THIS PAGE LAST UPDATED: 02/24/06
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Selected Emails to webmaster. Latest emails printed first.
Betty (Hilpert) Ray
March 1, 2006
Dear Jim
I received your letter last week about the class reunion. And I do want to thank you for taking
the time to do this. I do plan to attend this one, as I have missed all except the 10 year reunion.
A lot has happened since then. A lot of water under the bridge and a lot of features have
changed. I guess expansion would be a good word to use in most areas.
I've lost most of my eyesight due to histoplasmosis, retina problems, and glaucoma. I can write,
but can't read it. My wonderful oldest daughter and her sweet husband have taken me in. Since I
have to have a guide, they will be coming with me. I am looking forward to being there at the
reunion. I may not get to every event, but for sure the main one.
Enclosed is a check to help out.
Than you so much.
Sincerely, Betty Ray
P.S. Jim. Would you pleased put this other letter on the internet for me. Than you. Betty Ray
Nora Marie Seals
350 F.M.931
Gatesville TX 76528
February 24, 2006
Thank you for inviting Sacred Heart Academy Class of 1956 to celebrate with Central. I am
excited and looking forwrd to the Golden Jubilee Reunion in Helena.
The Schedule looks like lots of fun and fellowship.
Jim, I would like to bring Bobby Fischel's youngest son to the celebration. I am including his
$40.00 as well as mine. Will it be alright to include him? He is the exact image of Bobby. He
wants to meet Bobby's classmates. Thank you again for including Sacred Heart Academy class
of 1956. You are a doll to do so. Let me continue to hear from you.
My E-Mail is (see email list) , phone s 254-487-3469.
See You Soon
Nora Marie
Pat Pounds
November 16, 2005
Hello Jim, please share this if you think the class is interested. Last month, my church hosted a Sacred Music Festival Event which featured a ritual dance and music by the Masanga Miramba ensemble from Zimbabwe dealing with grief. The event was filmed by the Hallmark Channel and a 5-minute portion of that event will be aired this Friday, November 18 on their "New Morning Show" which is on early in the morning (7 am PST), (6 am CST) and I think 9 AM EST. The segment was filmed on our church site and my daughter and I both were in the audience participating in the dancing and singing. You might spot us, but since we don't have an advance tape to view, I can't be sure. For additional information about the concert, you can click on our church website: www.webcom.com/onion and then click on the weekend concert menu item; next click on the flyer download for additional information. Ric Alviso who arranged the concert is my daughter's music history teacher at CSUN (California State University Northridge).
You can also go to the Hallmark Channel's website at: www.newmorningtv.tv to find out more about the show and the show's host. Those who have lost a loved one in the past year or two may find the November 18th presentation comforting. It is also an inspirational way to start the day. Their producers and filming crew were just wonderful to work with. So I hope you can tune in and enjoy the show. I am the volunteer publicity chair for the church and serve as a board trustee. Pat Pounds
Willmore Haley
July 20, 2005
Hello jim:
I just saw your picture of the "pirates day." The only thing missing was the jolly roger which was
up on the flag pole. I believe it was on the pole for two hours. I believe Mrs. Chorley's English
class was reading Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island". The class thought it would be nice
too have a day for the pirates. She cleared it with Mr. Porter. I made the jolly roger myself, and it
did fly for a couple of hours.
That would be a good puzzle, to ask the class. Who made the jolly roger ?
It was upon the pole, when the picture was taken. I do remember that someone took a picture of
it. Be nice to have with the pirate photo. That was a one time event ("pirates day"). as far as I
know it never happened again.
Will close and see you before too long. Bye for now.
Your classmate,
Willmore
Sophie (Harris) Wachter
Handwritten note dated April 30, received and transcribed May 4
Dear Jim & Friends (Class of '56)
They re-opened the Sistine Chapel this morining-our tour day there. How lucky we are that we saw
it. I can't get over all the art and architecture that is so well preserved for so long.
Wanted to say hi to those of you meeting May 1. We'll be in Venice.
Our tour guide is excellent and the group very friendly. We've enjoyed everything so far. I found
the trevi fountain breathtaking.
Love
Sophie (Harris) Wachter
Sandra (Porter) McLendon
05/04/05
Jimmy
Just finished looking at the great pictures you posted on the website. They are terrific only to be
surpassed by your subject matter. Everyone looks so wonderful. I'm here to say that Mary Ellen
Ramey looks just the same as the day we graduated. I personally think the chappeau is hot.
Right on Mary Ellen. You are the bomb! (Can you tell that I work with a lot of 20 somethings?)
I was with you all in spirit on the 1st. I know you had a great time and still accomplished a lot.
That is due to our most efficient, disciplined webmaster, and all- round terrific classmate, Jim
Peterson. Thanks so much from myself and '56 Class +.
Loved seeing picutre of Donald Rose (we held hands in the 5th grade while Mrs. Kitty Miles
would read wonderful books to us). Bet you didn't know that, huh? I would have known Sue
Oldham anywhere. She is still just as tiny and precious as always. I was hoping that you would
be able to send a picture of Pat Kelly or was he there? He was always so skinny and full of the
devil. I was hoping to find him fat and growing horns. Ha. Oh, brother, I'm in for it now. I had
better get that face lift, eye lift and anything else that will defy the pull of gravity, as Dolly Parton
used to say. God love her and forgive me.
Must run for now, Keep us all on track, Jim. We love you heaps.
Sandra
L.B.Haws
04/26/05
Jim,
I got the new computer going with TurboTax and we've just learned to use the scanner. I'm sending
the two photos as starters. I hope everyone is interested. I have a lot more to send. Will not
be at planning session. Looked at agenda. Would there be a way for those of us who can't
be at the planning session to participate either before or after? Thanks for all the work you've done.
LB
Jim Petersen, (responding to Bill Crosby letter below)
04/26/05
Bill,
No. You have it right. This meeting is to make plans for the reunion next year.
However, because of all the excitement that has been generated on the website, this planning
meeting will be attended by a lot of out of town classmates. So it is like a 49th year mini-reunion.
Also, since the class of 1955 is having their 50th reunion the same weekend, it affords an opportunity
to see a lot of the people in the adjoining class whom we rarely are able to see.
Come on down. It will be a lot of fun. And we would all love to see you.
Jim P.
Bill Crosby, (Marilyn Meador's husband)
04/26/05
Jim, there have been so many emails re: class of '56 coming through that we have become a little
numb to them. Then, it finally dawned on me that you are having a meeting this coming weekend,
and neither Marilyn or I know what it is for. We have let it all slide because we were thinking that
the re-union would be in '06, so we had plenty of time. We had assumed that the meeting coming
up was organizational and we would have no input to offer. Is this weekend the re-union A Year Early?
Bill Crosby
Jesse Crabtree
04/21/05
Jim,
I have been in contact with Nora Seals nee Fischel. She was Bobby's cousin. The following is
info she gave me on Bobby.
Bobby was working for a trucking Co. in Virgina. His father left him a farm in Booneville, Miss.
Bobby quit his job and moved to Booneville, Miss. and became a farmer. He died of lung cancer
approx. 10-11 years. His widow is named Shirley and resides in a nursing home due to illness.
He had four children. They were Peter, John, Lisa and Patrick.
I am going to try to locate his children and see if I can get more info on Bobby. If so I will let you
know. Also Nora was a '56 graduate of SHA. She was wondering if you would add her to our site.
Her E-mail address is:
NORAM36@AOL.COM.
Thanks, Jesse
Ellis Ogden
04/16/05
Thanks to those of you who have responded to my email postings. It is great to hear from you via
this website and through Google. Gosh, remember when Google sounded like Goo-Goo Cluster (umm!).
Again, thanks for your warm messages.
Ellis Ogden
Ellis Ogden
03/31/05
Jim,
Thanks so much for inviting me to the reunion. I attended the last one in 1996 and by
Novermber of that year, I was diagnosed with multiple myeloma (a rare form of cancer). In 2003
I was declared in that incurable cancer and am currently as healthy as a horse (well, maybe a
burro!).
It will be great to renew old ties. Although I didn't get to graduate in the class of '56 at Helena
Central, I graduated from another Central, Little Rock Central HS. However, my loyalty and
friendship remains with my old classmates from in Helena.
Again, thanks for your thoughtfulness. Will see you in Helena on whatever date the reunion is to
occur.
Ellis Ogden
Jim Petersen (response to Sandra's questions)
03/30/05
The "new" site collapsed several weeks ago and I have abandoned it. So we are just using the old site,
which I have done some design work on to make it more workable.
To get to the email addresses of class members on the old site, you have to use this user name and password:
User name = indians.html
Password = 53papoose
You are only asked for a password on google the first time you sign on. Any password you use
will work the first time. But from then on you have to remember the first password you used. Frankly, I would
just use some simple password, like "Sandra", so you will not forget it. If you enter a password,
and you do not remember it, click on "Forgot your password?" in purple just below "Sign In". You have
to enter your email address there and I believe they will email you a password.
There was a small fee for the "new" site, but the company is refunding it to me. As for the old
site, it is just part of my cable internet connection fee. So there is no additional cost to me
for that. But thank you for asking. I found that I had only used one-seventh of the space
allocated to me by Comcast.
I am glad you want to get on the site and be heard from. I know the class wants to hear from you.
Jim P.
Sandra (Porter) McLendon
03/30/05
Jim:
Could not get onto the new site this a.m. It said "Web Shell 3" with link. Also a password with link. Nothing,
however, worked. What goes? I went to the old site. Are you keeping both sites running simultaneously? If
so, you are a glutton for punishment. By the by, are these sites costing you anything? If so I am sure that
we as a class would like to share the expense. You shouldn't have all the fun!
Sandra
Sandra (Porter) McLendon
Help
Am trying to sign in at the Google site and have used my email and 53pappose and pappose53 and not
getting in. How do you spell pappose? Caps? What frustration when a woman can't get her two cents in.
My! My!
Sandra
Pat Kelly, Sacred Heart Academy, Class of 1956
03/25/05
Please add my name to the email list. I tried to register to get others email address, but couldn't.
Said I would need a password. Tried to make one up, but that didn't work. What do I do? Re: the
Seaporters, Eddie Herlien played for them. He may be able to put a name on all the players.
Jim Petersen
03/25/05
Hi Pat,
I'm very happy to hear from you. I remember you well, and I suspect that almost everyone else, if
not everyone, in our class remembers you too.
If you would like, I can add you to the google group and let you receive all the emails in your
inbox. But I warn you, it may be 20 to 30 per day. But if you are added, then you can post comments
to the others. You share many of our memories.
Jim P.
Pat Kelly, Sacred Heart Academy, Class of 1956
03/25/05
I am really having trouble sending email. The first one I had not completed and tried to save, but
it got sent. I just typed a really long one, hit the send button and found out that my comcast
modem was not on and the email disappeared. If you got the second one please let me know.
I am Pat Kelly Sacred Heart Academy class of 56, Dothan, Alabama - was married to Nancy
Luckett until 1980. Really did a good job on the web site.
Jim Petersen
03/25/05
Hi,
Thanks for the compliment on the web site. As you can tell, the class has gone wild over it. I hate
to ask this, but..... who are you?
Jim P.
The Kellys,
03/25/05
Hi Jimmy -
I have been reading the google messages. Super web site. Al McCarty told me about the site and
Geo. Cromwell gave me the address.
A little West Helena lore - The Handy Dandy grocery was originally on the corner of 3rd Street
and Plaza, diagonally across the median from Topps Drug Store (first bldg in West Helena to get
air-conditioning). Joyners groc was two blocks west on between the Ice House and Spiros Cafe.
The Joyners bought Handy Dandy, closed their store and moved Handy Dandy to the corner of
4th and Plaza across the street from the movie. The Palace, I think. Sandra Porter would know as
she lived at the movies back door.
Ann (Taylor) Laurel
03/16/05
Dear Jimmy,
Is really great to hear from you after all these decades. We received your
letter at our P.O. box and my husband said who is Jim Petersen? I said I
don't know, but I know a Jimmy Petersen.
The reunion sounds like fun. We will plan to attend. Keep us posted on the
latest news.
We now live in Allen, Texas. Residence address is
605 Pilot Point Drive
Allen, Texas 75013.
Our cell phone numbers are 972-898-5721 and 214-923-2840
Our mailing address is :
Dave and Ann Laurel
PMB 837
1314 W. McDermott Dr. Suite 106
Allen, Texas 75013-3015
George Cromwell (Class of '55)
03/15/05
Hi, Jim --
I expect that we'll see lots of Central High School friends who were not members of our class
but who might be around town.
Yes, we'll have a reception/mixer/social at the Pillow-Thompson House Friday evening and a
banquet Saturday night at the Country Club. My opinion is that these are the best places in town
to have these kinds of get-togethers. We're trying to arrange a come-as-you-are picnic for
Saturday afternoon. There's no planned activity for Sunday, but I'm sure some folks will want to
meet for breakfast, church, or maybe lunch. Usually everyone leaves town by noon or shortly
after. I plan to stay overnight and leave on Monday. Kent is sending out a letter with details this
week.
Yes, I did look at your website -- good job! We have been using a reunion page on
Classmates.com for communication, but not very heavily. It's been a struggle to get folks
interested in using the Internet and e-mail. I know just about zero about designing a website. We
had a suggestion about using one, but nobody has asked for it. You're very generous to offer, but
I suspect that there isn't time enough left to make a new website worth the effort of creating one.
Maybe you already have done some work on that with Nora's help. If you have, and are willing to
continue, we'll appreciate your help greatly.
So -- thanks. Let us know.
Geo. C. Billy Wilkerson
(Letter received by parcel post, and transcribed.)
03-02-05
Dear Jim,
I got your plans for the reunion. It has been so long, I didn't have a thought of having one. It was
a pleasure to speak to you. I hope we have it at Helena, as I have not been there in years.
I can tell, it is "hell" growing old. I have pretty good healrth. So that is good. Some my age
are 6 feet under.
Got to go now as I have to go to my daughters to let the dogs out.
Keep in touch.
William W. Wilkerson
02/27/05
Nancy(Reeves) Wooten
Jim, the pictures look great - except for the smirk on my face! We
had so much fun laughing all night and the food was great. No don't change one thing
on the narrative!
You captured the moment!
Thanks - Nancy
On Feb 27, 2005, at 2:04 PM, Jim Petersen wrote:
Jim Petersen
02/27/05
Nancy,
Take a look.
I will change the little narrative, if you don't like it. Just tell me what you want.
Jim P.
Nancy (Reeves) Wooten
02/27/05
Subject: Memphis
Hi Jim,
Hope your meetings were good - know you have had a long week-end!
Just wanted you to know how much we enjoyed Friday night and how much fun it was to
laugh and joke with our classmates! It was just great. Harry sent the pictures he
made and we thought they turned out well - let us know if you got them.
Get some rest!
Nancy
Louise (Wilkinson) Cremeen
02/23/05
Jim,
Subject: Re: your page under "calling the roll"
This has been wonderful and I so appreciate all your efforts in creating so much interest for all of
us. It can't possibly be 50 years since we saw each other every day and "helped carry one
another's burdens." Of course, we didn't know what those were back then, but I always felt, and
still do, that I had 98 other people supporting me.
Those years were my first encounter with real friendship and it is incredile that apparently we all
feel the same.
I do have a pic, but unfortunately, don't know how to send it. I will get help with this and get it
on the way.
Fondly,
Louise
Sophie (Harris) Wachter
02/19/05
Jim,
I am attaching my letter about me... I, of course, could go on and on about our children and
grandchildren but decided this was enough. If it is too long feel free to edit it to fit.
I thought with the attachment it might be easier to format. I wrote it in Word in Times New
Roman. If you can't open it, I'll cut and paste it into an email for you.
I'll send a picture or two soon.
Thanks for doing all this.
Fondly, Sophie
Willmore Haley
02/19/05
Jim:
Thanks to you and all the detectives who helped find all our classmates.
All deserve a big hand and another big hand of applause. Called Joe Self,
as of now he is thinking about coming to the meeting. ( Depending on his back)
Right now he's ready..
What's next? I will try to help you if you need my help. It's
hard to believe that everyone has been found. Thanks to the computer and
everyone who joined in the hunt. Thanks a lot.
Willmore
Jim Petersen (Response to Billy Mac Morton letter below)
02/15/05
Billy Mac,
Go to the web site and scroll to the bottom of the site. You will see a big Google Box near the
bottom. Click on "Browse Archives" inside that box. That will take you to the offsite mail site
we are using now. Things that you type on it will go to the whole class, without the necessity of
my reprograming it into HTML. Or just go back to the letter I sent from the
class-of-56@googlegroups.com address and reply to it and it should take you to that site.
For you to send something on the Google site you have to log in. To log in you have to give your
email address, and you are given an option to have a nickname. If you don't use a nickname then
your email address is displayed, or partially displayed on your sent mail. If you need more
explanation, give me a call.
Jim P
Billy Morton
02/15/05
Dear Jim,
1. I've been going to the site below in your first e-letter to me, by clicking on what you provided, and using
the user names and passwords you provided me. Then I got this from you later on about ME chosing a
password, preferably my nick name. Time I suppose has made me a bit dense and I am a bit confused.
Did you ever get Jenny Lee Oliver's address. I talked with Jenny Lee at the 40th yr reunion, and I believe
we exchanged addresses. At that time she was living in either Mmphis or West Memphis area, I believe. I
have kept a diary since 1954, and that is usually where I have kept addresses. I moved two years ago and
still have many things in unpacked boxes, awaiting the day I actually buy some storage furniture for the
four bedrooms of this trailer. One bedroom is still stacked floor to ceiling with packed boxes. If I find my
diaries, I will look in them around that time to see if I entered her address there. If so I will gladly provide it
to you.
Jefferson Elementary was the name of the grade school in Helena.(I'm not guaranteeing this, as at this
age I've a few loose synapses, but that is what my softening memory is telling me.) When I was in Junior
High at the old original Helena High School where my Mom went, the four story monster school with a gym
on the first two floors and a playhouse on the top two floors, and all that surrounded by four stories of
windowed classrooms. Miss Hudgens, an old maid, was our math teacher. She also taught my mother
back in the 1930's. The original Jefferson Elementary was torn down, and a new one was built in typical
blond brick, 1950's one story modern (for that time). It may have been named something else, I do not
recall.
To the Class,
If you did not choose a nickname when you signed on, I recommend that
you log in to the site and click on "unsubscribe or change membership"
and then enter a nickname. Enter a name we can identify. Then the
nickname you choose will be displayed instead of a part of your email
address.
Jim Petersen"
So Jim, tell me, where do I stick this nick name and where and when do I use it? I'm not the best internet
user by any means, but doing what I've been doing to get on your (our) website, there hasn't been any
asking of me to provide a password. There must be other ways to get on the site, and I've been sliding in
on what you provided. Help me out here. I want me password to be "Billy Mac" without the quotes at both
ends of it, of course. I'm willing to choose a password, but I gotta know where I actually do that.
Truly, Billy Mac
Willmore Haley
02/15/05
Jim: Just received your e-mail. I'm not much on writing letters, but will
keep it short. Glad to hear from you. Enjoyed reading all the e-mails from
the class. I think we should keep in touch with the class from now on or
until..... Jim, do you have everybodys e-mail adress? If so, is it
possible to post them on this site? If not on this site, how about everyone
who is willing, write their e-mail address down and bring them to the
reunion? This way, we can keep up with everyone pretty easily. Forgot all
the numbers you had written down, but I still like all sports,hunting and
fishing. Hoping to see you soon.
Willmore (with two L's)
John Sallis
02/11/05
Dear Jim,
It appears that Jerry and I will not be able to attend the reunion, as we will
be in Europe during much of 2006.
Best wishes,
John
Jim Petersen
(RESPONSE TO ANNE GUTHRIE BEARD ITEM BELOW)
Anne,
Don't worry about being considered paranoid. I welcome and am open to any questions about
the site.
I was curious about whether the site could be accessed through the directory. I specifically did
not ask for our site to be placed on the directory, because I did not want anyone to be able to
access it through a directory.
So I went to the directory and to my astonishment there are hundreds of websites for classes of
56 all over the U.S. I thought that I was doing something unique. HA. I'm way behind the curve.
I could not find our site on the directory. Have you been able to?
I do need to go back and read the terms and conditions of the google site again. It may be that
class members need to be encouraged to check something in those terms concerning their request
not to be on any email address lists that are marketed by google.
Only the email page is on google. The primary web site is on comcast, and it is not on any
directory. You can not find it by going to any directory as far as I know. Also, the list of email
addresses has been separated in the account from the rest of the addresses and phone numbers on
comcast so that you have to have a password to access them.
There is always a little security risk in using email at all. In my legal practice I have cautioned my
clients that any matters of a highly confidential nature should never be transmitted by email. I do
not think that anyone on the high school reunion web site will be transmitting any highly
sensitive personal matters. We are not giving out any birthdays or social security numbers.
Do me a great favor. Go into the site and start the sign up for the google emials. Read the terms
and conditions and privacy statement carefully for me. Tell me what you would recommend that
the class members do for that site, regarding use of a user name, and checking a privacy selection
in the terms and conditions. If you don't have the time to do this, that's ok. I will get to it.
I'm glad you are looking at the web site and enjoying it. There certainly is a somber side to
reaching the 50 year milestone. And I suppose, in a sense, it is all downhill for us from this point.
All the more reason that this should be a no holds barred blowout of a party.
I still think of each class member as he or she was, and as we correspond I like to think of them,
and you, both as you are now, and as you were. To a man, and woman, we were a pretty nice
group of people.
And each time I get an email from one of my classmates, it warms my heart. Specially from you.
I hope you will be able to make it to the reunion.
Jim P.
Anne (Guthrie) Beard
02/08/05
Thumbs up to you and all who have contributed to the organization effort. I have read through
most of it with mixed emotions....fond memories and some sadness ....
I do not know if you realize or not but the google site is NOT a secure site and anyone can get the
info posted there simply by using the directory search and entering "class of 56". You do not
even have to use an ID or password. This may or may not be an issue.....it would be very easy for
strangers to get the e-mail addresses that are displayed there. I do not have any idea about the
possibilites of the site being hacked and perhaps destroying many pc's along the way...Just a
word of caution to all who post there
.Sorry to be the carrier of gloom....but I am somewhat paranoid about pc security.....
Keep up the good work......and thanks for all the information....
Anne (Guthrie)Beard.
L.B. Haws
02/08/05
Jim,
Sure will try. Is there a definite time and place? Also, do you know
the schedule of events for the class of 1955?
May be in AR at Easter for a family reunion.
LB
Julian Frazier
Saturday, February 5, 2005
Hello, Jim!!!
Well, I've scored 3 BINGOs in the last couple of days [as I have already
notified you by phone], and with the ones you and others have located, it's now
down to just four classmates still "missing in action". I mailed a copy of the
1981 directory to you today, so you will have that information soon.
I've asked my wife to help me with a biography, so maybe I'll get that to you
soon. She's really anxious for me to get some painting done, so that we can
get this house up for sale and moved to Atlanta - so I'm trying to not spend
too much time on the classmate search effort.
Have you thought about sending out a +-form that outlines to everybody the
minimal information that you would like to be included in the biographies? Of
course, it would be each person's decision as to how much information they do
include, but I think it would be good to get all that are willing to tell us
their spouse's name and other items of interest about their spouses, education
and/or work history, where all they have lived, whether they are retired yet,
number and possibly names of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren
[yep, I think that Bobby Wilson mentioned that the child I heard while on the
phone with him was his GREAT grandchild!], and on and on..... Without some
encouragement, some folks are just going to give you the bare minimum.
number and possibly names of children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren
[yep, I think that Bobby Wilson mentioned that the child I heard while on the
phone with him was his GREAT grandchild!], and on and on..... Without some
encouragement, some folks are just going to give you the bare minimum.
Well, it's time to send this and go have a bedtime snack. I'll be in touch
with you soon.
Julian
Mattha (Griffin) Stephens
02/04/05 Jim,
So happy Julian has talked to Bobby.
Yes Glenn and Bobby worked together at Mohawk Rubber Company for a couple of years before
Glenn was transferred to Guntersville to manage their retread rubber plant there. We saw Bobby
about 3 years ago at a get together for this group that worked together in the early 70's.
Website is wonderful!!! Keep up the good work.
Martha
Jesse Crabtree
02/04/05
I found Joseph Self
Address: 710 River Ridge Road
Benton, AR 72015
Tele: (501) 316-2226 E-mail: JOSE72237@SBCGLOBAL.NET
I have tried to print the class picture but can get only half of it on my computer and 2/3 on my
wife's computer. Am I doing something wrong or is that just the way it is because of the width?
Jesse Crabtree
Louise (Wilkinson) Cremeen
02/04/05
Hi,
It's great to hear from you. I am very excited about the reunion and the plans you have already
worked out.
I am not going to Helena with Bill. I only did that when I had a broken leg(!) and after my illness
in November. Thankfully, I am fully recovered now and only go occasionally. I do plan to attend
the meeting on May 1 so I look forward to seeing you then.
I promise to check the web site this weekend. Sorry I have been delinquent in doing so.
Bill sold his practice in Little Rock and part of the sale document was a clause that he couldn't
practice in L.R. for 6 years. Of course, he was not and still is not ready to retire, so that is when
he went back to fulltime practice in West Helena. He loves his work and still attends all kinds of
seminars and meetings to learn new things!
I will be back in touch soon.
Louise
Mary Ellen (Ramey) Simpson
02/04/05
You may share this with the class. She is in very good spirits.
Dee
Mary Ellen (Ramey) Simpson
02/03/05
Hi Jim,
I told Mary about your e-mail but things have been very hectic for us this week. I took her to
Memphis on Tuesday for a checkup. I think she told you that she has had breast cancer. Well,
on Tuesday, they found cancer in her brain and lungs/chest. The radiologist found 9 different
spots on her brain. She started radiation treatments on Wednesday. She had another one today
and will have 8 more before she goes back to the cancer doctor on Feb. 18th.
I think it would be good for her to post a message to the class and will try to arrange for her to do
it soon. She has seen the web site. We had no trouble accessing it.
Dee Nowell
Betty (Lindsey) Holt
Jim,
02/02/05
Glad you have Ann's address; I was to find Bonnie Felder Montgomery and haven't yet. By any
chance has anyone sent hers to you? Haven't looked at the web page in a few days, but sure did
enjoy reading the notes from our classmates. Keep in touch. I've been quite busy - you may know
that West Helena is in turmoil right now and my agency is part of what they are turning upside
down.
Betty
Barbara (Holt) Hensley
02/02/05
Hi Jim, to answer your question, I am getting your web page and your e
mail. the web page brought back good memories and some bad like the
death of my friend Betty Kay Johnson, by the way you mentioned getting the
obituaries of people if you could, well i have Betty Kay's from a
Houston paper if i can find it, would you like for me to send it to
you?
Barbara
Pat Shores
02/02/05
Jim, my computer at home croaked .. but it will do a Phoenix soon I agree on the agenda
as important I'll jot out a draft and get it back to you ASAP . I've had direct contact with all locals
and interest is high. Good work again
PS
Jeannie (Bussell) Sugg
02/02/05
Hi--yes, I check the web sight!!!! Don't fuss at me--I have been running non-stop the past few
weeks--company on top of the schedule--
I do plan--or hope-- to attend the planning meeting--don't know if Alan will attend or not--will
have to wait and see--May 1 is the busiest time for him--each campus in the system has a
graduation ceremony and he tries to attend as many as possible--so will depend on his
schedule--the ceremonies go on for two weeks, and the weekends are the busiest--
I will ask him about the speaking bit--I don't think he will mind--as long as it isn't anything
heavy"--I don't think anyone wants that--this is supposed to be fun!!!
You continue to do a great job--I heard that Bill Ellis was in a permanent facility now--I don't
know exactly where, but might be able to find out--I doubt he could come--
How many are planning to come to the May 1st meeting as of now?
Thanks
--Jeannie
Carole (Danziger) Pasternack
02/01/05
Thanks Jim.
I was able to log on to your website. It was Fabulous.......It was so
interesting to read some of the e-mails and to see photos from 1996.
Thank you again,,,,it was great.
Carole
Carole (Danziger) Pasternack
02/01/05
Dear James:
Thank you so much for tracking me down and also for all your efforts
for the reunion. That is a monumental task. The truth is, I can't
believe it has been that long, especially since none of us has aged...:)
My son also lives in cambridge - he is a
musician/composer....unmarried......searching for that big break.
My daughter lives in NYC getting a masters in Fashion Design from
Parsons...unmarried also.
It is hard for me to commit to the meeting in May at this time but will
keep it in mind.
I tried to reach your online webiste but for some reason I could not get
your URL.....will continue tryng.
At least you now have my e-mail address. My fax number is 713 781-8346
and my telephone is 713 781-0813.
Again thank you for all your hard work on behalf of the class of '56
Carole Danziger Pasternack
Alto McCarty
02/01/05
Hi Jim,
recieved e mail and class info
I will be in touch
thanks
al
Jesse Crabtree
01/30/05
Received your E-mail on the 5-01-05 committee meeting. I will try to be there. Ignore the AOL E-mail address
that I am using. The one you have on MSN is the normal ISP that I use.
Jesse Crabtree
Bill Miller
01/29/05
Re: Reunion Planning Meeting
Thanks Jim, will get back to you on this. Billl Miller
Martha (Griffin) Stephens
01/29/05
Jimmy,
I may be able to get Bobby Wilson's address. I know he is living in Myrtle Beach. He has so many health
problems and I heard this past year from a former co-worker that he has suffered a stroke and is now in
a wheelchair. Glenn and I spent an evening with he and his wife about 5 years ago and he was in terrible
shape then. Will make some contacts and see what I can come up with.
Will be at the reunion planning meeting.
Martha
Eddie Wilson
01/25/05
Hi again, Jim. I checked the names, addresses and phone numbers page as you suggested, and
my address has changed. It's now 5 Stonewall Circle, Princeton, NJ 08540. Yes, I did look at my
photo and I can't believe I was ever that young! I'll look around for a decent, recent photo, and
forward it if I find one. (I don't consider myself to be very photogenic, so I usually take the
pictures and stay out of them)
How short should the Bios be? It may be difficult to summarize 50 years in something that's
really short. (I wrote several paragraphs to Dik Holland last night, just responding to an email)
Then again, I do tend to be a little detailed at times. Thoughts? Please write again when you
have time.
Best, Ed
Eddie Wilson
01/24/05
Hi Jim Great to hear from you again after all these years. I think the last time we corresponded
was when you were organizing an earlier reunion during the 70's. I went to your web site, which
is very well done, but couldn't figure out how to respond to the date/time and place poll in
Reunion Details." Accordingly, I decided to respond to it in this email to you, as follows: As for
a date, May or June both sound okay, although I'd prefer May. As for place, I'd personally prefer
Memphis, for reasons that others have apparently given, including availability of facilities and
accommodations, as well as flight convenience. I still have relatives in and near Memphis, and
having the reunion there would give me a chance to spend some time with them as well The
proposed, 3-day event sounds very appropriate. This, too, provides some flexibility for those who
may not be able to attend the entire reunion, but who may be able to be there for part of it. If I
may, I'd like to suggest that Ellis (now Joe) Ogden be included in the "Class Friends" list. I
believe Ellis attended the 45th reunion. I just responded to an email from Richard (now Dik)
Holland, who had been given my email address, I believe by Tom Butcher Please let me know if
I can help with any additional information. Best personal regards, Ed
Nancy (Reeves) Wooten
01/23/05
Jim, Sorry it took me so long - our Safari was not working and Harry finally got it back tonight.
The Easy Print worked perfectly and it is so much better to have 24 to a page and not the single
column! Thanks so much and please let me know if I can do anything - I just love to hear from
you and also look at the web sight to see if anyone else has written!!!
Nancy
William Tindall
01/23/05
Jim,Acknowledging receipt of your email. Won't be able to make the reunion committee
meeting but am available to help out if there is anything that I can do from here.
Bill
Nancy (Reeves) Wooten
01/23/05
Jim, I was very excited to receive your E Mail and the details of the meeting to complete plans
for the 50th "The Golden Jubilee" Reunion for our class! ( I just had to type that to feel that it is
really true - can you imagine 50 years since we were in high school? ) Anyway, I would love to
come if at all possible and if I can do anything at all to help you please let me know. I love the
website and look at everything every day!! Thank you so much!
Nancy Wooten
Kay (Allen) Szafranski
01/23/05
Jim, you are really doing a great job. We will keep the May 1st meeting on calendar. I am
waiting to be scheduled for left knee replacement (had right one done 1/04) so am not making too
many "yes, I will attend" statements til I hear from surgeon. They are scheduled 3-4 four months.
Anything I can do with emailing or typing, will be glad to. Thanks again, Kay
Pat Shores
01/20/05
May1 What time? Do we need to think dinner? I have a place close that is ready when I give the
go. Few places open here on Sundays. Awaiting response or in CB talk Come back??
Pat Shores (from Diane
01/20/05
thanks, I will get to your web page soon. Being the first of a semester-- I just have not had time.
I printed out this message for Pat to read tonight. He is out playing golf today WHILE I work.
When one spouse is retired and the other is not --it is hard on the is NOT. Just kidding -it has
been a trying day. Pat has an email address-he just forgot to give it to you. He works in the
mornings at the college. He will get back with you.
Diane
Joyce (Ramsey) Westfall.
01/18/05
Jim, Jackie Williams was Mrs. Harrell Eastwood when she died. Her address was 2397 Hickory
Crest Rd. in Memphis, Tn. 38119. There only child, Gary Eastwood, also lived in Memphis and
was single. I am sure the home went to him since Jackie's husband, Harrell, died a couple of
years before she did. Their telephone number was an unlisted number (901-756-8773) a couple
of years ago when Jackie died. I called there once about a year after she died and her son I think
was living there. That is all I know .
Yes, I will plan to come to Helena to the meeting Pat is having on the 24th of April. Please let
me know the details of where and what time. Joyce
Joyce (Ramsey) Westfall
01/17/05
Jim, I am excited about a class reunion. I would be glad to HELP on the reunion committee if we
can have several that will work. Last time there were just a few that would help and it really got
to be a major job for one or two of us. I am all for having the reunion somewhere other that
Helena/W.Helena.
There is really no place to have it and like you say no place to stay. So many of us do not have
family there anymore and will have to stay at motels and there are no safe, good ones near there
unless you stay at the casinos in Mississippi. That would not matter to me , but I do know some
that would not even think about staying there. Of course, I would like to see it be in Little Rock
since I live here, but I am O.K. with Memphis or anywhere other that Helena. We have several
classmembers here in Little Rock . Louise Wilkerson, Alan and Jean Sugg are local here and Kay
Allen and the Crabtree twins are close. I don't remember who else, but I think there are several
others not too far away. Sorry I missed your call last week. We just got in last night from a Cruise
and have been gone a week. The date and location will have a lot to do with whether I can help or
not, since I have some obligations in April of next year. By the way, I believe Ann Casteel is in
Marianna. Jackie Williams is deceased. Look forward to hearing from you.
Julian Frazier
January 16, 2005
Jim Petersen and William Tindall,
I am sending this email to both of you so as to convey email addresses and
phone numbers to both at the same time.
William, I enjoyed talking with you last Sunday and am happy to hear that you
live a lot closer than you did back in 1996. If I'm anywhere close to Cosby in
the foreseeable future, I'll be sure to look you up. Be sure to go to the
website that Jim has set up for our class. He's got us well on the way to
planning our 50th year class reunion. When you get a chance, give him a phone
call and/or email.
Jim, I'm slow in getting out this information to you. After a trip to Memphis
for a friend's funeral last weekend, I've just not been real swift in getting
back to the routines and doing all that needs to be done. But I do have
William's phone number and email address, so here it is.
Jim Petersen
400 Chesterfield Place
Franklin TN 37064-3291
Phone 615-794-6033
Website for CHS class of 1956 http://home.comcast.net/~jdpetersen
William Tindall
Cosby TN
Phone 423-487-3925
Jim, I'll get back on the task for locating some more of the classmates for
whom you don't have current addresses. Would you send me the latest list of
just the names of classmates for whom you are still looking?
Looking forward to seeing both of you again,
Julian
Julian Frazier
10447 Fielding Drive
Huntsville, Alabama 35803-4009
Phone [256] 880-2989
Robin Merrifield
01/16/05
Jim,
Thanks for your good work. My address is 272A Lost River Road, Mazama, WA 98833
Robin Merrifield
Martha (Griffin) Stephens
01/14/05
Jim,
I would vote for April or May for the reunion. I do not think that any of us have to have it built
around a holiday (days off from work) anymore. So I would prefer it NOT being on a Memorial
Day etc. due to heavier traffic when we are traveling. Also as to the function itself I would think
first day and possibly evening should be informal get together and if golfers want to play on next
day that would work but I would love for us to be able to go at a scheduled time to Central and
tour possibly that day also. Then we need a more formal dinner and program. I am most familiar
with current conditions in Helena-West Helena now and it is most heartbreaking but there is
something about the atmosphere when you go back for a reunion that I think we need....nostalgia,
I suppose. Actually there are 3 bed and breakfast places plus two rather good motels in West
Helena. Glenn and I stay at the Best Western everytime we go back and are well satisfied. Plus
across the river are the casinos and lodging could be had there.
I would love to serve on the committee to help in any way needed. You are to be commended for
all the time you are putting on this and the webpage looks like the work of a real "pro."
Martha
Jim Word (from Cookie)
01/14/05
Jim, our address is 1 Fairway Lane, Ashland City, TN 37015
Thanks, "Cookie"
PS You have done an excellent job on this web site.
Sandra (Porter) McLendon
Jimmy,
I'll be glad to help. I am still working full time, but have access to the computer and R. E. will be
glad to help as well. He has more computer time than I have. I agree that spring is certainly a
much better time of the year to meet in the delta. If there are available places to meet in Phillips
County, I would prefer to meet there. However, we are open to either Little Rock or Memphis as
well. Depends on the availability of facilities and convenience of those who would chair the
various committees.
I am so pleased that plans are being formed so that we can get this on the calendar. This will
enable R. E. & I to schedule our vacation times at work. The website looks great and you always
do such a great job of organization. Give my regards to your sister, Nora. I would like to see
some of the people in her class as well. We have friends that have year-block reunions, i.e.,: two
or three successive years.
Keep in touch,
Sandra
Fred Crum
01/12/05
Jim,
Would you change the city portion of my mailing address from Spring, TX to The Woodlands,
TX. The zip code is the same (77381-2633).
Thanks
Mary Anne Crabtree
01/10/05
Jimmy:
Good to talk to you yesterday. Let me know if you received this e-mail. This is the one that I
replied to and sent a note.
Mary Anne
Betty (Lindsey) Holt
01/09/05
Jim, Looked at the website this morning; it's really looking good. I didn't get to message you last
week, it was pretty busy at work (first of the month and end of fiscal yr). Haven't had time to
search for those few you gave me, but plan to have Frances help me in the next few days. I am
leaving on a cruise next Sat, be back the next Sat, so you won't hear from me next week. Glad
you've started the ball rolling early.
I will be in touch.
Betty
Gloria (McKuin) Thumlert
01/09/05
Hi Jim, I got the e mail I am not good at this computer. I only knew Joyce and Sylvia in the
picture. Keep me up todate with the reunion. It was nice to talk to y ow.
Gloria
Sylvia (Barker) Meeks
01/09/05
Hi Jimmy:
I just talked with Ann Casteel. It was wonderful talking to her. Just like old times. She is
planning on coming to the reunion. She did not get to come last time. Her address is: Ann Casteel
Barker, 5541 Hwy 44, Marianna, AR 72360-7974. Ann's phone number is: 870-298-2500 Dan's
address is: Dan Casteel, 203 Duffers Lane, Mayfield, KY 42066. Ann said his phone number was
270-247-2807, she thinks. Try it anyway. Let me know if there is someone else I need to try to
find. Take care.
Love, Sylvia
Sophie (Harris) Wachter
01/08/05
Jim,
Thanks for emailing the website address. I made a folder to keep the email so I will have the
address. I also finally found favorite places on my tool bar and called myself saving it there but
who knows if I can find it again so I'm glad you sent the address to me in an email that I know
how to reach.
The website is fantastic. I have been looking at it since we hung up. The 1996 picture is great but
made me sad that I couldn't be there. I'll write later to your guest page too but the reason I
couldn't be at the last reunion was that I had just been down that way shortly before, Fran was
still working and couldn't get away and August 17 is his birthday so I didn't want to be away
from him on that date. (The 3rd week in August is bad for us because his church in PA has it's
reunion then and every 3 years his school also and he likes to try to get there when we can.) I did
so miss being with y'all and hope that it is at a time when I can attend this time. The 25th that you
planned was so much fun. I looked up Anne Guthrie Beard's card and her address is the same as I
gave you. Her brother Billy lives in Fayetteville. He had colon cancer and I'm not sure how he is.
HE and his wife are friends of my cousin who lives there. Thanks again for doing this. Let me
know if there is anything I can do from here to help you. Joyce Taylor's married name is Taylor
too and the monument company is Two States if you have to call her (Ann's sister). Look forward
to seeing updates on the web page and seeing you in 2006. I'm excited!!! With fond memories,
Sophie
Charles Clark
01/07/05
Hey big buddy, I finally fixed this p c . I bought a anti virus program a while back and thats
when i started having trouble. I tryed everthing i knew and nothing worked and then a friend of
mine asked me if the anti virus had a firewall and if so to disable it. I did and everything wors
great now. Drop me a line, it's better than just watching it rain.
Charles
Charles Clark
01/04/05
I tell you it's amazing how we change, time takes it toll and when this old body is decimated by
age is when we need each other so we can hang on to each memory. The tie i have on in the
picture was given to me by Elvis one night at the Catholic Club in Helena and i later loaned it to
my brother and he never returned it. Well i won't keep you cause i know that you're busy but
thanks old friend for the good work. Can you send instant messages.
Charles
Martha (Griffin) Stephens
01/02/05
Jim,
Just a thought...at one of the 1955 class reunions we had Central High open for an afternoon tour.
That was a wonderfully nostalgic time for the group. If we have the reunion in Helena-West
Helena area this might be something that all would enjoy. There have been many changes but a
lot of the original is still there. Later,
Martha
Richard Holland
01/04/05
Hi Jimmy,
Martha tells me that you did not receive my reply to your email. so here goes again."It was great
to hear from you and to get your message last night. Got home too late to call you.
Carolyn Anne Love
5102 NW Ash
Lawton, OK 73505
580.357.8550
Dorothy Boudreau
15 Willow Avenue
Somerville, MA 02144
617.666.5556
(Don't know if she still maintains an email address) A reunion sounds great. I will look at the
website and see if I can help with any other addresses or phone numbers. I think we should have
a 50's Sock Hop at the Hut with a jukebox and a cash bar. We could have each class member pay
some assessment to cover costs. I will be happy to help, but don't know how much help I could
be this far away and I'm still working full time, which in my position, is about 60-70 hours a
week. Of course, you an as attorney, know that story." Let me know if I can help.
Richard
Jean (Bussell) Sugg
01/01/05
Jim--enjoyed our visit this afternoon--have already emailed Louise Cremeen--I have scanned
through the list, and I don't know of any errors--I could check on the ones in this area -Let me
know what else I can do--Jeannie
Marilyn (Meador) Crosby
12/30/04
Jim, got your message and am able to access it. Will study the list and let you know if we have
any info on anybody.
Marilyn
Martha (Griffin) Stephens,
12/29/04
Jim, I email Richard at work at (in email addresses) and have never had a problem.
Last contact with him was several weeks ago. I do not have email address at home for him but
his home phone # is 770-465-6571. He is known as Dik Holland now and that is the way his
phone is listed. Yes always great to hear from you also. Let's hope we can have a 50th that we
can all be proud of. I know you will work diligently to make it a memorable event.
Martha
Donna (O'Pry) Lynn
12/28/04
Good to hear from you today. Our son was suspicious--scam artist? We have had a lot of that
around here.The Christmas days were very pleasant--no snow--how about Franklin? We did have
snow Monday, the day we were scheduled to go with our grandson, Locke, on a field trip. The
school cancelled the trip, but we went on to Williamsburg, which was probably not a good idea.
It was too cold to enjoy the historic area; however, we enjoyed the warm shops and an excellent
lunch at the Trellis, not to mention the time together. Hope this gets through to you and you can
get back to me.
Donna
