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

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.

---

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

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.

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 . . . .

-

The Check Is In The Mail. . . .

Oh, sorry.The INVITATION is in the mail!










This week the Community Room of the Martinez Fire Department was buzzing as each class of the Fifties filled a table with envelops, labels, invitations, newsletters, and stamps.

What efficiency! What dedication to duty! What speed!

Almost 2900 envelopes were ready and packed in boxes within two hours for Robert Murphey ('58) in his purple hat to take to the post office.


So, send your reservation in ASAP. If you hear from Robert, tell him, "The check is in the mail!" (It's music to the ears of an old CPA.)





See YOU at the Decades Reunion on October 20th.


A few more pics.

Save The Date! October 20th

The Annual Reunion of ARC classes of the 5o's is being well-planned. The Murphey farm in Trenton is being readied. The souvenir booklet is filling up with photos, messages and ads although there's still room for your memorial, business ad or greeting. T-Shirts, hats and cups are being counted and reordered. Vendors for tents, chairs, porta-potties and Barbecue (along with banana puddin' this year) are standing by.

Invitations with all the details will be mailed in mid-August. The committee is hard at work!

This is your chance to see old friends from Richmond -- most of them older than you! Put it on your calendar.

Poodle skirts are not required!

June Meeting - Lost in the 50s BBQ

Lost In The 50s Chairman, Robert Murphey reports on the last month's meeting for the annual BBQ:

Our last meeting was primarily covering Ads for our 2007 Booklet. To date, we have 14 ads paid totaling $1,900.00. We need $5,000.00 to break even. We also discussed having free popcorn this year instead of boiled peanuts.

The Martinez Fire Dept. has allowed us to use their community room on the fourth Tuesday each month for our meetings. Next meeting is July 24th at 7:00 PM.

This group really gets down to the nitty-gritty on the details -- just one reason this is such a great event.

Lost in the 50s Souvenir Book

An email from Robert Murphey announces

"Our next scheduled meeting will be Tuesday, June 26, 2007 at 7:00 PM. We need to review our Ad sales."

I am amazed at the work this committee does for the annual barbecue for classes of the 50s. Each class has its own subcommittee to plan and send newsletters. The whole committee plans everything from porta-potties to desserts to the souvenir program book.

Last year the book was a huge success and will be done again this year. If you have a business you want to promote or just want to honor someone with an ad, Robert will give you the information and take your money!

More later.