A Girl's Day Out at Reynolds Plantation

Since we don't have to take apples to the teacher any more, we can give ourselves a treat. If apples aren't your thing, how about a short jaunt with your classmates?

I thought it was my turn to take responsibility in scheduling the next Girl's Day Out lunch. It is time to go back on the road, so we will visit the Southern Living Idea House at Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro and have lunch nearby. This location is about half-way between Augusta and Atlanta so we'd like to have a good fun bunch.

We will plan to meet at 11:30 to have lunch and tour the house afterward. There is great shopping nearby if you want to come early or stay later. The house tour is $5.00 with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity. I have two restaurant recommendations and am waiting on another, but will be happy to hear of other delicious locations.

I have two dates as possibilities: My first choice is Wednesday, November 14 with Friday, November 16 as a back-up if Wednesday is just awful for everybody.

Let me know if you can come and we'll set up some meeting places for the trip from your neck of the woods.

AAB

Define "Old"

Since it has been 60 years since we entered first grade, this made me smile. I'm glad all my friends are not like this! Thanks to Donna Andrews Pittman.

--------------------
First, you tell your friend that you are having an affair.......!

Then your friend asks you..........
"Are you having it catered"??

That, my friend, is the definition of OLD!!!!!

AAB

Getting the Names

Trick or Treating and a family wedding got my blog time this week, but let's see now. I've gotten emails from those who went to Joseph R. Lamar and Martha Lester but who remembered some of these faces. Thanks to everyone who sent a list, I've added names to Lewis's list but I'm still unsure about the identity of 3 people. I guess I need a little more help.

On the front row of girls, I'm not sure which is Boyce and which is Margaret Ann nor do I have a name for the girl on the end in front of Mrs. Asserson. I can't wait to get an answer or two so I can get the rest of the names on the photo.

As best as I remember them,
Starting at back, left to right:

Jack Smith

Frank Farris

Paul Wolfe

Kenny Fletcher

David Thomas

Raymond Skelton

Cobbs Nixon

Fred Elser

Next row:

Billie Taylor

Carol Ann Sandiford

Jane Davenport

Patrica Folk

Martha McDaniel

Henrietta 'Bubba' Johnson

Marie Croft

Ruth Jarrett

Dolly Fortson

Mary Lehmann

Francine Bedingfield

Christine Collier

Mrs. Asserson

Next row:

Lynn Taylor

Minta McDairmid

DeAnne Wiggins

Mildred Jeffcoat

?Margaret Ann DeVaughn

?Boyce Ficklen or Anne Williams

Nelda Harmon

Jesse Lou Byne

?

Front Row:

Jerry Gresham

John Baronosky

Jimmy Snow

David Lee Lowenheim

Lewis Linson

AAB

Wait! Wait! Don't Tell Me!

A phone call from Pete May. "Annette, do you remember who wound up in the class of '59 who started the first grade at Bayvale School?" I thought about that. I remembered a few who were in Miss Anna Wilson's class. She was my father's teacher as well! A few emails later and we have a little list . . . . More on that later.


An email from Lewis Linson with this photo of the seventh grade at William Robinson. Sharp guy that he is. He remembered most and included a list of names. I'm still playing with the photo, adding names to the image. I'll post it later, but thought I'd see if I'd get a list or two from others.

Wonder if there are other grammar school memories out there? This should be our first grade's 60th reunion. Aargh! I'm not THAT old!

AAB

Photo of the Day

I asked for pictures and immediately got this one from Janice McDonald '60. It was taken by Mike Taylor. Standing behind Jane Moxley and Ron Colvin are Mike Moxley, Pete McDonald, Janice Helton, Butch Murdoch. Good looking bunch, doncha' think?

AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part IV

Thoughts on Going Home from Going Back Home

As I drove the miles home, I thought about the day: I missed seeing a few people. I forgot to take pictures of others. I needed more time to talk with every one of them! There were so many people who didn't look like they were supposed to! It was hard to find everyone and quickly hit on a mutual memory . . . . I meant to ask . . . . It was like speed dating!

My mind raced as the sun dropped in the west.

Late in the afternoon, a small group of 59 Musketeers had pulled up chairs under the old oak which had spread shade over the day. We laughed about a lot of things and talked about a few old friends. We commented on the decaying center of the tree and I took this photo. When I looked at it later, I saw a little figure in the gnarly debris. I wondered if any of the 800 or so people passing by saw this little spirit watching over us and if, for them, the day and their memories of the 50s would be like what each saw in the tree -- creepy, gentle, ugly, lovely, magic.

I had noticed that one of the classes took a group photo. I wish we had. I hope we will another time. Not so we can get out the magnifying glass or, my favorite method, stack two pairs of reading glasses on our noses, to see the tiny faces. But so we can
-- stand together as a group united in memories of days of innocence, enthusiasm and big plans.
-- hug with abandon at the simple joy of seeing an old friend and not fear that we have mistakenly greeted someone from another class.
-- remember faces and share a poignant thought and fond memory of those who are missing from the ranks.
-- refill our spirits with who we were -- both the good and the bad -- which makes us who we are.
-- revisit those parts of ourselves long put away with other childish things like first kisses, first cars and first grade.

I thought about this as I neared the River. I realized we had indeed done all those things on this day of celebrating our Decade and its days of innocence, enthusiasm and big plans. Like connecting with distant cousins, long unseen. I ended the day with a renewed spirit, a little more comfortable with my memories.

It's what you do when you go back home.

AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part III

Some Great Faces

I spent wa-a-ay too much time talking with these folks and forgot to take their pictures: Olin and Ellen Padgett, Louis and Judy Linson, Cheryl and Jimmy Melton, Don Starnes and his wife, David Hurst and his delightful sister.

Here are a few others I spotted.

Wayne and Caroline LeRoy Ayers









Niki Johnson, Jill Stafford, Ed Brown, Frank Stafford









Harry Pund and David Hurst









Bob and Alma Gardner Dewitt















Donna Andrews Pittman and Helen Gnann Byers













Annette James James













Elizabeth James Roye











AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part II

In The Sun and Shade

I quickly realized that there were so many people whom I didn't recognize and others that I just didn't know, so I began to look for green dots.

I joined the groups greeting each other across the grass, gathering for conversation in the shade, checking out the souvenir tent and enjoying the entertainment.

And I stood in the long food line in the shade of the Murphy Pavilion where banana pudding made it worth the wait.

In the afternoon, there was a stir of excitement as our host Robert Murphy (in the "good guy" white hat) drove 'Elvis' to the show in his baby-blue T-Bird. It was so cool, that I forgot to get a picture. (Jeff Barnes and his back-up team gave two great shows. Jeff's Elvis is an annual favorite.)

Each year, as 'new' old classes are welcomed to the roster, the event is tweaked by Robert and his class committees. Judy's Volunteers make things run smoothly and let classmates just enjoy visiting.

It's a great day in the Sun and Shade. I've marked my calendar for the 3rd Saturday in October 2008.

AAB

And The Sun Was Shining! Part I

Down Memory Lane

Saturday's flurry of concerns over the black clouds was cleared away today by the blue skies and bright sunlight. After turning off the main road onto the farm driveway, I parked and caught a golf cart ride down Memory Lane.

The line of classic cars on the right started the memories pinging in my head. (The cars got a lot of attention all day so I suspect others had a few fond memories as well.)

I headed to the registration tent on the left where each class had been assigned a color and given a 'headquarters' sign representing one of 'our' drive-ins. Stopping at Timmerman's Fly-In/Drive-In, I got my nametag with the green dot and my old annual photo. I remembered how the little planes would taxi up to the fence and get their hamburgers, fries and milkshakes. I thought about some other things, too. . . . Ah, more memories. Blush.

I sat with Butch, Mary and Judy H.J. for a bit and and then made a Coke run. What a line! And some more familiar faces. Thanks to Maxie and Judy S.T., I was able to get near the head of the line and deliver souvenir cups of refreshment back to the registration table pretty quickly -- it was a lo-o-ong line.

There were so many faces and this year's trip down memory lane had just begun.

AAB

Just a Few Photos

Yesterday, Mary Gahnz Usher and I arrived at the Murphy farm to find quite a few committee members putting out chairs and tables, hanging signs and cleaning dust. We noticed little decision making conferences and bits of conversations as everyone worked to get the scene set.

An area was designated for the classic cars and the popcorn tent.



There was a little concern about the heavy black clouds which gathered over the pasture and a question about whether there would be too much wind for the Coke sign which I created.

I took a few photos, but these were some of my favorites. I'll try for some really great ones today.

The Three Rs and Saturday

On Saturday, I'll be turning off the highway near Trenton at this wonderful white picket fence, driving under an arch of pecan trees and through the peach orchards which line the road and watching for the two left turns before reaching the entrance to the Murphy farm. I'll be transported back in time but I think the 2007 Three R's will be more fun than the 1959 ones.

So here is my plan.

Registration:
Check for our class table under the big tent, get name-tagged, grab a program book and enjoy.

Recognition:
Start looking around at all the people in 'stage make-up!' They will look a little older, but soon the old annual photos on the nametags won't be needed to recognize old friends.

Relaxation:
Just enjoy the day, the memories and some new old friends from the best decade EVER.

The three Rs: registration, recognition, relaxation!

I'm looking forward to Saturday.

AAB

Hot Off The Press!

On Saturday, you won't have time to check out ALL the great stuff in the souvenir booklet, but later you'll read it on the way home or over coffee and you'll realize how cool it is.

Here is the guy you need to find on Saturday to thank for a great job. Ben (Thurmond) Bush has worked diligently to lay out the ad copy, the photos and notes, including a list of deceased, for each class. The dummy copy which we saw last week was terrific! (Note: It's in the bag.)

Get yours -- Hot Off The Press!

AAB

Warts and All

I didn't make the effort to go to the BBQ in the fall following our 45th Reunion. I felt like I had seen 'everybody' just a few months before, so why bother? I heard what a great time everyone had and how cool it was to see folks from other classes, but I really couldn't remember many people from other classes . . . and I needed to cut the grass . . . and I had to stop off at the mall . . . .

Last fall, I went. If you are on the list, you'll soon find out how special it is to be "Lost in the 50s."

If you are NOT on the list and don't plan to crash the gate on Saturday, you won't know

• how many old friends from other years that you will miss,
• be able to check out the line of classic 50s vehicles,
• be able to sway with the music of your youth,
• get a copy of the souvenir program book with its photos and class notes,
• see that one person who came to see you.
  

As my two-year-old granddaughter Lucy says, "Too bad."

And, no. I didn't lose any weight, get my hair colored, submit to botox or have nips and tucks for the big day, but I AM looking forward to Saturday. I hope others will join me. Warts and all!

AAB

Don Starnes and A Little Help from A Friend

Don Starnes is coming from Arlington, Texas. He is one of those from 'another class,' but he has been reading the '59 Musketeers blog to keep in touch. He wrote, "I am excited about seeing some of my old friends from JOHN MILLEDGE and WOODLAWN elementary schools, TUBMAN junior high, ARC, Harrisburg, Frogholler, and South Richmond County. You see, I sorta lived all over the place and know folks from all over. Lord knows, I needed all the friends and help that I could get."

Don learned the value of an education at Richmond Academy the hard way. "I actually graduated in the class of '58, but I did so with a GENERAL diploma...which meant that I did not have the academic requirements for entry into college...even AC. I went straight to Parris Island, Marine Corps boot camp immediately after Graduation with my proud General Diploma. After my obligatory active duty in the Marine Corps, I decided that college was the place for me. I returned to ARC where I took first and second semesters of Algebra in summer school, at the same time, passing both, I was ready for Athens."

He also acknowledges the role of the school Secretary, Ms. Rebecca Burroughs, in getting him through school. He calls her "probably the most important person in my life at that time" and has purchased a page in the souvenir program book in her honor. His success in life began with determination and a little help from a friend.

There are other stories like this which will be shared around the tables over barbecue and banana pudding. And the sun will be shining!

AAB

A Note of Sympathy

There were many romances at Richmond Academy (and/or later at Augusta College)which blossomed into lifelong partnerships. Henry and I were one of those couples for 33 years. So I understand the pain of loss which Joyce Lanier Jaksch is experiencing now and offer my sympathy for the weeks and months ahead. Many of his classmates will also mourn the loss of a friend, Diether Jaksch, Sr.

His obituary:
Business Owner AUGUSTA, Ga. - Entered into rest at University Hospital on Friday, October 12, 2007, Mr. Diether Jaksch, SR., 65, beloved husband of Joyce Lanier Jaksch of Augusta. Mr. Jaksch was a native of Kaplitz, Czechoslovakia. He had made Augusta his home for the past 55 years. He was the owner of South Augusta Auto Electric. Mr. Jaksch was a member of the Elks Club, the Green Meadows Golf Club, President of the Keg Creek Boating Club and was of the Catholic faith. In addition to his wife he is survived by his son, Diether Jaksch, Jr. and his wife Renee of Waynesboro, GA; his daughter, Terri Jaksch Bray and her husband Joel of Swainsboro, GA; grandchildren, Ellen Jaksch Chandler, Beau Jaksch, Courtney Jaksch, Scott Bray and Jack Bray; great-grandchild, Dawson Chandler; brother-in-law, Al Niver; his step-father, Karl Fuerlinger of Martinez, GA; nieces, Elayne McGlaun, Tabatha Niver and Martha Gunn; his nephews, Lanny Niver and Monte Lanier and the extended Prieschl Family of West Palm Beach, Florida. The family would like to thank his special caregiver, Jeanette Grissom. If so desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 East 56th St. New York, NY 10022 Funeral services will be conducted today, Sunday, October 14, 2007 at 2:00 PM, in the Chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Max Hicks officiating. Serving as pallbearers will be Beau Jaksch, Justin Chandler, Jim Beck, Wes McGlaun, Lanny Niver and Marty Bray. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Bray, Ronald Jowers, Dwight Bagwell, Don Brown, Jim Gohacki, Cecil Adams, Leslie Padgett, Jim McGlaun and Doc Woodward.

Interment will follow at Bellevue Memorial Gardens, Grovetown, GA. Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd. Augusta, GA 30907. 706-364-8484. Published in The Augusta Chronicle from 10/13/2007 - 10/14/2007.

Lost in the 50s Registrations through August 11th

Dear Classmates
This list is in alphabetical order (by maiden name for the girls and without spouses or guests listed.) There is still a little time to get your check to Robert Murphy. If Saturday morning comes and you just can't stand not being in the 700-800 folks who attended ARC from 1953 to 1960, just show up at the farm in Trenton and pay your $30. We'll be glad to see you! If I have missed anyone, let me know.
Annette

Annette Adams Bush, Augusta, GA
Charles E. Allen, Grovetown, GA
Donna Andrews Pittman, Metter, GA
Jimmy Bagby, Augusta, GA
Jane Bass Moxley (Mike), Augusta, GA
Jack Bearden, Augusta, GA
Marie Brennecke Rogers, Augusta, GA
Jimmy Broadwater, Evans, GA:
Ed Brown Martinez, GA
Ed Brown, Panama City, FL:
Carolyn Cadle Folds, Chapel Hill, NC
Benny Cheek, Martinez, GA
Ron Colvin, Evans, GA
Connie Connell Harrison, Evans, GA
Gay Cox Shaw, Simpsonville, SC
Sherry Dorris Mercer Augusta, GA
Charles Durand, Augusta, GA
Larry Enroughty, Harlem, GA
Claire Faircloth Tollison,Cross Hill, SC
Patricia Folk Carter, Lady Lake, FL
Sybil Foster Agers, Martinez, GA
Mary Gahnz Usher, Augusta, GA
Alma Gardner DeWitt, Evans, GA
Martha Anne Gibbs Bagby, Augusta, GA
Helen Gnann Byars, McDonough, GA
Tim Hegler, Belvedere, SC
Dorothy Herron Jennings, Grovetown,GA
Jerry Howington, Augusta, GA
Judy Hunnicutt Johnson (Charles), Augusta, GA
David Hurst, Jefferson, GA
Annette James James, Augusta, GA
Elizabeth James, Roye, Gracewood, GA
Charles Johnson, Augusta, GA
Janice Johnson Dixon, Augusta, GA
Shirley Johnson, Augusta, GA
Fred "Niki" Johnston, Sierra Vista, AZ
Janice Keel Helton, Augusta, GA
Esther Kennedy Peacock, North Augusta, SC
Mary Alice King Forbes, Augusta, GA
Yvonne King Langley, Knoxville, TN
Jimmy Knight, Augusta, GA
Hamilton Kuhlke, Augusta, GA
Carol Lamb Thurman, Leawood, KS
Dorothy Lanier Cravey, Cochran, GA
Caroline LeRoy Ayers, Greenville, NC
Roy E Lindsey, Tifton, GA
Louis Linson, Conyers, GA
Judy Little Murphy, Augusta, GA
Frances Logan Brown, North Augusta, SC
John "Buddy" Lowe, Grovetown, GA
Linda Matthews Epps, Augusta, GA
Pete McDonald, Augusta, GA
Jimmy Melton, Augusta, GA
Tom Mercer, Martinez, GA
Nancy McElmurray Chunka, Dunwoody, GA
LaVerne Montgomery Young, Augusta, GA
Mike Moxley, Augusta, GA
Alvia 'Butch' Murdock, Martinez, GA
John Overstreet, Augusta, GA
Olin Padgett, Palmyra, TN
Harriett Paul Jones, Augusta, GA
James "Jimmy" Perkins, Blythe, GA
Harry Pund, Evans, GA
Mae Pulliam Williams, Kathleen, GA
Betty Reed Keenan, Augusta, GA
Hilda Reese Riegler, Martinez, GA
Carolyn Remley Burns, Augusta, GA
Joyce Rennison Grimaud, Appling, GA
Carol Sandiford, Avondale Estates, GA
Randall Scott, Augusta, GA
Frank Stafford, Augusta, GA
Emily Stevens Baumann, Thomson, GA
Judy Stubbs Terry, Greenville, SC
Maxie Terry, Greenville, SC
Bill Ward, Martinez, GA
Walter Sheridan Wilson, Augusta, GA
Larry Jon Wilson, Augusta, GA
Merle Wright Dansby, North Augusta, SC
Anne Yearty Gojda, Augusta, GA

AAB

Regrettable Notes + 2

I have heard from a few people who are not planning to come on October 20th. Thought I'd share with you. Okay, so Louis's is not a 'regrets" but I just love his sig line. By the way, I deliberately left off the girl's married names here.
AAB

(New -10/16 ) Annette,
I am sorry to be so late in sending this regret, I just returned home from a 2 week
period of setting up a Seniors retirement home in Pawleys Island SC. This is my
line of work. I have so much to catch up on at home that this weekend is out for
me, however I am looking forward to the big reunion next. Hope all goes well, Dolly Fortson Adams

(New - 10/16) Unfortunately, I will not be able to attend the Class Reunion... I will be in Chicago on those dates, working with a charitable organization...perhaps all of you should get involved...Best, Mary Lehman

I want to send my regrets as my nephew is getting married in North Carolina on that date. I will certainly miss you all and look forward to next year.

Betty Love

--------------------------

Rae Brown called to say that she will be leaving on the 20th for a fabulous cruise, but that she will miss us all.

--------------
Lydia Wammock: Count me out on the BBQ. I wish I could come, but my college roommate and I are facilitating a workshop on grief at my church on that day.

Have fun and give my best to all!
Lydia
------------------------
(the) BBQs . . . conflict with my annual mountain biking trip to Bryson City, NC - as Tom Petty says "never slow down, never grow old" - my motto!

Herb Clark

-----------------------

OK, (check) will be in the mail and on the way.

Thanks,

--
Louis Linson

From spammers and hackers,
And viruses beastly
And things that go beep in the night,
May The Good Lord protect us.

---

Jean Dinkins Morris -- One of the Treasures

I often refer to myself as a "born again Augustan" -- a facetious title, but one which fits my rediscovery of Augusta and all its hidden treasures. After college, I accepted a job in Greenville, SC while hubby was at Clemson. We moved to a number of towns over the next 25 years and enjoyed what each had to offer. Imagine our surprise to find, after returning 'home,' that Augusta has many of those things and more. Everything about our old hometown has been experienced with new eyes and new excitement.

I saw very few classmates over those years that we were away and I still sometimes just pass them by without recognizing them. Seeing them again is like discovering another hidden treasure.

One of the first ones I recognized was Jean Dinkins. Her big smile had not changed a bit. We talked a little about our days at Richmond, reunions, and singing with Miss Halbert in that upstairs chorus room.

Jean Dinkins Morris died on Sunday. A grandmother of six who is gone too soon. Another classmate who has been lost to us.

Her obituary from Monday's Augusta Chronicle is below.
----------------------
EVANS, Ga. - Mrs. Jean Dinkins Morris, 66, entered into rest on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at Heartland Hospice. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at Abilene Baptist Church cemetery with Rev. Bill Harrell and Rev. Barry Daniel officiating. Mrs. Morris will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a member of Abilene Baptist Church. Survivors include her husband, Tommie Morris of Evans; two daughters, Debbie Atwood and her husband Rick of Brunswick, Ga., Robin Compton and her husband Randy of Piedmont, S.C.; and six grandchildren, Thomas Knapp, Nikolas Knapp, Heather Knapp, Kaitlyn Compton, Madison Atwood, and Caleb Atwood. Mrs. Morris was predeceased by her parents, Gary and Vivian Dinkins; and her brother, Wayne Dinkins. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Abilene Baptist Church Building Fund, 3917 Washington Rd., Martinez, Ga. 30907. Platt's Funeral Home, 337 N. Belair Rd., Evans, Ga. 30809. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 10/8/2007.

AAB

Blog Readers FYI

Since I first created this blog, I have been interested in how the readership is spreading. I compiled this bit of information about the locations of the last 100 visitors. (AOL locations do not show up and most large companies with their own server appear as unknown in my statistics, so these places aren't reflected here.) Nice spread.

California: San Jose
Georgia: Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Blythe, Cleveland, Conyers, Evans, Grovetown, Lithonia, Pooler, Savannah, Waynesboro
South Carolina: Aiken, Columbia, Irmo, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta, Woodruff
Tennessee: Nashville
Texas: Arlington, Irving, Plano, Wylie
London, Lambeth

AAB

The Name Game

On Tuesday evening, representatives from Classes of 1953-1960 met to assemble the name tags with the old annual photos for this year's 50s Decade Barbecue. Robert Murphy had printed names and colored dots for each class. Butch Murdoch had copied and cut the photos and prepared the envelopes for our class so the job was easier. There was much laughter and general enthusiasm as we settled into the job.

Comments around the table included "Hey, you got my scotch tape!" "Where is the picture for this one?" "You look good in this photo. Where were you when I was dating?" "Is he bringing a date this year?" "Are there more plastic sleeves for the name tags?"

We thought of others we'd like to have seen on the reservation list. We finished the job, carefully repacked the blank name tags to use for late registrations and added the clean-up(Oct 13)/prep days(Oct 19) to our calendars.

After the job was done, we began to mingle. I was approached by a member of another class and asked, "Are you Annette?" When I said yes, he replied that we used to work together. Thank goodness my long term memory kicked in (doesn't that happen at our age but we can't remember what we had for lunch?) and I said, "Hugh." For two years, he was head lifeguard and I was cashier at Highland Park Pool 47-48 years ago and I had not seen him in almost that many years. I'm looking forward to the 50th Reunion of our Class, but the Decade Barbecue connects more than just our class and jogs almost forgotten fond memories. It's a Good Thing.

These are the new additions to the previously posted list of those coming to play the Name Game.

• From Lady Lake, FL:
• Patricia Folk Carter
  

• From Panama City, FL:
• Ed Brown

• From Palmyra, TN:
  
• Olin Padgett

• From Cochran, GA:
  
• Dorothy Lanier Cravey

• From Conyers, GA:
  
• Lewis Linson

• From Kathleen, GA:
• May Pulliam Williams
  

• From Metter, GA
  
• Donna Andrews Pittman

• From Evans, GA:
  
• Jimmy Broadwater

• From Harlem, GA:
  
• Larry Enroughty

• From Martinez, GA:
  
• Bill Ward

• From Augusta, GA:
• Sherry Dorris Mercer
• Elizabeth James Roye
  
• Jimmy Knight
• LaVerne Montgomery Young

AAB

Pete and the Parade

After I posted about living with "joyous naughtiness," I have had a few emails about what it means.

The best example I can give you is our classmate, Pete May. His joy in life is evident with each task he undertakes. His naughtiness appears in a bright purple suit for ARC functions or a Jester costume complete with tights for a national table tennis event. His contagious energy is a gift to all.

Last week, the annual Horse and Carriage Parade moved with precision through Augusta's downtown streets. Everything from Clydesdales to miniature mules were pulling an assortment of wheeled vehicles: the usual polished carriages, wagons and coaches along with ancient hearses, chuck wagons, bridal buggies, and a lone long-horned cow.

Planned as a kick-off event for the Augusta Futurity by Pete in 1992, the Parade has now been moved to the fall weekend of Arts in the Heart for better weather and different crowds. Pete knows not only how to dress, but how to adjust, for success!

Often in our towns, we do things which make a small difference. There are many of us in the Class of 59 who have quietly given to our communities, in our jobs or as volunteers. Sometimes it makes the paper; sometimes only we know. Pete is only one, but if you pay attention, you'll find his hand in lots of things around town -- usually the fun things which encourage a little joyous naughtiness.
AAB

Look Who Else is Going to Be 'Lost in the 50s!'

An update from Robert Murphy about the Decades BBQ shows that we have moved up in the class listings. We are now at #3, but our numbers are still down! If there are folks you'd like to see, give them a call. October 20 is a perfect day for a visit! These are the newest additions.

• From Sierra Vista, AZ:
• Fred "Niki" Johnston
• From Leawood KS:
  
• Carol Lamb Thurman
• From Knoxville, TN:
• Yvonne King Langley
• From Jefferson, GA:
• David Hurst
• From Appling, GA:
• Joyce Rennison Grimaud
• From Grovetown, GA:
  
• Charles E. Allen
• From Thomson, GA:
• Emily Stevens Baumann
• From Augusta, GA:
• Jerry Howington
• Charles and Judy Hunnicutt Johnson
• Annette James
• Shirley Johnson
• Janice Johnson Dixon
• John Overstreet
• Carolyn Remley Burns
• Frank Stafford
  

Who do you think is missing?

We're #4!

We have always been at #2 for number of attendees at the annual 50s BBQ. Yesterday, I learned that we have been pushed down the ranks by enthusiastic members of other classes.
If you get there VERY early in the morning, this is the view as you turn off the main road.

We're now #4 and losing ground.
Is your name on the list or have you just forgotten?! The first reservation deadline is quickly approaching.

I have asked Robert Murphy to send me the list of registrations so far and will try to give you a weekly update. I have listed these by towns; call a classmate who lives nearby.

• From Chapel Hill, NC:
  
• Carolyn Cadle Folds
• From Greenville, NC
• Caroline LeRoy Ayers
• From Greenville, SC:
• Maxie and Judy Stubbs Terry
• From Simpsonville, SC:
• Gay Cox Shaw
• From Cross Hill, SC:
• Claire Faircloth Tollison
• From Belvedere, SC:
• Tim Hegler
• From North Augusta, SC:
• Esther Kennedy Peacock
• Frances Logan Brown
• Merle Wright Dansby
• From Tifton, GA:
  
• Roy E. Lindsey
• From Avondale Estates, GA:
• Carol Ann Sandiford
• From Blythe, GA:
• Jimmy Perkins
• From Grovetown, GA:
• Dorothy Herron Jenkins
  
• John Buddy Lowe
• From Martinez, GA:
• Alvia Butch Murdoch
• Sybil Foster Agers
• Ben Cheek
• Hilda Reese Riegler
  
• Ed Brown
• Tom Mercer
• From Evans, GA:
• Alma Gardner DeWitt
• Connie Connell Harrison
• Ron Colvin
• From Augusta, GA:
• Jimmy Melton
• Walter S. Wilson
• Mary Alice King Wilson
• Pete McDonald
• Anne Yearty Gojda
• Annette Adams Bush
• Janice Keel Helton
• Judy Little Murphy
• Linda M. Epps
• Randall Scott
• Mike and Jane Bass Moxley
• Jimmy Bagby
• Charles Durand
• Mary Gahnz Usher
• Marie Brennecke Rogers
• Larry Jon Wilson
• Harriet Paul Jones
• Hamilton Kuhlke
• Jack Bearden
• Martha Gibbs Bagby
• Betty Reed Keenan

As you leave in the afternoon, the sight of these peach trees will be the perfect ending.

Eve and the Miller

Sounds a little like a Chaucer's Tale, doesn't it? Well, it IS classic stuff.

You (and hundreds of your closest friends) are invited. It's a celebration of both the 50th Anniversary of the World Premiere of "The Three Faces of Eve" and the renovation-in-progress of the Miller Theater. The event is a fund-raiser to refurbish and maintain features of the Imperial Theatre.

• On September 18 from each half hour from 2:00-6:00, there'll be tours of the Miller.
• Then at 8:00, across the street at The Imperial Theatre, there will be a special presentation which will include our own classmate Dan Miller, the grand nephew of the theater founder.
• The screening of "The Three Faces of Eve" will begin at 8:30. Tickets (which include the Miller tour) are $15 with a VIP ticket of $50.

The Chronicle editorial closes with this about the Miller. "It is a grand structure that stands not only for the best of what Augusta was, but the best of what it can become. And it begs for whatever outpouring of support Augustans can give to that end." The same could be said of the Imperial as well. The full story is here.

It seems to me that "Eve and the Miller" is a good reason to relive some old memories of 'our days.' And maybe make some new 'tales' worth telling.

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Two Words to Live By

This week in my personal blog, I wrote about my discovery of two words to live by as an artist.

Since they popped off the page of a summer "beach read" last weekend, I've thought about them and what they might have to do with life in general. I wondered if I know anyone who already knows those words and who has filled the decades with them. I could name a few. I have decided that perhaps they are what we all need as we approach our fiftieth reunion; that perhaps we are too old to be serious, dull and deadly for the remainder of our days.

So . . . if you can't learn from the grandchildren in your family, I give you "Joyous Naughtiness." Write the words on your bathroom mirror, post them on your computer monitor, leave a note in your pants pocket. Live them!

Affecting Our Days

As I have added obituaries of classmates to this blog, I've received a number of emails from readers. Some just say thanks for the memories. Most comment that they don't remember much about specific class members at first or have truly lost touch with those they do remember, yet they have a true sense of loss.

I understand their response; sometimes I feel like old classmates are fictional characters in some fictional person's life (Mine. Was that really me?!!) Yet I have snippets of memory which come back -- both the pleasant and the down-right awful -- and I appreciate that these folks and our days together helped to make me who I am today.

I like Dan Miller's comments after reading an obituary.

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mreddie and The Blueberry Patch Blog

While reading through a good bit of Eddie Collier's blog, I discovered this statement: If you can't dazzle them with brilliance then baffle them with baloney sandwiches.

Composing most posts on a little voice recorder during his evening walks down by the pond, he has filled his blog with personal thoughts and tossed them with a little wry humor. He doesn't gloss over the good or the bad; just describes his daily life with a gentle touch. And, he never fails to let you know where he and God stand, out there by the blueberry patch.


George Eddie Collier offers a little baloney seasoned with the spirit at Blueberry Patch.

Update: Dolly Fortson Adams

What do the National Geographic, the Weather Channel and the City of Charleston have in common? Our classmate, Dolly Fortson Adams and her camera. (Her photos are published under 'Dorothea Adams.') She has also done some work for the Post and Courier and others. I asked her to share these two with us. ( I apologize that these didn't get posted initially.)


Living on the South Carolina coast, Dolly is surrounded by beauty every day. But can you believe that photography is her second love?

She stays busy as a caregiver for Lutheran Hospice in Mt. Pleasant. She also loves dogs and horses, keeps in touch with Bobbye Ward Anderson and frequently asks for news of old classmates. She plans to be at the Decades BBQ.

I'll be adding notes about Minta McD, Martha McD, Marie C., Peggy M., Ruthie J., Jeannie C. and others soon. So Dolly, stayed tuned!

Deadlines Make It Happen!

This month's meeting for the 50s Decade BBQ buzzed with excitement under the threat of looming deadlines.

• Photos and news from each class and advertising copy are needed NOW for the Souvenir program book which will be bigger and better.
  
• Reservations for the day are due by September 25 if you want to pay just $20.
• Old teachers who are still around are being invited to come as our guests.
• Volunteers are needed to clean-up on October 13 and set-up on October 19th.
• AND last minute details are now officially 'last minute."
  

Although Judy says that Robert is not organized, he seems to have the numbers in order to motivate and inspire.

A lot of work was done and we can see the silver lining!




We will welcome the Class of 1953 to the roster of participating classes and expect all to have a great day . . . .

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Charles Bignon: Keeping Track

Reunion committees don't just look for names, they keep track and sometimes they connect.

When we began to look for classmates before the 45th Reunion, I took out my old list of "A" names which had been assigned for the aborted 40th. I searched in as many ways as possible and I found quite a few. Then, I picked up the stack of "B" cards which had been given to Henry and began again. I finally just made some phone calls. Just out of the blue, I called people. Some remembered me; some didn't. Most were glad to hear from someone from ARC and their past.

Charles Bignon was one of those I called. He was kind enough NOT to say, "I don't remember you." I could tell he didn't. But he remembered lots of others and wanted to know about them - to catch up.

He read the Chronicle on-line everyday to keep up with his beloved Augusta. He often came over from Macon to check on his mother's house and would call or come by to talk about growing up in "PG" (Olde Town) just a block over from my house. He looked at the 1959 annual and asked about specific people who we might have found in our reunion search. He brought me his friend Willie Perkins' (ARC Class of '58) book ("No Saints, No Saviors") about their years with the Allman Brothers Band; he talked a little about those times and the job of keeping track of the band.

Sometimes I would not hear anything from him for 6-8 months and then he would call with some kind of request which was both matter of fact and specific. So, I checked his house after a storm, I wrapped Christmas presents for his family, I saved all the papers pertaining to James Brown's death and funeral, I redressed a small injury on his calf which had required an emergency room visit . . . . The last time I saw Charles we shared our first and only meal and talked about my tiny little digital camera. Later, he called to ask for more details. He liked it and thought he would buy one. When I told him the cost, he said, "Damn, Sugar, I don't want to make love to it. I just want to take a few pictures!" That was the Charles I got to know.

Charles reached the end of his days on August 25, 2007. I will miss those infrequent calls and visits from this kind and gentle classmate. I will always regret that I owed him a phone call and perhaps an email.

Charles's obituary follows:
MACON, Ga. - Charles N. Bignon, III died on August 25, 2007. Born on July 30, 1941 in Augusta, Ga., he lived in Macon for many years. He was the son of the late Charles N. Bignon, Jr. and the late Mary E. Massengale. He graduated from Richmond Academy and attended Augusta College. He worked in Atlanta and then in Macon for The Allman Brothers Band and as co-owner of The Great Southern Company. He retired in 1990. Charles is survived by a brother, Robert E. Bignon of Athens, Ga.; a sister, Gloria Anne Ivy of Belvedere, S.C.; nieces, Erin, Elizabeth and Britton; nephews, Rush, Tony, Christopher and Ryan; and many friends. Visitation will be Wednesday, August 29, 2007 from 10:30 a.m. until noon at Hart's Mortuary, located at 765 Cherry Street in Macon. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 p.m. in Athens, Ga. at the First United Methodist Church Chapel located at 327 North Lumpkin Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions should be made to the donor's favorite charity. Hart's Mortuary has charge of arrangements. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com
Published in The Augusta Chronicle on 8/28/2007.

50th Reunion Report

Tuesday night, the air seemed a little cooler after our days of triple digit temps. But maybe it just always seems to be cooler down by the river at Butch and Jackie's house. Butch presided over the hamburger grill and classmates visited in groups on the grass. On the inside, plates and bowls of goodies filled the serving counter and other folks gathered in the air conditioning.

There were a few complaints, "My mouth won't fit this burger." seemed to be the main one.

It was time for the meeting to begin. Heh heh. Just wanted to point out that planning a 50th Reunion is not always just hard work!




Janice Johnson Dixon and Frank Stafford reported on the research for locations.












They did a great job of offering options for both a casual event and more formal evening and will pursue a couple of venues.



Co-chairs Butch Murdoch and Harry Pund tried to keep us in line as we discussed the thoughtful suggestions sent in by Dan Miller, possibilities for this historic weekend and options for a full schedule. Janice Johnson Dixon, Janice Keel Helton and I will develop an agenda which can be discussed in blocks of time. So get ready for a fabulous ARC weekend in 2009 -- probably late April.

In the photos, I hope you will also spot, Mike and Jane Bass Moxley, Fred Fidler, Eddie Glover Tanner, Ron and Louise Colvin, Annette James and her friend, Mary Gahnz Usher, Robert and Judy Little Murphy, Don and Norma Patterson, Robert Dixon, and Diane Pund .

The next meeting will not be until December, but we have lots to do until then.