROTC unit, at the University of Missouri in Columbia. As a reserve officer, he had a long career with the Monsanto Company and in recent years served the Berean Mission in the USA, Latin America, and Asia.

Harry and his wife, Kathleen, raised three children and have six grandchildren. They live today in Olivette, Missouri, and have attended most of our Reunions, after decades of service abroad.

USS Warbler MSC-206

Joe Magro

We have just learned the sad news that Joe Magro died two years ago in Alton, Illinois. He was nearly 65 and had been retired for 10 years. With the help of Libbie Peterson Britton, Judy Van Hagen and CE Welch, we located the following obituary text from the St. Louis Post Dispatch:

Joseph Magro, a retired teacher in Alton, died June 30, 2005, of cancer at Alton Memorial Hospital in Alton. He was 64 and lived in Godfrey.

Mr. Magro was born in Springfield, Ill., and graduated from Springfield High School in 1958. He received a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in education, both from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Mr. Magro was an educator for more than 25 years at JB Johnson Career Development Center in Alton. He served in many capacities at the center, such as librarian and head of the television studio. Mr. Magro was also a longtime sponsor of the school's drama club. He retired in the mid-1990s.

While at the center, Mr. Magro taught night art classes at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey for about 12 years.

In his spare time, Mr. Magro raised orchids and won numerous awards. He also enjoyed designing stained glass, martial arts and line dancing, in which he had several choreographed dances patented.

Mr. Magro is survived by a sister, Joanne J. Rockwood of Gainesville, Fla.

A memorial service was held at the Rose Garden Restaurant and Banquet Center in Alton.

Memorials to the Lewis and Clark Community College Foundation, Magro Art Scholarship Fund, Erickson 211, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, Ill., 62035; or the American Cancer Society, No. 5 Schiber Court, Maryville, Ill., 62062.

50th Reunion

You should have received this in the mail by now.
Hope you will mark the calendar and attend.
(Click on the pic to enlarge.)

East Coast Trip

Suzanne Lee Boyd moved last year and found this picture in her basement. A little dusty and wrinkled, but what a souvenir: it's of the group that traveled to the East coast in June, 1957 to take in the American History sites between Washington, DC, and New York.

Itinerary: overnight train (with Vista Domes) through the Appalachians to DC, toured the town and Mount Vernon, then overnight boat via the Chesapeake Bay to New York and toured that town. Our leaders were SHS history teachers Ruth McKinnie and Irene Burnette.

Suzi says the teachers could out-walk us all. She recalls going to the NBC studio in NYC and standing outside the windows of the Today Show, with Dave Garroway and the chimp. Then she called her parents, who watched every day, and sure enough, they saw her on TV.

Here is our best rendition of the names. At present, 9 are missing. If you know the people marked ?, please tell in a comment. And add your memories, please. (Click on the picture to enlarge, and see also below.)

Row 3: ? Susan Olsen, ?, Nancy Fromm, Nancy McBrian, Bill LaForce, Harry Hyndman, Lois Gibson, Dana Furry, ?, Kay King, Lynn Prater, Laurel Loibl, Jean Taylor, ?, Sarah Temple, Stan Thomas, Richard Hollis, Bill Bruce, Norman Baker, CE Welch, Robert Carter, Ruth McKinnie, Rep. Peter Mack, Irene Burnette, ?, Jan Schemerhorn, Darlene Lynn, ?, Bonnie Bruce, Judy Guy, Betty Martin, ?, Miss McKinnie's niece, Sylvia Staley, ?, ?, Beth Biendarra, Pat Stein.

Row 2: Nick Graebel, Alan Schilsky, Charles Buchheit, Bob Schuster, Joe Manuele, Will Howarth, Don Savage, Charles Baumann, Kim Funk, Dave Barr, Tom Brydges, Bob Hails, Dennis Carroll, Bob Schmidt, Steve Dilts, Don Childs, John Harrison, Bill Ice, Fred Langenbach, Mike Newby, Lee Lochbaum, Bob Brunsman, Ralph Keiser.

Row 1: ?, Suzanne Lee, Sue Jacobs, Beverly Blue, Janet Hansen, Marcia Ruzes, Leslie Heineke, Peg McKenzie, Sandra De St. Jean, Elaine Feir, Ann Tobin, Nancy McKibbin, Donna Kaiserman, Pat Flamm, Janet Moody, Judy McCoy, Carol Schroeder, Louise Funk, Ruth Lance, Jeannette Davis, Nancy Swartout, Darlene Willi, Gay Logan, Debbie Baker.

For a really BIG view of the faces, click the NEW link on the SHS '58 site.

Mr. Wizard

Don Herbert, the "Mr. Wizard" of 1950s television, died in Los Angeles yesterday at the age of 89. He was not a scientist but knew how to make experiments and principles visible to kids, by using everyday objects from the household. He also featured 11 and 12-year-olds on his show, and his easy, respectful manner toward them was a model of good teaching.

Such a nice man was, naturally, from the Midwest. He grew up in Minnesota, went to college in Wisconsin, and broke in his TV show on WMAQ in Chicago. Many scientists today give him credit for inspiring their careers. He continued to appear on television long after the 1950s, and in recent years he reprised his original shows on DVDs.

A full obituary appears in the New York Times and many other online newspapers.

Neighborhoods

Elgin, Illinois: June, 1941

John Vachon of St. Paul, Minnesota, took photographs for the Farm Security Administration during the Depression and World War II. This image represents many early 20th-century neighborhoods built in the Midwest, along streets graced with American elms.

The picture is from an online site, Language of the Land, sponsored by the Library of Congress.

Just thought it might remind us a little of where and when we grew up.

PS: If you live in Springfield and enjoy history, please see the Iles House blog. The house needs to recruit 8 volunteer docents to help lead tours.

Jim McGeath

Jim McGeath attended Hay-Edwards grade school, graduating in 1954, and was at SHS in our freshman year, 1954-55. He was a Marine Corps veteran, worked in various factories, and was an avid fisherman.

He died on May 15 at his home in Germantown Hills, northeast of Peoria. He leaves four daughters, nine grandchildren, and two brothers. An obituary appears at the SJR site.

The picture above is an enlargement of the 8th grade picture from Hay-Edwards school. Jim is in the middle of the 4th row.

Thanks to Janet Bailey Kerner for a note about the obituary.

Ruby Time

Congratulations to John and Connie Brownback on their Ruby anniversary.
And thanks to C. E. Welch for the scanned announcement.

Memorial Day

I don't know how many '58s have served in the armed forces. Maybe a hundred or more.

Pete Kobes has the longest tenure as an officer, followed by professionals like Bill Ice, Allan Stephens, Bob Shewmaker, Bob Wicks, and Bob Willis. Taavo Saviste was a Green Beret. Charley Harmony spent two years in Alaska. C. E. Welch, Steve Kwedar, and Dave Dodge served in Vietnam. Bo Overaker died on duty in Europe.

Doubtless, I have skipped many names—please, supply them in comments, and did any women in our class serve?

On this Memorial Day, the veteran I remember is Mike Nation. We were friends, and the only picture I have of him is the one above, from our yearbook. On our Memorial page, Mike is the second casualty. He died on Sunday, July 25, 1965. He was flying a Navy patrol plane and it crashed in the sea. He was 24 years old.

The yearbook is right: he was sharp, fun-loving, and in college he studied psychology. In the summer of 1960 we both worked on a state parking survey. Every morning, Mike arrived at my house to give me a ride. On the survey, he liked to ask people where they had been or were going. I said he would make a great shrink. He was dating Patty Lock, said he would marry her, and he did.

After that summer I lost track of Mike until 1965. His death made me ask why him and not me, or any of his other friends. All these years later, I still don't know, and the wars go on. Bill Golladay has a son flying in Iraq. I have a nephew on duty in Afghanistan. We all have connections to veterans, and to many who died in service. Today is a day to remember them.

Wisdom

In our life journeys, we hope to acquire knowledge and in time also wisdom, that most elusive of virtues. It's hard to attain or define, but we all know some who had it and passed a little to us, along the way.

Want to know your Wisdom Scorecard? Then take this brief test featured in the New York Times. It's 39 statements for you to evaluate and takes only a few minutes. Whatever your score, the statements teach a lot about growing older and wiser. If you remember someone wise, let us know in a comment.

Less-Traveled Roads

With gas approaching $4.00 a gallon, long road trips may be too costly, but it's still possible to take short drives here and there along the National Scenic Byways.

These are 126 less-traveled roads across America, designated by the federal government as having historic or scenic importance. The program protects and upgrades the highways, so you'll have a smooth ride, and the roads all have plenty of good places to eat or lodge.

To plan a trip in your home state or elsewhere, visit the America's Byways site and check out the slides, maps, and comments by fellow travelers. Then crank up some tunes, hit the road, and enjoy the ride.

Roberta Grove

Roberta Dunnigan Grove, 97, died on Saturday, May 12, at her home in Springfield. She was the mother of our classmate, Joann Grove Dilts, who died in 2003.

Mrs. Grove was born in Virden and moved to Springfield in 1914. She graduated from SHS in 1927 and later from Brown's Business College. As a secretary, she worked for Lincoln Life and Northwestern Mutual Life. In 1939 she married H. Leroy Grove, who died in 1991.

She is survived by her son-in-law and our classmate, Stephen Dilts of Denver, two grandsons, and three great-grandchildren. Of her, Steve wrote "She led a quiet life that was a model of graciousness, humor, and family commitment."

Services are in Springfield on May 16 at St. John's Lutheran Church. Visitation begins at 9:30 am, with services at 10: 30 am and burial at Roselawn Memorial Park. An obituary notice and guest book appear at the SJR site.

Our condolences to Steve Dilts, who kindly supplied the portrait of Mrs. Grove.

Wesley Hilligoss

Wesley W. Hilligoss, 83, of Jacksonville died Friday, April 27, 2007, at Barton W. Stone Home in Jacksonville. He was born July 18, 1923, in DuQuoin, the son of Leigh and Myrtle Heiple Hilligoss. He married Marjorie Jolley May 9, 1947, in Tuscola, and she survives.

He is also survived by a daughter, four sons, eight grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and one sister. He was preceded in death by his parents, a granddaughter, two sisters, and two brothers.

Mr. Hilligoss was an art teacher and guidance counselor at Springfield High School. Earlier in his career he coached football and golf. He served as camp director and caretaker of the Western Illinois 4-H Camp on Lake Jacksonville from 1960 to 1972. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star. He was an award-winning wildlife wood carver, enjoyed gardening, camping, and was an avid golfer and St. Louis Cardinals fan.

A funeral service was held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 30, 2007, at Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville, with burial in Asbury Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be left online at the Guest Book on the obituary page of the Springfield Journal-Register.

Web Videos

We 58s are plenty computer-literate, as evidenced by our directory of e-mail users, and the frequent notes we send pointing to jokes, cards, or Web sites. The new hot item of exchange: links to web videos, short films that run directly in a browser.

Janet Frederick sent one that tickled her, as a librarian: It's in Norwegian, with English subtitles, but its humor is universal.

Another video link came from Bill Ice, of a dazzling performance at the Edinburgh Tattoo by the Swiss Army Drum Corps.

And Ted Leach '60 sent one that smiles at "senior moments," the Remember Song by Tom Rush.

The main Web video sites are Google Video, YouTube, and LiveVideo. You'll find thousands of video clips on every topic, including this set on Springfield. If you have a favorite clip or site, please tell us in a comment.

(No one we know; I just liked the picture.)

Dorothy Grace Vicars

Dorothy Grace Vicars, mother of Judy Vicars Van Hagen, died on April 13, 2006. A funeral was held on April 17, and many of Judy's '58 classmates attended the visitation and service.

They were CE Welch, Ron Wilson, Janet Bailey Kerner, Mary Houghton Elbertson, Roy Borg, Keith Schnepp, John Brownback, Bob Hails, Jack Billington and Carolyn Baldwin Quinlan.

Dorothy Vicars was the daughter of a Methodist minister and grew up in several Illinois towns, including Hillsboro and Champaign-Urbana. She met her husband, Thomas J. Vicars, in Pontiac. They married in 1939 and raised four daughters. He died in 1997.

In Springfield, she worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation and was active in community affairs. An obituary with more details appears at the SJR site. The class sends its condolences to Judy and her family.

Sunset near Pontiac, Illinois: by Dulany Sriner, SHS '64

Ray Page

Ray Page died last Thursday in Tucson, Arizona, from complications after a fall about a month ago. He was 85. Mr. Page and his wife, Kathryn, had lived in Arizona for more than 30 years.

A native of Loami, he spent 17 years teaching history and coaching in Illinois high schools, including SHS in 1955-62. The highlight of his career was winning the state basketball championship in 1959. He also coached baseball, and his 1958 team won the district title.

In 1962 Mr. Page was elected state Superintendent of Public Instruction, a post he held for two terms, 1963-71. He then retired to Arizona. Survivors include his wife, son, daughter, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services will be held in Springfield.

A full story appears in today's Springfield Journal-Register.

1959 State Champions

Personal Transporter

Diane and Al Urbanckas spent the winter in Florida, where recently they had a visit from her son, Ross Taylor. Together they went to Mount Dora to get acquainted with the Segway, known also as a personal transporter.

The Segway is two-wheeled and self-balancing. You move by leaning forward, backward, or sideways, and the machine follows. It's designed for journeys of under five miles, say to the store or around the golf course.

Our intrepid travelers put on helmets, got about 10 minutes of practice, and headed outside for a journey: down an alley, over railway tracks, and into a park. They moved along dirt paths and boardwalks, but Diane saw mostly roots and moss. At one point, Al failed to scale a brick wall. At the end they posed for the above shot, and all want to do it again.