Est. March 31, 2000 29,362 Previous Hits October 7, 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 |
Lee High School Memorial Brick Walk Planned by Tommy Towery Class of '64 While I was researching how to get the scholarship program off the ground I contacted the current president of the Lee High School PTA, Nancy Robinson. As we exchanged ideas, she told me that the PTA was sponsoring a fund-raising activity that might be of special interest to our group. I know that most of you have seen or been involved with the current trend of "bricks". I have at least two organizations for which I have previously purchased bricks - Disney World and the University of Memphis. Nancy sent me this information: Lee High School PTA is offering us an opportunity to "Engrave Your Name in the History of Lee High School" by purchasing custom-engraved, personalized bricks which will be used to enhance the beauty of the LHS campus. This is a unique opportunity for individuals, families, and businesses to have a permanent record of their love and support for this school. Bricks can be personalized "in honor of," or "in memory of" students, teachers, family, or friends or with a message of your own. Gift cards will also be available at your request. Orders received before 11/25/02 will receive their gift cards before Christmas! The cost of a simple two-line (16 letters per line) basic brick is $50, and there are options for other options that can add to the basic cost. I see this as a great opportunity for us as individuals, to recognize ourselves, our friends, some very special people, teachers, or groups. The Traveller Staff talked it over and think that it would be impossible for us as a group to try to honor members of our classes. So we will not be collecting money to do that. We will leave it up to each of you to do what you wish. If you have a special departed classmate or a special friend, then perhaps you might want to honor him or her with a memorial brick. Perhaps you were in a club or class and want to get together with other members of that group and buy one together. You work out those details yourselves, but we can help you by putting your requests in The Traveller. This is a PTA project, but we will support it and today's Lee Generals however we can . I have beat most of you to the punch and already ordered my own brick. I have also offered to sponsor the brick page on our website so that they can direct other alumni to that page for information. Please share any thought our ideas you might have on this project. We can help make a difference and leave our mark at Lee. If you do order a brick, would you please e-mail us so that we can keep track of how many orders came from our classes? ____________________________________________ |
Scholarship Idea Looks Like A Winner by Tommy Towery Class of '64 The initial reaction for the scholarship has been great and without mentioning the supporters or the monies promised, we feel that we have enough support to try to proceed with the project for the first year at least. If it goes as good as it looks, we might even end up with a start on a scholarship for next year, but that is not meant to make any of you who might be interested feel that your contribution is not necessary anymore. Things change in people's lives, and when it comes time to write out the checks, the old "check's in the mail" problem might lower the actual funds raised. A question came up about tax-deductible donations, and we can't really give an answer to this yet. The red-tape of the great idea is now staring us in the face. I think we need to be some type of "legal" non-profit organization to cover ourselves, and we are not that. I need some of you classmates who are in the law profession, or work for someone in that profession, to help us out. We need to know the minimum it would take for us to become a non-profit organization. We might already be one, since we collect money for our reunions and we have a checking account for that. Or maybe we need to become one for the scholarship idea only, or for whatever reason we don't know. Help. I know we have doctors, lawyers and I don't know if she's a chief or not but we do have an Indian so we need someone to help with that side of the idea. In the meantime, we are current trying to put together the criteria and the application for the scholarship and the rules for which the student will be selected and awarded the money. We have definitely agreed that the money should go to the college or university instead of the student. If the selected student failed to go to college, then the scholarship will be forfeited and we will award it the following year. Our criteria is still slanted toward making the entrants review the website to get an insight into our days at Lee and what they meant to us in our lives. We are not going to set a particular title for an essay, but leave it to the imagination of the entrants to determine the slant of their essay. We are looking for volunteers to read the entries and judge them. So if you want to assist, then let us know. I hope that all of this can come together in the next few weeks, because we need to get the information to the school and to the students. Again, if you can help us with the non-profit organization plans, please contact us. _____________________________________ |
Est. March 31, 2000 29,362 Previous Hits October 7, 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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This is the 1954 Phone Directory. _____________________________________ |
Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly writes: About the picture: I know, for sure, the first three. From left to right: Mike Smith, Wayne Deason, David Mullins. The beard is throwing me a little, but I'm pretty sure that's Ronnie Blaise on the right! (Editor's Note: I think it is Jim Storm, so who can tell us for sure. I've blown up the photo to give you a bigger look.) _________________________________________ |
The Tale of A Tie The Rest of The Story by Tommy Towery Class of '64 What should show up in the e-mail this week but a photo from the junior prom that validates my "black tie" story? Ginger Cagle Moore, Class of '66, sent me this photo taken in 1963 of her and me and the famous Clift and Holmberg Men's Ware black tie. Notice how poorly it is tied. Also notice how young the couple is. You will have to take my word for it, but it is in reality the same tie that hangs in my closet today, not because of sentimental value, but I guess Sue is right that I just don't throw things away. Anyway, I was not the only one with a tie story. Mike Griffith, Class of '66, sent me the follow tale of a tie: "Your picture and story of the "black tie" reminded of my last tie that looked like the one in your picture. In January of 1968, I arrived at Fort Benning, Georgia, for Army Basic Training. As part of the clothing issue, we were all provided a narrow solid black tie to wear with our Class A "dress greens." Every few weeks during the eight-week Basic training, we would have a dress parade where we would have to wear our dress greens. Since my dad wore a tie to work every day and each Sunday we went to church, and unlike today we always dressed up in our "Sunday Best," I learned to tie a tie at an early age (full Windsor knot, not one of those wimpy half Windsor's). In preparing for our first dress parade, I discovered that I was one of only two soldiers in my entire platoon that could tie a tie. As the lines formed and we tied one tie after another, we formed a commerce opportunity. The first one was free, but every parade thereafter would cost $1.00 per tie; this was very good money, given that we made $78.50 per month (before taxes, laundry, U.S. Savings Bond, donation for old soldier's home, and wherever else they could squeeze from us) and that a pitcher of beer at the beer hall was $1.00. Relatively speaking, money was good and I thought that I could take the same process to my next assignment, but by the time that we got to Advanced Training assignments everyone had wised up and bought "clip -on" ties ... some much for early entrepreneurship." Another classmate, Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly also sent us a tie story, from the female side. "You asked for a tie story, and I have one that perhaps David Mullins will remember. In fact, quite a few of the guys and girls may remember. There was a party at my house one weekend, and we were spread throughout the house. I remember Dianne Wilbourn (who I think was dating David at the time, but maybe not), saying to David that his tie was crooked. (Can you guys believe that you actually wore a tie to MY house for a party?) She proceeded to straighten it and gave him a kiss to seal the deal. Well, what followed was a mass "tie-straightening party." That's the night that I learned that a future LHS quarterback (who shall remain ever nameless) not only could throw the ball, he really knew how to kiss! Hmmm! Perhaps he, too, had some practice at the Rocket City Roller Rink!" ________________________________________ |
From Our Mailbox Subject: Coliseum Date: Sun, 22 Sep 2002 00:33:40 -0500 From: "Pat Stolz" <pstolz@knology.net> Tommy, Enjoying the site as usual and a letter from Barb Biggs made me think, please write some memories of the Madison County Coliseum at Holmes and Sanderson, as they are at the moment tearing it down to build a new Sams Club. Thanks. Pat Torzillo Stolz Class of '66 __________________________________________________________ Subject: 9/28 newsletter Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 08:35:22 -0500 From: Annette Gallagher <tipigal@att.net> It's hard to type through the tears. I appreciate knowing how our classmates passed. Since I haven't seen most of our classmates more than once or twice since high school, I can only remember them in a "silly" highschool way. We thought we were so grown up, but boy, were we wrong, but for the most part we turned out okay in spite of ourselves. I will be honoring the memories of the ones that are no longer with us. I ran into one of our classmates at the hospital a couple of days ago and after the joy of seeing and recognizing each other I found out that he has a very close family member in serious condition now. I can't devulge any specifics, but I'd like to ask everyone to send as much supporting energy as possible in that direction. It doesn't matter that you don't know to whom it's being sent. It will get to where it's needed. My heart goes out to Rainer. As most of you know I lost my Mom shortly after moving back to Huntsville. The loss of one's mother is a terrible thing even if you know she's in a better place. Rocket City Roller Rink. Wasn't that at the corner of Governor's Drive and the Parkway? It was the first roller rink that I went to in Huntsville when we moved from Kentucky to Toney in 1956. I had gotten my first pair of "shoeskates"( as opposed to the metal ones that you tried to keep attached to whichever pair of old shoes your mom would allow you to use.) for Chistmas, and after that I was at the rink at least once a week. It was my favorite passtime all the way through junior and senior high. Keep the memories coming!! The good along with the bad. Love ya'll, Annette McCraney Gallagher Class of '64 _______________________________________________________ Subject: Rocket City Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 14:50:01 -0500 From: Sherry White <sherrywhite@comcast.net> I remember Rocket City skating rink. I went there as a pre-teen too. I lived across the street from Marion Humphrey so sometimes one of our parents would take us and pick us up. I don't remember nearly as much about the place as Don! I do remember that it was located at the corner of what is now the Parkway and Governor's Drive. The building is still there but it's a Chinese restaurant now (a good one). They still have the little room off to the side where we got our skates. I even remember a skating rink before that one. It was off Andrew Jackson (5th Street then, I believe). It was the "Tick Tock". I went there too with an older neighbor. All this talk about skating makes me want to go. I haven't been in years but I still have those old skates and skate case. I'm sorry to hear that Rainer's mother passed away. As we become older, we hear of so many friends losing parents. My father died in 1996. My mother is 82 and is blind from glaucoma. She remembers many of my classmates and loves to hear about them. She remembers you Tommy. By the way, I am definitely interested in the scholarship plan. Thanks for all your work Sherry Adcock White Class of '64 _________________________________________________ Subject: 'The Mad Mouse' Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 17:41:26 -0400 From: "Barbara Knott" <bjknott@adelphia.net> When Chip Smoak mentioned among his Madison County Fair memories the 'Wild Maus', it brought back a long submerged memory of a ride I remember as the 'Mad Mouse'. It was the same kind of ride and I remember being scared to death on it. I believe that may have been my first experience with a "roller coaster". I really enjoy reading everyone's tidbits. Keep it up! Barb Biggs Knott _______________________________________________________ Subject: Kent Wood Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 22:05:28 -0500 From: Whitt <jwsingle@vallnet.com> I just saw the entry with Kent's obit. Thanks for remembering him on your memorial site. It meant a lot to his surviving brothers and sisters. He was a good person that died way too early in his life. We miss him a lot. Keep up the good work. I read your site at least once a week. I knew many of the people in your class and the others. I grew up on Monte Sano and my next door neighbor was John Drummond (class of "64). Thanks again. J. Whitt Singleton DVM Class of '67 _____________________________________________________ Subject: Scholarships and Black Ties Date: Tue, 1 Oct 2002 12:01:47 -0400 From: "GRIFFITH,MIKE (HP-USA,ex1)" <m_griffith@hp.com> As I am currently funding two children through college, I can fully understand how every little bit can help. Living in a suburb of Atlanta, my children qualified for the Georgia Lottery funded HOPE Scholarship (for colleges located in Georgia), but both decided to attend the University of Alabama. I definitely have opinions concerning the decision criteria for many of the assistance programs, but regardless of the criteria that is used for this $500 grant, I think that this a great idea. Make sure that the certificate does have your suggested "background photo of Lee sitting atop Traveller from our gym." Mike Griffith Class of '66 ________________________________________________________ Subject: Scholarship Fund Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 10:48:28 -0400 From: "Barbara Knott" <bjknott@adelphia.net> Just wanted to let you know I think the scholarship idea is a good one. As an employee in the Accounting Office of Mount Saint Mary's College in Emmitsburg, MD for over 22 years, I know exactly what all the fees and charges on the student accounts amount to. A $500 scholarship would help pay for all the misc. charges and fees involved in the tuition process. Count me in! Barb Biggs Knott Class of '66 _______________________________________________________ Subject: Scholarship Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2002 15:55:10 -0700 From: George Williams <georgewilliams@afcjiffylube.com> The scholarship sounds like a good idea. It is also a good idea to send it to the school. If I had won it and got it directly I would have spent it on beer, grass and rubbers - certainly not books. Lehman Williams Class of '64 ____________________________________________________ Subject: scholarship Date: Mon, 30 Sep 2002 10:43:37 -0500 From: "Lovell, Susan M" <smlovell@indiana.edu> I think the scholarship fund is a wonderful idea. Perhaps we could build an endowment. Keep me posted. Susie Miller Lovell Class of '64 _________________________________________ Subject: scholarship fund Date: Sun, 29 Sep 2002 11:31:33 -0400 From: "Sarajane Tarter" <starter@HiWAAY.net> I think it is a wonderful idea and well thought out. We do a similar scholarship for future educators from PDK and the essays are very interesting and enjoyable to read. I think about you every Sunday but usually don't have much to contribute. I especially reading Barbara Wilkerson's stories since I can relate to the adventures she's experienced. I'm working at Lincoln two mornings a week and enjoying it very much. Take care and let me know when and where to send the check. Sarajane Steigerwald Tarter Class of '65 ______________________________________________________ Subject: Articles from last edition of the Traveller Date: Sat, 5 Oct 2002 12:19:54 EDT From: Barbdonn13@aol.com Just a few comments on the last Traveller. My condolences to Rainer on the death of his mom and also to the families of Jim and Steve upon their losses. I will keep Judy's mom in my prayers. I would like to say that Paula did a wonderful job describing Dwight! He was a sweetheart, and his loss was mourned by those of us who knew him. About Don's comment on Rocket City Roller Rink -- it was located in a building behind what is now the El Palacio Mexican Restaurant. It was either the actual building in which the Hi-Fi Club was later located, or one next to it. I cannot remember. What a place!!! I spent almost every Friday night and/or Saturday morning there when I was younger, also. That's the rink to which I wore the gargantuan black skirt with the roses (which I thought was waaaay cool, but which probably resembled an explosion in a florist shop) with the 8,000 red net petticoats underneath! Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly South Carolina Class of '64 ____________________________________________________ (Editor's Note: I had family up in Fayetteville which I used to have to visit regularly with my mother and grandmother. I don't know how many of you did the same, but for me, the country was always booring. I remember one summer after I was in the skating mode, that as we drove into town, there by the road was a skating rink, in a tent! Wow! How great that was. I would go over there every night and skate till they closed and all of a sudden I had a purpose in life again. Does anyone else remember that spot in Fayetteville? And does anyone but me call it "Fed-ville" instead of "Fay-it-ville"?) ___________________________________________________ |
Thanks to Moses again for the lead story about one of our classmates. The scholarship plans are rolling, as you can read in the article below. Also, the PTA has a project which I believe many of you will enjoy. Keep those e-mails coming. T. Tommy ________________________________ |
Dr. Don Cornelius Lee High's First Great Student Athlete by Terry 'Moses' Preston Class of '64 For as long as I can remember the consummate poster boy for football has been the clean-cut, intelligent, handsome, All-American quarterback. How very appropriate then that the first Lee General to go on to a hall-of- fame career was a young man who not only fit that description to a "T", but who personified it. That person was Don Cornelius, the first Lee High Generals quarterback, Class of 1964. Don was actually much more than just a football athlete. He was also talented in baseball and basketball. My earliest recollections of him were as the third baseman that played next to me when I was shortstop for the 1961 Lee Junior High baseball Generals. We were responsible for ensuring that no ground balls got through the left side of the infield, and few ever did! Don fielded his position well, and even at that time was the consummate team player. When Lee became a high school in the fall of 1961, Don worked hard and emerged as our first starting quarterback. Although his athleticism was not highly developed at that time, he had all of the building blocks necessary to become great and you just had a feeling that he would do it. Those building blocks were intelligence, discipline, hard work, and unselfishness. And the thing that endeared him to me the most was that he was a genuine nice guy that deflected praise and was interested in talking about you, rather than himself. Hard work, intelligence, and discipline also allowed him to excel in basketball as Lee's first playmaker guard. Just like in football, he was the captain and the play caller who led the team. His play was unselfish, almost always giving the scoring opportunities to someone else while being content to be a part of the team. He was just so wonderfully smart, and eminently teachable! He would follow a coach's instructions to the letter, and was never argumentative. In class he was an "A" student in almost all of his courses, and the most prominent memory that I have of him is that damn pencil behind his ear! He was a great student, and a great athlete. Don Cornelius went on to play football for the Florence State (now University of North Alabama) Lions from 1964-67. During his storied career he amassed 4,309 career yards passing, 917 rushing, and 5,226 yards of total offense. He rushed for 33 touchdowns and passed for 22 more, accounting for 55 personally and setting up numerous more. He became the starting quarterback as a freshman and started for four years, and completed 332 of 637 pass attempts. In 1966 Don performed the legendary feat of being responsible for all 22 touchdowns that the Lions scored, by passing for 12 and rushing for 10. He passed for 1,686 yards in 1966, completing 121 of 218 passes, and added 229 yards rushing for 1,915 total yards. But he wasn't through. In 1967 he threw for 1, 608 yards, hitting on 134 of 250 passes, and rushed for 288 for a total of 1,896 yards, and was selected Associated Press Little All-American at quarterback. Don Cornelius was named to the 50th Anniversary UNA Football Team for 1949-98, and he was also selected to the UNA All-Decade team for 1959-68. He was inducted into the University of North Alabama hall of fame in 1994. At that time he still ranked as the school record holder for passing yards in a season and career, touchdowns responsible for in a career and passes attempted and completed in a season and career. Oh yeah, about that student thing. Don graduated with a B.S. degree in English in 1968 from Florence State and later attended medical school at the University of Alabama and received his MD. He has a specialty in addictionology and was serving as the Clinical Director and Acting Medical Director at Woodridge Hospital in Clayton, Ga., at the time of his induction into the UNA hall of fame. We are proud of all of your accomplishments, Dr. Cornelius. We are especially proud! But more than anything else, we love you for who you are that charming, unselfish, genuine nice guy that was always so comfortable to be around. We hope to see you soon at one of our formal or informal Lee High reunions (perhaps in Atlanta?), because you will always be first in our hearts. We love you man! __________________________________________________ |
The Secret To Male Fashion Revealed by Tommy Towery Class of '64 Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly seems to get the biggest kick (and the biggest surprises) out of knowing what made boys tick back when we were all at Lee. Well, for Barbara and all you other girls, I'm about to reveal a fashion secret that will make me a tratior to all my masculine friends. This is the second tie story that I promised you. Back in those days, boys liked to buy Wembley ties. They called their product "The Color Guide Tie". On the back of those secret ties, were instructions on what color suit to wear the tie with. I also saved one of these, from my college days, but still within our time, so that one day I could confess to all you girls out there about this "cheat" we had. I know I'll get a lot of threats, and maybe some hate mail from the males for this latest tale of a tie, but the confession had to be made.. _________________________________________ |
