Lee High School - Huntsville Alabama Alumni

Judy Carol Adair Harbin

by Collins (CE) Wynn

Class of ‘64

Some of you may recall that Judy Adair Harbin was my childhood sweetheart and, I am proud to say, the first love of my life. I learned of her illness only a few weeks before her sweet life ended recently. When I think of her passing I can only sit and shake my head. What a tragic loss to us all. My heart aches especially for Johnny, her family and close friends. Someone made the comment that she was the least “stuck up” and most beautiful person they ever met – what an understated and well deserved compliment. I’d like to share some thoughts in her memory.

A few years ago (nearly 46 by now) I was a 12-year-old tow-headed boy roaming the Rison-Dallas neighborhood with my friends. I’ve written several articles about some of our adventures back then and what a generally good time we had. Have you ever noticed that sometimes good things happened to us whether we deserved them or not? That was certainly true for me.

At the time I had a girlfriend (sort of) who lived in the last house on the north side of McCullough Avenue where it ends at the mountain. In fact, her dad and my Dad were both Huntsville Police Officers. I spent a good deal of time at her house while we practiced holding hands and such. Although many of the details escape me I want to tell you about a birthday party she had that I attended one evening. It was a typical pre-teen event for the times but a life changing event for me – a record player going and a bunch of giggling boys and girls standing around all nervously wondering what to do next. While almost everything about this party is lost in the fog of my memory, I have forever remembered the moment the living room door opened and in stepped the loveliest young lady I had ever seen. I was dumbstruck. My relationship with my then girlfriend ended right then and there. I was immediately taken with an 11-year-old trim and gangly young lady whose name was Judy Carol Adair. She was lovely, warm, friendly, and just generally overall grand.

Somehow I managed to get her telephone number and find out where she lived. It turned out she was a cousin of the young lady I had been visiting and lived on Virginia Boulevard near Lincoln School just a few blocks from my grandparents. She was in her last year at Lincoln School and would be coming over to Lee Junior High the following year. From there I guess you could say we grew up together for the next five years or so (from 1958 or so until the latter part of 1963 when she met and fell in love with Johnny Harbin). I will tell you now and I am proud to say that I loved her with all my heart as one can only feel about their first sweetheart. Even as an adult that feeling has remained with me throughout my life. My admiration and respect for her knows no bounds.

She and her family treated me wonderfully. Her mother even allowed Judy to give me a surprise birthday party one year which was just about the nicest thing anyone ever did for me. Understandably her father was a little standoffish, as a dad should be, but he was kind to me from time to time even allowing me to use his car to take Judy to basketball games at the school on occasion.

It is interesting to me how the large, grand events of our lives fade with time yet the simple moments remain as fresh as if they occurred yesterday. For that very reason, Elvis’ soundtrack from “Blue Hawaii” causes me to pause a moment every time I hear some of his music. Judy and I spent an afternoon holding hands in the Grand Theater listening to Elvis sing just about the most romantic songs ever recorded. It was an experience that made my heart swell to bursting in my chest creating a glow all over me and a feeling I have never forgotten.

After she met Johnny our childhood romance ended but we remained friends. Over the next year or so I would run into her from time to time always causing weakness in my knees and a lump in my throat. Her family activities and my career took us in drastically different directions and I slowly lost touch with her and Johnny. Over the years I would hear various things about her from mutual friends (such as children, etc) but that was pretty much it. Until, that is, the spring of 1985 or 1986. One fine day I answered my telephone to a voice asking if I was “CE”. Much to my delight it was Judy and she went on to say that she had heard from a friend that I lived in Birmingham from time to time. The purpose of her call was to issue an invitation to come out and visit at a local ballpark while she and Johnny were in town for a softball tournament. I was delighted and we made plans that very day.

A few days later, not knowing quite what to expect, I drove up to a ballpark in Birmingham near I-65 and Greensprings Avenue. My memory recorded everything that happened that afternoon and I remember the events clearly. It was a lovely warm spring afternoon with bright sunshine. I recall the low murmur of the spectators with an occasional low shout of some encouragement along with the pinging of a bat in the background. As I came around the edge of the stands there she was – lovelier than I had ever seen her. My heart thudded and nearly stopped. Judy was no longer the young lady I remembered but a beautiful, confident, and content wife and mother. She greeted me warmly hugging my neck and holding my hand for a moment. It was wonderful.

After a time we walked down to the field and talked with Johnny for a bit while he prepared for his softball game. It was mostly just small talk; the kind we all engage in every day. (“Hi, how are you?”; “Good to see you!”, etc.) As the game was starting, Judy and I went back up in the stands and sat a little while talking about parents, siblings, children, etc. getting caught up on all the things that had happened during the previous 23+ years. What a grand thing she did for me that day – inviting me there to visit. Not wanting to overstay my welcome, I took my leave after an hour or so, not knowing that was the last time I would ever see her.

I was stunned to learn of her illness and recent passing. The day I heard the news I went home and hugged my wife Judy’s neck and said simply “my childhood sweetheart died today.” What a precious person to lose. I was unable to attend the 2000 reunion so I especially enjoyed seeing all the photographs on the website. I thought her picture caught the essence of her warm smile and gracious charm.

Although she is lost to us all, she has an eternal place in a corner of my heart

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L.S./M.F.T. -- Lucky Strike/Means Fine Tobacco

Tom Gilbert, Class of ’67 - Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco. I have never smoked but remember the commercials.

Linda Beal Walker, Class of '66 - Lucky Strike was the only cigarette that my father smoked, no filter, and strong as strong. He had to stop smoking when he got his dentures. When he inhaled, the smoke caused the top teeth to fall down. Can you believe it? But he quit and never smoked again. That was before we moved to Huntsville.

Woody Beck, Class of '65 - On second thought, I believe that L.S./M.F.T. = Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco.

J.R. Brooks, Class of '64 - L.S/M.F.T I think stood for "Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco".

Bobby Cochran, Class of '64 - My mother's family were tobacco growers along the North Carolina/Virginia border. The nearest town was Mount Airy, North Carolina; it's modern claim to fame is it's where Andy Griffith was born and grew up. Mount Airy was the model for "Mayberry." I had my hair cut in "Floyd's Barber Shop" many times during the summers. Sorry to ramble. If I remember correctly, "L.S./M.F.T" is the abbreviation for "Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco."

Tony Wynn, Class of ’72 - LS/MFT stands for Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco. At least I think it does. At one time I worked at a cafe beside the old theater downtown. Right now the name of this cafe escapes me. Anyway, there was a display case of cigarettes hanging on the wall. It was full of packs that you would win, at the games of chance, at the local fair. Brands such as Ballpark, Homerun and many others were in proud display. The owner, whose name I can't remember either, gave me a rundown on the history of each pack. Most of his lecture I don't remember but LS/MFT stuck with me for some reason.

Jeff Fussell, Class of ’66 - Guess I missed out on a lot by not being in the locker room. All I ever heard was LS/MFT stood for "Lucky Strike means fine tobacco". Of course, they used a very generous definition of the word "fine".

Escoe German Beatty, Class of '65 - The LS/MFT meant, Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco. That's what the commercial said... If you ever tried to smoke one of those you probably drew another conclusion!!

Joy Rubins Morris, Class of ’64 - Hey what few cells I have left tells me that LS/MFT means “Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco.” Never did know that there was a locker room version of these initials. I led a very sheltered life back then.

Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly, Class of '64 - The clean version of L.S./M.F.T. is "Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco." My aunt Doris smoked Luckies. I know there were two other versions -- one was said in the girls' gym, but we won't even go there.

Barbara Seely Cooper, Class of '64 - The Lee-Bay Lucky Strike package logo is "Lucky Strikes/Made with Fine Tobacco", I think. I never smoked, but I do recall their commercials. T. Tommy, I hope you share some of the locker room versions.

Annette McCraney, Class of '64 - I can think up one serious LS/MFT which was Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco, and one locker room one which was Loose Straps make floppy so on and so forth... ahem... modesty prevails, I can't finish it.

Don Blaise, Class of ’64 - If my memory serves me right there were two versions of that phrase. The "Official" advertising version was, "Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco". The dirty version was, "Loose straps mean floppy t!tt!es ". Of course, that is what I "heard" it meant. None of us fine, upstanding American youth would have dared to utter such trash in those days of innocence.

Marc Bentley, Class of '66 - Lucky Strike Means Fine Tobacco. I also remember the two locker room ones: you're gonna get me into trouble! (Marc also knew and cited the two locker room versions, which includes the one Don Blaise shared with us. Don’s version is a little off color – the second version makes that saying look tame. Perhaps Marc can be convinced to share it with anyone who asks him at the reunion in August. )

Mary Cattadoris, J.R. Brooks, and a few others also knew the meanings, but their e-mails got eaten somehow between the dial-up connection and my laptop I use on vacation.

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Subject:Old songs/old memories

Dianne Hughey McClure

Class of '64

Tommy, I was just reading some older issues of the paper and wanted to tell you some of my favorite songs and memories I have of parties. I figured better late than never.

I remember a party that Carolyn McCutcheon had at her dad's place of business on Oakwood Avenue. Do you remember it? I also remember going to Vicki's apartment,Carolyn's' older sister, and listening to the record Louie Louie really slow trying to figure out what the words were. You and Bob were both there that night. I don't think we ever fully decided what the words were but there was a lot of detective work going on trying to decide. We knew if the "adults" did not approve of the song that the words must really be "good".

The slow songs I really enjoyed were played a lot at Carters Skateland and I really enjoyed skating to them. I remember Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow? Put Your Head On My Shoulder, Abilene, and many others. I also remember the songs on the jukebox at The Fountain Room the restaurant my dad owned in downtown Huntsville. I remember many songs Can't Help Falling in Love With You, Paper Roses, Blue Hawaii, Unchained Melody, The Great Pretender and many others. I really enjoyed the songs of my teen years and still do.

I have so many memories of those times and I cannot think of a time that Carolyn was not there with me. She has been gone a year now and I still think of her daily. Thank you for allowing me to reminisce a little. I needed to especially right now. I have also enjoyed the book Exie gave me at Christmas. "When Our Hearts Were Young" I do remember the hayride but I am wondering if it was the one I had that started from my grandmothers on Charity Lane. The way you described it, the people and the events sound very much like it. What do you think? Once again thank you for you efforts and time to do the weekly paper. I really do enjoy reading it every week.

(Editor's Note: I do remember that party. I remember it so well that I wrote a short story about it - to include in "While Our Hearts Were Young, Vol. II" when I decide to publish it. I might break down and print it in Lee's Traveller someday.)

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Subject First Car Date

Linda Beal Walker

Class of '66

I have missed a few issues so I'm just now seeing the First Car Date articles.

I was not part of the "in-crowd" at Lee; therefore, I never dated anyone at school. Of course, part of the reason was that I was never asked. But I was so shy, I would have died of embarrassment if I had been asked.

My first car date was too embarrassing to retell, but I did double with Dianna May because "if you don't go, I can't go".

I think I told you about one date I had that ended when he took me parking on Monte Sano. He asked me if I wanted to get in the back seat and I told him, "No, I want to stay up front with you." I had waited a long time to use that punch line. He didn't appreciate it though. He started the car and took me home as fast as he could drive those curves, and the harder I laughed, the faster he drove. I don't think I ever went out with him again. Memories, memories.

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Subject:First Date Article

Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly

Class of '64

I enjoyed reading Barbara Seely Cooper's "First Date" article. I hadn't thought of Dippity-Do in years! Incidentally, I always thought Barbara had gorgeous hair. It always turned under just so and was that beautiful shade of blonde. I also thought she looked so cute in her clothes -- sort of "preppie" in today's lingo and wished I looked as cute in mine.

I was into my "doesn't fill out anything" stage. Mother made a lot of my clothes, and I just couldn't understand why they didn't make me have a good figure! (In my spare time, I contemplated deep thoughts like, "Why is there air?" and "Why can't pigs fly?" as well.)

Barbara and I were always talking in Geometry class, but it's surprising to me to find out today that she had ANY insecurities about her appearance. Makes you wonder if half the things we thought other people were thinking back then were true or just the ramblings of a teen-aged mind, doesn't it?

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Subject:Memories

Tony Wynn

Class of '72

I have been reading this paper for some time. My brother Don Wynn told me about it. Although I am from the class of "72",I know of many of the people and things that are written about. Obviously,you have to shoulder most of the burden of this newsletter. The thought occured it was about time that I wrote a note of thanks. I look forward to reading this each week. Thank You,and all of your staff,for bringing back such fond memories of a much simpler time

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submitted by Barbara Wilkerson Donnelly

Class of '64

You lovers of the English language might enjoy this.

There is a two-letter word that perhaps has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that is "UP."

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP? At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report?

We call UP our friends And we brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen.

We lock UP the house and some guys fix UP the old car.

At other times the little word has real special meaning.

People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special.

And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night.

We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP! To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look the word UP in the dictionary. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4th of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions.

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used.It will take UP a lot of your time,

but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP. When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it wets UP the earth. When it doesn't rain for awhile, things dry UP.

One could go on and on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now my time is UP, so . . . Time to shut UP!

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