04/06/05 - NNHS Newsletter -
Quarter to Three

 

Church Street, Norfolk, VA

Church Street, Norfolk, VA

Dear Friends and Schoolmates,   

   I hope you're enjoying this MIDI as much as I am; I just keep hiking the volume and letting it blast away.  I personally think it's
one of the best that Dave Spriggs ('64 - of VA) has ever found for us.  Thanks so much, David!  You're simply the best!

   Happy Birthday today to Aaron (Hank) Smith ('69).

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/Happy-Birthday.html

MORE REUNION IMAGES:

From Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 03/04/05:             

These images were taken
from the disposable cameras
which were placed on each table,
Friday night, October 22, 2004:		    
Van Rowell ('65) of NC; Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of VA       and Randy Bearor ('64) of VA Dave Arnold ('65) and Pam Smith Arnold ('65)
of VA; Jane Coltrain Leonard ('64) and Gerald Leonard ('66) of VA; Van Rowell ('65) of NC		    
     
   
Ray Staton ('64) of VA; Betsy Watson
of AZ; Steve Klein ('64) of MS; Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA; and Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA		 STANDING: Bob Callis ('64) of WV; Paul Harty of NC; Betsy Watson of AZ; Carol Buckley Harty ('65) of NC; SEATED: Jo and Randy Bearor ('64) of VA; and ? Steve Pullen ('65) of VA; Bonnie Binford Mizzelle ('64) of VA Betsy Watson and Jim Watson ('64) of AZ; Debra Moran of VA    
     
   
Dennis Bruckner
of SC		 Richard Curtis ('64) and Kerri Curtis of AL; Bob Rough and Betty Sue Lanier Rough ('64) of VA; Jean Poole Burton ('64) of RI; Linda Lane Lane ('64) of VA; and Nancy Flax of VA Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of VA; Pam Smith Arnold ('65) of VA Sid Melton ('64)
of NY; Sarah Puckett Kressaty ('65) of VA		 Jeanette Parrish Houston ('64) of VA; Sandi Williams Patrick ('64)
of VA; Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA; Faith Strickland Groom ('64) of VA		    
     
     

And these images were taken
from the disposable cameras
which were placed on each table,
Saturday night, October 23, 2004:

    
Gerald Wright ('64)
of VA; Dan Meena ('64) of VA		 Peaches Price Taylor ('64) and _____ Taylor of VA Patti Andrews Mays ('61) and Fred Mays ('60) of VA    
     

   Thank you, David!

From Joe Madagan ('57) of FL - 04/05/05:

Hi, Carol:
It is nice to hear from so many subscribers of the online Newsletter about the low scoring TYPHOON Basketball games
when opponents tried to slow down the fast breaking TYPHOON.
One big disruption during a game at Woodrow Wilson High of Portsmouth, was the collapse of a portion of the bleachers.
The rowdy fans of Woodrow Wilson placed the bleachers under great stress with the stomping of their feet and jumping
around so that the bleacher collapsed and gave everyone a great fright. Anyone remember which year this took place?
 
Thank you for picking up on nickname of Martha "Puddy" Timberlake Reichard ('62) of MS for most of the
TYPHOON knew her only by her nickname. I wanted to add one more nickname among the Timberlake siblings so your
subscribers would recognize him. William Archer "Bubby" Timberlake ('58) of VA also known as Commander W. A.
Timberlake, USN (Retired) a submariner. He was very active in Band and was the Manager of the TYPHOON Cross
Country Team and Track and Field Team.
I apologize for not passing this along earlier, but I was in quite a rush the day I passed along the death of Mrs. Timberlake.
TYPHOON Regards,
Joe Madagan ('57) of FL

   Thanks, Adonis!  We're compiling quite a running commentary on that Basketball page:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/BASKETBALL.html

   Thank you for solving that mystery for me, too, Joe.  I tried to locate the answer quickly, but I too was pressed for time that day.
I've amended that passage in that Newsletter:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/04-01-05-NNHS-April-Fools-Day.html

From Stacy Dorn ('64) of VA - 04/05/05:

Newport News basketball dynasty

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

10 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 321-77 UNDER COACH JULIE CONN

The Typhoon won an amazing 100 consecutive home games from 1956 to 1965.

BY MARTY O'BRIEN

247-4963

September 24 2004

Decades before movie secret agent Austin Powers claimed that mojo was the secret to success, legendary coach Julie Conn used
mojo to build a basketball dynasty at Newport News High.

Conn's mojos were rubber black cats, about the size of a thimble, that he brought from his brother's drug store. A player had to do
omething extraordinary for Conn to award one.

Chris Ellis, whose behind-the-back dribbling and passing thrilled packed houses at the school during the early 1960s, says Conn
gave him one - just one - in four years. Ellis was the star of the Typhoon's unbeaten state champs in 1964, the year he joined Lew
Alcindor on the Parade All-American team.

Mickey Marcella, a member of the 1951-52 state champs, added: "You wouldn't trade a mojo for a million dollars. You knew you'd
done something special if Coach Conn gave you one."

Newport News basketball players majored in "special" from the moment Conn became the school's basketball coach in 1926 at age
21. He demanded it.

One player said that in his sleep, he could hear one of Conn's favorite refrains - "Move that ball! Move it! Move it, boys!"

"He was dynamic and ferocious," Marcella said. "He could yell at you one minute, then give you the shirt off his back the next. You
either loved him or hated him. We loved him."

The proof is in the record. During a 25-year span, beginning in Conn's third season in 1928-29, the Typhoon reached the state
tournament 17 times, advanced to 12 finals and won six state titles. Conn's record against high school competition during his 27 seasons
was 321-77.

Conn stepped aside in 1953 because he didn't want to coach his son, Harry Conn, now a local dentist. Instead, he focused on the track
and field program he guided to 26 state titles, though he continued to dispense mojos for extraordinary achievements.

The Typhoon had lots of them in the ensuing years, as the dynasty continued under a series of coaches: Elmo Stephenson, Bill Chambers,
Lefty Driesell, Warren Mitchell and Charlie Woollum.

From 1955-58 the Typhoon went 75-2, winning three consecutive state titles. The '57-58 team went 25-0, the program's first perfect
record, under the direction Driesell, who went on to college coaching fame.

Bucky Keller, who set a state career scoring record with 1,808 points, averaged 22 per game that season. Some say Keller was NN's
greatest player and that the '58 squad - which included Harry Conn - was the best in school history. Others will tell you that Chris Ellis
and the '64 group, which went 25-0, won the school's 10th state title and scored 126 points in a game, was the best.

However, there's no argument that this shipyard town loved its team.

"Every game was a sellout," said Ellis, who will retire from his job with the state highway department this year. "People would line up
at 4 in the afternoon so they could be assured of getting a seat at the start of the 6 o'clock junior-varsity game."

The Typhoon almost never lost at home. From Jan. 27, 1956, to Dec. 14, 1965, Newport News won an incredible 100 consecutive home
games. The streak began in the tiny 30th Street gym, with its balcony seating and close quarters. Intimidated opponents called it a
cracker box, pipe stem or match tin. The 100th victory came in the $400,000, 2,500-seat gym built at the school in 1963 and named,
appropriately, after Conn.

Newport News' glorious basketball history ended five years later, when the school became a junior high with the integration of city
schools. Fittingly, the Typhoon's final game came in the school's 26th state tournament appearance since Conn had brought his mojo
to Newport News.

Conn retired in 1970 and died 13 years later. But his legacy lives on through the memories of his players.

"There's only one word I can use to describe what it felt like to be a Newport News basketball player: 'Wonderful,' " said Marcella,
who is retired and living in Newport News. "We owe it all to Julie Conn."

Copyright (c) 2005, Daily Press

   Thanks, Stacy!  I thought this article had a very familiar sound to it, and sure enough, Tom Flax ('64 - of VA) had sent it to us
on 10/06/04, so it's already posted here, but it certainly makes for great reading.  Thanks for the refresher!

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/BASKETBALL.html

 

From Jimmy Hines ('64) of Northern VA - 04/05/05:

Dear Miz Carol,

     Amazingly, a thought struck me as I opened up my e-mail, and I found I was thinking of writing (like others I am sure)
and asking you just how you do this newsletter up in such a grand fashion, and I thought that you might say "Well...it's magic!"
Then I opened the newsletter and read your opening comments!  

     By the way, this may have been discussed in an earlier newsletter - I haven't gotten through them all yet - didn't the
Typhoon Band play on the deck of a carrier during a christening? And I do remember Bob ('66) and me being on the decks
of the Forrestal - my dad worked in the yard. I may even have a medallion around somewhere...in...a...safe place.

     Your comments about Pope John Paul...I am still amazed and impressed at him for going ahead when he was obviously
in a bad way, and that he taught up until the last. Whatever one's faith or belief - or not, I think he felt we all were his
responsibility, and I believe we are all the better for it.

     Thanks for keeping up the MAGIC ! Regards, Jimmy

   Oh, Sweetie, you're too kind!  There's a lot of magic at play here to be sure, but I am merely gathering and recording it all.

   WOWZERS!  Just as I was about to type that I can't recall any other carrier christening stories than the ones we've already
reported here, I had a brief flash - shorter even than that one of the fire station - of being on a deck at just such a moment! 
OHHHHH, someone with a better memory help us out here, please!

   I do remember the band playing at least one concert on a Sunday afternoon (in May of '63??) in front of Mariner's Museum.
We were not in uniform, but wore "Sunday best".  Similarly, I remember an extra Christmas concert played in the school
cafeteria in December of '62 or '63.  And yes, of course I remember what I was wearing to both concerts, and even some of the
music we played, but if anyone has those exact dates for my obsessive mind, I would love you ever after! 

   Thanks again, Jimmy!

From Jim Dossett ('66) of FL - 04/05/05:

Hi Carol,

If you can imagine me leaning forward, very close to the monitor trying to see what the hell Bill Black ('66 - of GA)
has captured at the far end of the dirt road and all of a sudden the Dismal Swamp Monster charges toward me screaming …
 well, it caught me by surprise to say the least.

   Thanks, Jim!  

I have finally given up on AOL and switched to another server.  Please change my email address to:

obxjimi@netscape.com

Thanks,  keep up the good work..

Jim (’66)

   Congratulations on your escape from AOL!  I've updated your email addy on the '66 Contact page:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/contact-ALL.html

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/contact-1966.html

   (I printed it here on the Newsletter only because you previously authorized me to share it.)

From Ed Nichols ('62) of VA - 04/05/05:

I hope I have this right.   In 1963 after NNHS beat Warwick 58 to 18 in the
"get even" game, we played Norview away and they slowed it down.   The final
was Typhoon 23, Norview 13.   Two games later we beat Hampton 24 to 22.  
These are the two lowest scoring games that I am aware of!
 
Who remembers the "sudden death" game in 1961 when Billy Anspach sank two
free throws to preserve our home court winning streak.   We won 48 to 46.
So many basketball memories.   Weren't we so fortunate to have such good
sports teams?   Most high schools go for years without winning championships.
Our track and cross country teams were incredible!
 
Keep up the great work, Carol!!   We are all so indebted.
          Ed Nichols,   Class of 62

   Thanks, Eddie!  Newport News High School was indeed a school of Champions in so many arenas!  How blessed we were
to attend there!  And how blessed I am to be able to assist in gathering and preserving those memories!  Thank you all!

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/BASKETBALL.html

From Helen Flax Kierstead ('58) of Ontario - 04/05/05:

Thanx for the info about that morning shower, I thought I was the only one.  : )

   OHHHH, Helen!!!  You mean to say that you have a Magic Shower, too?!?  Oh, do tell us what it sings to you, please!!!

From Ron Miller ('59) of NC - 04/05/05:

Wayne Stokes ('65) of VA is right on with his recall of the Suffolk game. I saw that one too, but couldn't
remember the details. I think his halftime score was right -- 4-2 in favor of Suffolk.

   Thanks, Ron!

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/BASKETBALL.html

From Craig Miller ('63) of FL - 04/06/05:

Carol, Wayne Stokes and Ron Miller:
 
You were correct, Bobby Callis, ('64), Bobby Norris ('62), and several other Stuart Gardens guys used to shoot it up
at Magruder Elementary in the spring and fall in the early 60s.  Kenny Lipscomb ('63), Ray Stinnette ('63), (my cousin), and
Max Bartholomew ('65)  were also all very decent basketball players, too.  None of us could make the cut on the great NNHS
basketball teams.  I think Bobby Callis made the cut, for a while, on JV.  The rest of us were condemned to recreational teams,
and pickup games.
 
Speaking of recreational teams, does anybody remember "Lefty's Leftovers"?  These were, I think, 5 seniors that Lefty kicked off
the team in '59, or '60.  I heard that they won the State Title in the Men's Division Recreation Leagues.  Can anyone confirm this?
 
Wayne Stokes ('65) nailed one of the low scoring games:  Suffolk temporarily had us, 4 to 2 at halftime.  That halftime score was
the score my feeble mind was trying to recall.  Suffolk was a "nobody" and the only chance they had was to freeze the ball.
 
John Patterson ('59) jogged up the horrible memory of that 32-34 loss to Wilson which broke our 59 game winning streak.  This
was another "slow-down" game.
 
I had completely forgot about the 56-6 thumping of NNHS by EC Glass in football.  Why, John, Why?
 
I think the 25-24 win over Granby was the lowest scoring "freeze" game.  Thanks, John.  Did you look this up, or remember it? 
 
Not all NNHS alumni may know this, but in the late 50's and early 60's, 7th graders used to attend NNHS.  My dad, John E. ("Jack")
Miller ('28) was a NNHS football player, and a great fan of NNHS athletics.  From the moment I started attending NNHS in the fall
of 1957, my dad took me to every football and basketball game, home and away, until I could drive.  I honestly don't think I ever
missed a single game until after I graduated in 1963, and went off to Va. Tech, thanks to him.
 
As a result, many of us got to enjoy six, not four, wonderful years at the greatest high school in the Country.  I got to watch Bucky
Keller ('58) for another year at Va. Tech!
 
It is great re-living some of those wonderful old memories of those great basketball teams.  We are all blessed.  Thank you, Carol
 
Craig ('63)

   Thanks so much, Craig!  You sparked quite a chain with these basketball questions, and the eager responses have greatly
enhanced the value of the pages.

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/BASKETBALL.html

   The 1956-1958 Anchors attest to the fact that seventh-graders did indeed attend NNHS, though they had no sponsors,
no class officers, were excluded from practically everything, and had few if any privileges.  Apparently, then, only the Classes
of '61, '62, and '63 had the honor of attending NNHS for six years.  In the 1958 Anchor, the last year the seventh graders were
in attendance,  there were six homerooms for them, including this one: 

:

 That cute little boy on the front row looks a lot like you, Craig.

I see quite a few other familiar faces there as well.

(Sorry, I just couldn't resist this one!)

    
Miss Elena Armistead's Homeroom 318
1958 Anchor, p. 59    

 Y'all have a good day - and take care of each other!  TYPHOONS FOREVER!

                          Love to all, Carol

==============================================

NNHS CLASS OF '65 WEB SITE: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com
PERSONAL WEB SITE: http://www.angelfire.com/weird2/cluckmeat

==============================================

Quarter to Three

SOME NOTES: Daddy "G" and the Church Street Five were from Norfolk, as was Gary Bonds.
Daddy "G" was Gene Barge, and the Church Street was, indeed the one in Norfolk.
Those songs and many others with the "Norfolk Sound" were produced and often written
by Frank Guida, who was Norfolk's version of Phil Spector.

- Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 03/08/05
WOWZERONI!  Thanks, Dave!


(Gary "U.S." Bonds)

Don't you know that I danced, I danced till a quarter to three
With the help, last night, of Daddy G.
He was swingin on the sax like a nobody could
And I was dancin' all over the room.
Oh, don't you know the people were dancin' like they were mad,
it was the swingin'est band they had, ever had.
It was the swingin'est song that could ever be,
It was a night with Daddy G.
Let me tell you now,
I never had it so good
Yeah and I know you never could
Until you get hip with that jive
And take a band like the Church Street Five.
Oh don't you know that I danced,
I danced till a quarter to three
With the help last night of Daddy G.
Everybody was as happy as they could be
And they were swingin with Daddy G.
Blow Daddy!
Let me tell you now,
I never had it so good
Yeah and I know you never could
Until you get hip with that jive
And take a band like the Church Street Five.
Oh don't you know that I danced,
I danced till a quarter to three
With the help last night of Daddy G.
He was swingin on the sax like a nobody could,
and I was dancin all over the room
Oh don't you know the
Dance, do bee wa dah
Dance, do bee wah dah
You can dance, do bee wah dah,
You can dance, dance, dance

"Quarter to Three" midi courtesy of http://www.geocities.com/Broadway/Alley/1623/zindexnf.html
at the suggestion of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 03/08/05
Thanks, Dave!

"Quarter to Three" lyrics courtesy of http://www.ntl.matrix.com.br/pfilho/html/lyrics/q/quarter_to_three.txt 
also at the suggestion of Dave Spriggs ('64) of VA - 03/08/05
Thanks again, Dave!

Church Street Postcards courtesy of http://www.rkpuma.com/ov/nickel6guythumb5A.htm - 04/02/05

Animated Saxophone clip art courtesy of http://www.hellasmultimedia.com/webimages/anim-htm/anim28.htm - 04/02/05

 Colored Musical Notes Divider Line clip art courtesy of http://www.wtv-zone.com/nevr2l82/bars16.html - 04/02/05

Animated Rolling on the Floor Laughing Boy courtesy of http://www.animationfactory.com - 0406/05

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