06

Thanks to

Bill Lee for the picture of his wife's class picture at Parkview and to Janie (Leigh Slack Lee) for the nice things that she said about my mom. My mom was always coming home from school with stories about her kids at Parkview. She talked a lot about the Luckado's, Crickenberger's, Deese's and the Phaup's. She loved all of them dearly. I can't remember all of them, but, I have lots of pictures from 1947-1976. She took a few years off to be Principal at a new school called Sedgefield , but her heart was at Parkview and later Carver. She taught two generations of some families. She loved all the kids from the Newmarket area. I will try to figure out a way to send her picture.

My sister, Jeannie Douglas Adams, taught at Hilton , where my son and I went. My brother-in-law taught English at NNHS. His name is Dan Adams.

They are both retired now. Jeannie from teaching in Danville, Va. Dan from flying commercial jets. They have two children and three grandchildren. They spend most of there time on their enormous boat, going up the intercoastal waterway.

Well, we need to be adding him to our Famous Teacher pages, Jamey! Please don't let me forget. You know how my mind works - or fails to work, as the case may be.........

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

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

Thanks again Bill, I hope other people will write with their experiences from Parkview.

Jamey

I did post your comments here, Jamey:

Carol,

You know, your website is sometimes like comfort food to me... the mashed potatoes of the Internet (if I may?). But I do find myself occasionally overwhelmed with newsletters flowing in various proportions. Sometimes we will see 2 or 3 a day, once a day, or once a week. Personally, I would prefer one large newsletter per week over many, since often they are photo intensive and I truly don't have the time to read every one of them as they arrive. [now off my soap box] :-)

Honey, I just don't know how we can get around that one. It is precisely because the Newsletters have become heavily laden with images that we issue them more frequently. If they were not broken down into these smaller segments, dial-up users - of whom there are many - would not even be able to open them. We aim for five a week, but often there are more. For instance, there will be a Fathers Day edition. And I certainly wish people would keep living longer so I wouldn't have to create special Memorial Editions for them, but they don't seem to cooperate in that area. Those are (I think) the only times we have more than one Newsletter a day.

A couple of years back I tried to just have a Friday Newsletter. It became so overwhelming, my son suggested it might be less stressful if I issued them more frequently. While I was initially horrified at the prospect, it soon became obvious that he was right. And that was before they contained any images whatsoever. Those Plain-Jane issues take about one-sixth the time to create as these fancier editions, not counting any research which may be incurred - and there often is much involved which doesn't show. But they're not nearly as much fun, and the inclusion of images was not really initiated by me, but was requested by others.

Originally, the Newsletter simply alerted people to what was new on the site. Now that the site requires who knows how long to view - certainly in excess of twelve hours - most people simply read the Newsletter, and take quick peeks at the pages cited.

The main problem is time-management. Obviously the way I issue Newsletters at surprise intervals is not very professional, but then, this isn't a real job. The time I devote to it comes at strange stolen hours, and is often looked upon with, shall we say, less than a full measure of joy by my family members who seem to feel I should be devoting more time to them and less to this. Therefore I arise at 5:00 AM to begin while most of them are still sleeping, and stay up later after they go to bed - and still never finish.

For now, this is the best solution I have. If you can't read every newsletter, or every section of every newsletter, you are certainly not alone. But with more than 450 people as regular subscribers - not counting those who are unregistered users - I'm sure you'll understand that I can't please everyone all the time, no matter how hard I try. And if you feel overwhelmed reading them, I feel like an overwhelmed Gumby trying to create them.

With that said, could I offer possibly another area of interest for discussion?

I have expanded on the Drive-In section but we often overlook the Television as part of our daily life and culture growing up. Especially during a simpler era when local television stations did their own programming and had hosts of the shows. Of particular interest to me are the horror shows such as "Shock Theater" "Chiller Theater" and "Creature Feature". In the 1950s stations were mostly independent and even into the 1960s some continued that way, separate from syndicated network programming. Even those who were part of the big three networks (ABC, NBC, CBS) still had pre and post primetime programming and their hosts became local icons of the day. The invention of home video tapes and cable TV was the demise of these institutions.

Even though "Shock Theater" and others were hot shows across the country, the movies shown were usually anything but... mostly forgettable black and white fare made between 1930-1950 (but not always) by poverty row studios on shoestring budgets. Made during the days when the Hays Office still dictated what studios could produce and the NAB Code of Ethics governed broadcasters pre 1974. It was these clowns in macabre makeup giving their own brand of commentary that made the show and what people remember today, not the movies.

In Richmond, I can not find a reference for early horror hosted shows until 1970 when William "Bill" Bowman (aka The Bowman Body) hit the airwaves until 1979 on WXEX (now WRIC-TV). Bill went on to excel in broadcasting and production to a point that the VA General Assembly passed a bill in 2005 recognizing him for his contributions.

I grew up in Newport News which is the Norfolk market and we had a couple of horror hosts. Most multitasked such as station manager of WVEC-TV Jerry Sandford (now living in Hampton). He did Ronald for Shock Theater, Bungles the Clown during the afternoon kids show, and out of makeup hosted various local game shows such as Bingo for Be-Lo's super markets. Unfortunately the pressures must have gotten to him as these shows were "live" and he would occasionally show up on the set after having a drink or two. Though funny at the time, he quickly disappeared from the screen. I remember it and again, it was the "hosts" and not the show that people do remember. Jerry Harrell (aka Dr. Madblood on WAVY-TV) was another local horror host and Bill's cohort and even switched places once on their shows. As far as I know Harrell is still doing the character on public broadcast stations and does some work at ODU. He is also a professional magician and former Bozo the clown.

I was surprised to see that when Vampira was hitting the airwaves in Los Angeles 1954, Richmond only had 1 (one) television station at the time - WTVR (channel 6) which went off the air at 12:10am. There was another station received but it was WTAR (channel 3) from Norfolk.

I thought surely you were forgetting WRVA, but according to Wikipedia:

WRVA-TV signed on for the first time on April 29, 1956.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WWBT-TV

It wasn't until the mid 50s that the area had 3 network stations and the movies that showed horror was the Million Dollar Movie (channel 8) and The Big Picture (channel 6) but did not see the usual hosted shows? The newspaper also had a full page of ads for walk in and drive-in movies. I think there were at least a half dozen Drive-Ins here at that time. As a kid in Newport News I remember as late as the 60s television stations going off the air at sundown with the old RCA Indian Head Test Pattern burned into the tube while others continued after midnight. It depended on the day of the week when the station went off the air which made alternate means of entertainment popular.

I currently have about 1,000 DVDs which is heavy on the classic horror and sci-fi genre including many of the movies shown by these horror hosts.

What are your memories? I will be glad to elaborate on my memories and offer any information about movies from this era.

Eric Steven Huffstutler

Richmond, VA

BHS '75

Your comments in today's newsletter were amusing. You really did not get my drift the first time around about the confluence of the Indian River into Hampton Roads. All my subtle efforts at humor seem to fail. Oh, well.

Not at all, Sweet Adonis. I'm sure it wasn't lost on anyone else but me. I was simply too busy obsessing and feeling inadequate to catch it initially.

Just as I began reading the newsletter we started to receive the effects of our first tropical storm, Alberto in the Tampa Bay area. Some much needed rain brought relief to the drought, but dread at the same time when we read this headline:

Tropical Storm Alberto, in Gulf of Mexico, could hit Florida on Tuesday

TYPHOON Regards,

Joe Madagan ('57) of FL

I found the other names for the TDK Sorority and it was fun to look back through stuff. Names are: Patty Walsh (62); Debbie Holton (62); Annette Rouse (64); and Kay Gillespie (64) and it was founded in 1959.

Thanks, Paula! I posted those additions:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/fraternities-sororities.html

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/frat-soro-TDK.html

Now do you remember the colors???

It was so nice to see Pam Larmer (Traugott's - '62 - of VA) entry about 17th street. We did have a wonderful street and there were other kids on that block that went to NNHS too. Billy Minick ('59) lived beside Pam and Billy and Pat ('62) Stambaugh lived closer to the shopping center at the end of the street. Living beside Zatha (Franks - '62) were Dorothea ('59) and Margaret Ann Sloop and their father was minister of the Lutheran Church in the 1950's. They moved to Maryland before I left in January of 1962. Beside them were the Jeffers, and Susie ('62) was my best friend from when we were little until midway through high school. I remember her mother's 'doll cakes' - she would put a 'Vogue doll" in the center and make a cake skirt - they do it now with Barbies, but I think she 'invented' it! She would let us lick the bowl - what a sweet memory. I also remember her little brother, Scotty ('68). He was so 'tough' - when he was learning to ride a two- wheeler, he would crash into something and fall off in order to stop. I can remember my mother saying, there goes Scotty, hope he doesn't crash.

WOWZERS!!! Sara Jeffers was my mama's best friend. They lived at 965 - 17th Street. Those cakes of hers were legendary!

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

You might get a kick out of the picture of Scotty in his choir robes on this page:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/trinity-methodist.html

Patty Larsen and her brother lived on the corner at the other end of the street and her mother use to give out candied apples to her 'favorite children' in the neighborhood on Halloween (funny how you remember when you don't get something - ha).

Seventeen kids (and more that I didn't know) on that block and so many memories that they would fill a million hearts. When I think back now, it really was a charmed childhood. Sure there were heartaches and problems, but the adults seem to protect us from unnecessary/unpleasant information (unlike the world today) and there was an innocence to daily life.

It was indeed a magical time, and we were truly blessed to be living there then. I'll try to make that "Our Old Neighborhoods" page soon.....

Enough of this tome, hope you're having a nice Sunday (I'm listening to Toby Keith and yes, I know you love him too!).

Oh, I am that, Paula! I used one of his songs as a Newsletter theme once:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/09-08-05-NNHS-How-Do-You-Like-Me-Now.html

I thought this was interesting. Mr. Huston had a NASA connection and lived in the area for a time.

By the way, my best-friend-across-the-street (JoAnne Fay)'s father worked at NASA. In Newport News, this was pronounced N-A-S-A, as in "My daddy works at N-A-S-A." In the rest of the world and on the evening news, it was always "Nasa."

Gerald W. Colbert - Born in Mount Vernon, New York on December 31, 1928

Served in the United States Marine Corps from 1947 to 1952

Honorably Discharged with the Rank of Sergeant

Served in the Mount Vernon, New York Police Department from 1952 to 1988.

Retired with the Rank of Lieutenant

Now living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Life Member of the Marine Corps League

Member of the International Police Association - USA Section - Region 11 (Florida/South)

SEMPER FIDELIS

GERALD W. COLBERT

VETERAN

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

The Radisson is holding a block of rooms until June 14 for $139 plus tax.

CONTACT Jane Monfalcone Simmons
at janesi722@cox.net or 757-898-5009
AND CHECK THIS WEB PAGE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION - 03/26/06:

http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/reunion-class-of-1961.html

Hi Carol, Just had to tell you that I loved the picture of you and your granddaughter - I use to do that with my son, who is now 6' 5', 290 lbs, 24 yrs old - guess I won't be doing that anytime soon! You know, Paula, I can still remember my mama playing "Lean Back" with me! And I did it with all seven our my children, and eight of my nine grandchildren (I haven't met the ninth one in person yet - sniff-sniff, boo-hoo....). I see your son is like unto my own - "Giant Economy Size"! *GIGGLES!!!* http://www.angelfire.com/ct3/aao/cluckmeat/familyhistory.html
		Tuesday, August 9, 2005
		Carol and Eme
I found the other names for the TDK Sorority and it was fun to look back through stuff. Names are: Patty Walsh (62); Debbie Holton (62); Annette Rouse (64); and Kay Gillespie (64) and it was founded in 1959. Thanks, Paula! I posted those additions: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/fraternities-sororities.html http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/frat-soro-TDK.html Now do you remember the colors??? It was so nice to see Pam Larmer (Traugott's - '62 - of VA) entry about 17th street. We did have a wonderful street and there were other kids on that block that went to NNHS too. Billy Minick ('59) lived beside Pam and Billy and Pat ('62) Stambaugh lived closer to the shopping center at the end of the street. Living beside Zatha (Franks - '62) were Dorothea ('59) and Margaret Ann Sloop and their father was minister of the Lutheran Church in the 1950's. They moved to Maryland before I left in January of 1962. Beside them were the Jeffers, and Susie ('62) was my best friend from when we were little until midway through high school. I remember her mother's 'doll cakes' - she would put a 'Vogue doll" in the center and make a cake skirt - they do it now with Barbies, but I think she 'invented' it! She would let us lick the bowl - what a sweet memory. I also remember her little brother, Scotty ('68). He was so 'tough' - when he was learning to ride a two- wheeler, he would crash into something and fall off in order to stop. I can remember my mother saying, there goes Scotty, hope he doesn't crash. WOWZERS!!! Sara Jeffers was my mama's best friend. They lived at 965 - 17th Street. Those cakes of hers were legendary! http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/otherdeaths.html You might get a kick out of the picture of Scotty in his choir robes on this page: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/trinity-methodist.html Patty Larsen and her brother lived on the corner at the other end of the street and her mother use to give out candied apples to her 'favorite children' in the neighborhood on Halloween (funny how you remember when you don't get something - ha). Seventeen kids (and more that I didn't know) on that block and so many memories that they would fill a million hearts. When I think back now, it really was a charmed childhood. Sure there were heartaches and problems, but the adults seem to protect us from unnecessary/unpleasant information (unlike the world today) and there was an innocence to daily life. It was indeed a magical time, and we were truly blessed to be living there then. I'll try to make that "Our Old Neighborhoods" page soon..... Enough of this tome, hope you're having a nice Sunday (I'm listening to Toby Keith and yes, I know you love him too!). Oh, I am that, Paula! I used one of his songs as a Newsletter theme once: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/09-08-05-NNHS-How-Do-You-Like-Me-Now.html Love, Paula Thanks so much, Paula! It's always a joy to hear from you!


1947 - PFC Gerald W. Colbert, USMC	Cpl. Gerald W. Colbert, USMC	17 Dec 1981 - Lt. Gerald W. Colbert	Gerald W. Colbert, USMC

Gerald W. Colbert - Born in Mount Vernon, New York on December 31, 1928 Served in the United States Marine Corps from 1947 to 1952 Honorably Discharged with the Rank of Sergeant Served in the Mount Vernon, New York Police Department from 1952 to 1988. Retired with the Rank of Lieutenant Now living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Life Member of the Marine Corps League Member of the International Police Association - USA Section - Region 11 (Florida/South) SEMPER FIDELIS GERALD W. COLBERT VETERAN UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS Hi, Gerald, Thank you for your interest in our Famous Marines pages. I'm proud and honored to add you: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/famous-marines-A-F.html Thank you again - and thank you for your service!

REUNION REMINDERS: Reunion information is ALWAYS posted very near the top on the front page, and on the Reunion Page section: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/reunion-page.html Henceforth, it will be repeated here, lest you forget:
The Super Open Reunion sponsored by the NNHS Class of 1961 in honor of their graduation 45 years ago will be held on Saturday, July 1, 2006 at the Radisson Hotel, Hampton, VA at 6:30 PM. There will be a social hour/dinner, at a cost of $65 per person. On Sunday, July 2, 2006, there will be a Sunday morning brunch, also at the Radisson, for the cost of $20. If you attend both events, the combined cost will be $75. The Radisson is holding a block of rooms until June 14 for $139 plus tax. CONTACT Jane Monfalcone Simmons at janesi722@cox.net or 757-898-5009 AND CHECK THIS WEB PAGE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION - 03/26/06: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/reunion-class-of-1961.html
The Great Open Reunion sponsored by the NNHS Class of 1966 in honor of their graduation 40 years ago will be held on Friday, September 29, 2006 from 7:00 PM to 1:00 AM at RJ’s Restaurant, 12743 Jefferson Avenue, NN, VA. On Saturday, September 30, 2006, meet at 11:00 AM at Newport News High School (now Huntington Hall) for a tour of the high school and gym. Parking is available next to the gym on Huntington Avenue. On Saturday, September 30, 2006 from 7:00 PM to midnight,,the grand affair will be held at Point Plaza Hotel, 950 J. Clyde Morris Boulevard, Newport News, VA, 757-599-4460. CONTACT Dee Hodges Bartram at dhbartram@cox.net. AND CHECK THIS WEB PAGE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION - 03/15/06: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/reunion-class-of-1966.html	The 60th Birthday Celebration for Members of the NNHS Class of 1964 will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2006, 7:00 - 11:00 PM at Spirit Events, 12672 Patrick Henry Drive, Newport News, VA 23602. *INFORMAL "SOCK HOP" (WEEJUNS AND BLEEDING MADRAS, IF YA GOT 'EM), CATERED FOOD, ADULT BEVERAGES, MUSIC, DANCING, BIRTHDAY CAKE* CONTACT Dave Spriggs at nnhs64@cox.net AND CHECK THIS WEB PAGE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION - 03/27/06: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/60-BIRTHDAY-1964-B.html
The Grand 50-year Reunion of the NNHS Class of 1956 will be held on Friday, October 20, 2006 at the James River Country Club, Newport News, VA from 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM. Cost is $56.00 per person, reservations required by Aug. 1. On Saturday, October 21, 2006 at 7:00 PM, a casual get-together will be held in a Hospitality Room, Country Inn & Suites on Route 17, Newport News, for all classmates who wish to attend. CONTACT Judy Leggette Elliott at jandcelliott@aol.com or 757-868-1111 AND CHECK THIS WEB PAGE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION - 04/19/06: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/reunion-class-of-1956.html	"Dinner" Planning Meetings for The Class of 1962! They would love to have as many of their classmates as possible to participate in the future as they plan the details of their upcoming 45-Year Reunion!! Please plan to join them at their next meeting. If you did not receive an announcement, they do not have your address. Please email Pat Floyd Pride at patnnhs@cox.net or Brenda Amos Williams at typhoonmom@juno.com for directions, and so that you can stay in touch. Visit Brenda's 1962 Web Page: http://geocities.com/typhoonmom1/ AND CHECK THIS WEB PAGE FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION - 05/10/06: http://www.nnhs65.00freehost.com/reunion-62-planning-mtgs.html

Dear Carol, You were very receptive with my last E-Mail on aging, so I thought I would send along another letter from the files of Ann Landers.
		This was in the paper a few years back and I found it most interesting. I tried to read all of Ann Landers daily articles. She had a lot of common sense to pass along and she was very funny at times with her responses. Your Friend, Herbie I've always been a big Ann Landers fan myself, Herbie! Thanks for sharing this with us, Sweetie!

		WILD GIGGLES!!! Thanks, Tommy!