Est. March 31, 2000 20,440 Previous Hits February 11, 2002 Editor:Tommy Towery http://www.leealumni.com Class of 1964 Page Hits This Issue e-mail ttowery@memphis.edu Staff Writers : Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly , Joy Rubins Morris ,Terry "Moses" Preston Staff Photographers: Fred & Lynn Sanders Contributers: The Members of Lee High School Classes of 64-65-66 |
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Est. March 31, 2000 20,440 Previous Hits February 11, 2002 Editor:Tommy Towery http://www.leealumni.com Class of 1964 Page Hits This Issue e-mail ttowery@memphis.edu Staff Writers : Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly , Joy Rubins Morris ,Terry "Moses" Preston Staff Photographers: Fred & Lynn Sanders Contributers: The Members of Lee High School Classes of 64-65-66 |
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E-mail us your memories about: Numbers For Next Week's Edition |
Will The Real "Lee Generals" Please Stand Up! By Tommy Towery When I wore my Lee High sweatshirt to one of the mini-reunions recently, several of our fellow classmates were surprised at the logo that was printed on the front of it. The sweatshirt was bought several years ago in a Huntsville sports shop and the logo (shown above) features a five-pointed star, with five generals around it. I was also surprised when I found out that they had no idea that the logo has been changed long ago. Yes friends, the historical figure of Robert E. Lee sitting atop Traveller that was once painted on the walls of the gym at Lee High School has been retired. Well, not exactly retired, because he is still allowed one-fifth of the Lee High School Generals' domain. Four other famous generals - George Washington, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Douglas Macarthur, and Collin Powell, now join him. I had heard of the transformation several years ago and thought, I guess as everyone else did, that all of my fellow classmates knew as well. I found out that I was wrong about everyone knowing. So, to see how common this knowledge was, I ran the poll on this site last week. The results show that many among you did not get the word. I wanted the real story so I e-mailed the webmaster for the current Lee High School website, but never got an answer back. I also e-mailed several of our old classmates that still live in Huntsville and whom I thought might have the true story of this evolution and received the attached e-mail below from Linda Taylor. Linda is still a teacher in Huntsville and doing a great job from what I hear. It gives a pretty black and white picture of the change. Before I e-mailed them, I had searched the web high and low to find an official announcement or explanation of the change. Nowhere on Lee's official web site is there any mention of who Lee's Generals are named for, nor is there a detailed picture of the logo that I could find. I am also led to believe that the Lee painting, used in our Classmate logo above, that once smiled down on us in the gym was also painted over. Anyone who can clear that up is welcomed to e-mail us with the details. I do know that Lee is now one of the Magnet Schools in Huntsville, which gives students across the city an opportunity to participate in some special programs there, not just the ones that live near the school. I remember that Gene Bryson lived nearer to Huntsville High School, but was allowed to attend Lee because he used a wheelchair and Lee had the distinction of being the only high school in Huntsville that was one story but that is a different story. Anyway, you now know the real story behind the Lee logo. I don't know about all of you, but sometimes I am not comfortable with change. I saw a bumper sticker the other day that almost said what I feel. I have to change it just a little to make it work for me. The bumper stick I need on my car should say, "I guess I am just a Nickelodeon person, living in an MTV world!" Here's the story that Linda received. Subject: Lee Generalssss Date: Thu, 7 Feb 2002 07:52:14 -0600 From: "Taylor, Linda" <ltaylor@madisoncity.k12.al.us> The 5 Generals are: Washington, McAuthur, Powell, Lee, and Eisenhower They were selected by Mr. Owen and the change was made app. 1992. The reason for the change was due to increasing diversity of the school population. The artist was Ray Nolen who is now a well recognized artist in Washington State. Info from Mrs. Penny Summmers.(Former principal at Lee and 1968 graduate.) Linda Taylor Class of '64 From Our Mailbag... Subject: Angels Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2002 22:36:14 -0600 From: "Pat Stolz" <pstolz@knology.net> What a sad and unfortunately, true topic this week. I know I have two angels in waiting myself. My dear parents are 80 and 82 and neither are in the best of health. I treasure every day with them, and everyone that I love, you never know when you could lose them. I have lost four co-workers in a little over a year. I wish you were able to share with us the identity of the person we need to pray for, but I know we all respect your vow to keep this persons identity to yourself. My prayers will be with this person, and their family, tonight and every night, and with all you and your families. Pat Torzillo Stolz Subject: "Angels in Waiting" Date: Sat, 2 Feb 2002 22:41:43 -0600 From: "Robert Alverson" <BobAlverson@peoplepc.com> Your article about Tammy Cochran's song was very good and to the point. I am aware of one of the situation that I am sure you were writing about. Prayer was requested last Sunday at the end of our Sunday School Class for one of our classmates. Please keep reminding your readers to keep praying for those they are aware of who have needs. Prayer can do so much to strengthen and in some cases lead to healing. Back to the song. On Labor Day Tammy sang "Angels in Waiting" on the Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon. I had the privilege of having Jim McBride on our phone bank at WHNT during the performance. It was great to be able to come back to him after the song, since it ended the national segment, and let him talk about it. Working with the Muscular Dystrophy association on this telethon for as long as I have you see plenty of Angels in waiting. These kids are amazing with their abilities and they strength to go thorough so much at such a young age. We can learn so much from them, especially when we have hard times in our lives. Thanks for letting me get on my soap box. Keep up the good work. Bob Alverson Subject: Thank you Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2002 10:30:10 -0600 From: "Linda Walker" <lbwalker@usit.net> Tommy, thank you for your Angels in Waiting letter. I really needed that this weekend. Sometimes it is easy to get discouraged when caring for an "angel in waiting" and feeling sorry for yourself is not new. Your letter put me back on the right track and made me feel much better. Thanks. Linda Beal Walker Subject: Our angels in waiting Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2002 21:13:07 -0600 From: "Cheryl Massey" <cherylmassey@attbi.com> I, like you, was so touched by Tammy's and Jim's song. I still listen to the CD in the car and get teary eyed. And I get a special thrill when a local radio station is playing it. You are right about all of us having our own angels in waiting. Being aware that fellow classmates are among them makes you realize that we aren't as "immortal" as we thought when we were young. I don't feel the need to know the names if they wish it that way. I just know that there was a time that I lived in Huntsville, AL with them and walked the same halls at Lee High School. We shared this experience whether we knew each other or not. When they get their wings, I will be sad to have lost their company here on earth. But I will rejoice that they are in a much better place where there are no tears and no pain. My prayers are with them and their families that they be comforted. Cherri Polly Massey Subject: Hey T Tommy, Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2002 15:29:33 EST From: Jdcaroljosh@aol.com I'm almost embarassed to finally write in---sorry it took so long!!! As you, and some of my other friends know, I don't get a chance to check my computer all that often. There is a joke among my girlfriends that if they really need something, they call, because I don't check my e-mails that often. For those of you that don't know---Dub and I have had custody of our first grandson since he was 17 months old (he's almost 10). Anyway, after working, helping with homework, whatever sports is being played at the time, PTA and all the other stuff, I fall into bed at night. I do try to check the website regularly and have really enjoyed all the comments from you and our other classmates. I made a New Year's resolution to be more diligent about sending memories in and then had to have rotator cuff surgery January 9th. Anyway, I'm about to mend and hope to correspond more frequently. I got a letter from J.R. Brooks last week telling me that Hub Harrington (Class of 66) has been appointed Circuit Judge for Shelby County, Alabama by our governor, Don Siegleman. He wanted me to share it with the rest of our classmates. Also, in this week's Huntsville Times there was an article about the Olympic opening and closing ceremonies. Mike Weisman (also Class of '66) is one of four Huntsvillian's that are involved in putting these ceremonies together. Mike is involved in the lighting part and has worked in this field for many years, also, doing lighting for many rock & roll stars, etc. I hate to end on a sad note, but your article last week about our own "Angel in Waiting" was so touching. We here, who are friends, are heartbroken but still praying for a miracle. Unfortunately, we are at a time in our lives when we are losing at a great rate, the ones we love most. Others of us are also going through very trying times in their lives and our prayers are with them. So, if you have a friend, a loved one or someone(s) special in your life, let them know each and every day how much they mean to you. I have been told that I could share with you who this very special person is----but, I don't feel comfortable doing that yet---there is too much pain. Maybe, soon. Anyway, love to all and God Bless! Carol Jean Williams Carroll Class of '65 Subject: The Website Date: Tue, 5 Feb 2002 07:32:20 -0600 From: "Judy-Collins" <jcwynn@gulftel.com> Hello Tommy and everyone, I've been keeping an eye on the site every week or so but otherwise have been silent for a while due to some other activities one of which is a new grandson. Anyhow, saw some items in this weeks email that brought thoughts I haven't had in many, many years. Hot tamales in Huntsville Park - now that's a memory. If this is the same one Barbara is thinking of it was in a house right in the middle of the neighborhood. You just walked up to the door and ordered whatever you wanted - believe everything was "to go". The house was on the same street as my Aunt and Uncle across and south about 5 or 6 houses. Regarding the Rebel Inn - I was a dishwasher and potato peeler there when in I was 12 or 13 - my first real job - it shows up on my Social Security history as 1959. I believe the same people owned George's restaurant in 5 Points or had some business arrangement because I alternated between the two. We lived in West Huntsville (defined, I think, as the area in and around the Center Theater and the old West Huntsville YMCA) and I attended West Huntsville Elementary for a while so am very familiar with the Center Theater - my favorite was John Wayne in "The Flying Tigers". And, I think topless movies are still soooooooooooooo great, for a boy of any age; of course, by now it's only idle curiosity. Regards Collins (CE) Wynn Class of '64 (Editor's Note: The man who ran The Rebel Inn back then was Mr. Drake if I am not badly mistaken. On some nights when my grandmother had to work especally late and miss the bus, he would bring her home. Collins, it's funny you should mention "The Flying Tigers". That was one that I vividly remember seeing at The Center, and it was one of my favorite movies of all times and until the invention of the VCR, held the title of the movie that I had seen the most times. I think that I saw it 20 times in a theater and in pre-HBO TV days. I am sure that it was responsible for me wanting to fly in the Air Force. Early in my USAF career, one of the guys I flew with had married a girl who was the daughter of a Flying Tiger. My first thoughts went back to that movie, when I saw his picture on the wall of their house and heard about him.) |
1966 Lee High School Yearbook Pre-Sale Begins Okay, after a long delay, we are happy to finally announce the pre-sale of the 1966 Lee High School Yearbook on CD-ROM. We are still in the final production mode, but should have the CD available in the next few weeks. Like the other yearbook CD's, this one will have the complete 1966 LHS Yearbook in three formats: Microsoft Word, Adobe PDF, and jpg images which can be viewed by almost any browser or paint program. Thanks again to Cherri Polly Massey for the loan of her own personal yearbook for this CD. This will complete the 1964-65-66 set of yearbooks, which will be available either individually or as a set in the near future. The other years are already offered in the Souvenir Shop which can be accessed by clicking on the button at the top-left of this page. The cost will be $10 which includes shipping. For the pre-sale, just send a note with your check. As soon as they are completed, the CD's will be added to the souvenir shop. Mail your order to: Tommy Towery 2803 West Hickory Bluff Memphis, TN 38128 _________________________ Our leealumni mailing list has a new member! Here is the information submitted through the "Join This Mailing List" Element on your Homestead Web site. Name: James F. (Jim) Pierce E-mail: counselor-al@msn.com Comments: Great site! Thanks for pulling it together. Especially appreciate the "In Memory" and was supprised and saddened by the loss of so many of "us." "40 things you won't hear a southern boy say had my wife of 31 years, Peggy Joyce Towery Pierce (Lee High class of '68), in stitches. Jim Pierce __________________________ You Can Win The Number Trivia Contest You all seem to like the Trivia games on the site so much that I have put together a new one. Some numbers always seem to have a special meaning, such as "007" for James Bond, "1984" for George Orwell's book, and "69" for -- well, let's not go into it, but we all know what that meant back then! Below is a list of numbers that I remember from those days that seemed to have a special connection with something in our lives while we were growing up in Huntsville in the '50s and '60s. Some of these numbers are Huntsville specific, others were regional or national numbers. Please e-mail us what you associate with these numbers in your early memories: A. 640 or 1240 B. 77 C. 72 D. 66 E. 1550 F. 10, 2, and 4 G. 47 H. 231 / 431 All e-mail responders, regardless if their associations are right or wrong, will be entered into a drawing for a free CD from our Souvenir Shop. ______________________ Subject: Lost Friends Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2002 From: Jennifer Bannecke <jbannecke@yahoo.com> Just thought one of you might help me locate some lost friends. I'm looking for Phyllis Usher and Sharron Smith (she married Wayne Smith). Maybe someone who knows what happen to them will write in. Thanks for all you do, Jennifer White Bannecke |
The Lee General logo that we knew as students is out! Now there are "Five" Generals who serve as Lee's mascots. Apparently this news is not widespread, as reflected by the results of last week's poll (shown at the left.) |
Lee Generals Forever? |
