Out of all the musicians that HHS has had through the years. From Chris Montez to the Beach Boys to David Marks to Ted Gioia, there's one GREAT musician that stands out. Yes, It's Bob Rierdan HHS61. Not because of what he's done on the Top 40 Charts down through the years. Nope, he's the very FIRST HHS musician to write a song about Cougartown. Yes, all the others had their chance, but NOOOOO, it was Bob Rierdan who came through. Bob, I thank you for your beautiful rendition, and lets all Give It Up for Bob Rierdan, and "Cougartown Blues". Cougartown Blues Great birthday present Bob. Thanks a bunch. The early 60's guys have still got it.

Name: Mo () on Tuesday, August 31, 1999 at 09:33:48
Message: Your Royal Eminence, Sorry I missed your royal celebration. It sounds like you all had a great time. Had to go up north to Atascadero to see my Mom & Dad. It was my Mother's 83rd birthday on the 29th. Heard Sir Robin even called to send his merry wishes. How many of the "Heavenly Chocolate Cakes" did I hear you had? Couldn't she get all the candles on just one? :) OK, enough of the jokes. Hope your day was one to put in the old :) memory bank!
Hi Mo, Yes, it was a fun day all right. I'll put some pictures up, as I've received a few from Chris Prewitt, the Royal Photographer.

Name: Fred Ockrim () on Tuesday, August 31, 1999 at 07:51:21
E-Mail: fockrim@aol.com
Message: What a great website. Thanks for the link to our Dorsey site. It really is something to be proud of. Speaking of proud, a famous Hawthorne alum, namely Brian Wilson, is perforning a solo in October at the Wiltern Theater. You may wish to pass this along.
Thanks Fred, I'll look into that one.

Name: Dewey () on Tuesday, August 31, 1999 at 04:39:55
Class: 74
Message: The Cougartown Blues, nice work Bob...just remember.. The blues ain't nothing but a good man feeling bad.

Name: Ted Gioia () on Tuesday, August 31, 1999 at 02:16:27
E-Mail: tedgioia@hotmail.com
Class: 75
Message: Good job, Rich, of tracking down my class prediction. Ah, the 1964 black T-Bird . . . what I would give to have it back again! Rich, if you look at that same book of class predictions, you will notice that there is no contribution from Joe Mailander. In fact, Joe did submit a rather unusual prediction -- which I remember almost verbatim -- but the editor decided that it was too outrageous to publish. I would share it with all of you, but I need to hold on to something for retaliation in case Mailander posts the story about Mario, Julie and me that he has mentioned in his Feedback.
Now see, I figured the piano was too obvious. Thanks Rich, Ted, and joseph, for being a part of all this zaniness, and someday ALL these skeletons will come tumbling out of the Cougartown closet.

Name: Janet Burkett () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 23:37:25
E-Mail: jburkett@compaq.net
Maiden: Humphreys
Class: 62
Message: Bob,
You ARE a man of many talents. Loved the song!
Does anyone else remember hanging a hanger off of the TV rabbit ears to bring in better reception? Or, when the tubes were going out only getting about half of the picture? Better yet, how bout the "rolling" pictures that used to come across the screen. You could get dizzy trying to watch a 30 minute show. I know all these things, I guess, because we couldn't afford a TV repairman when we were first married! There IS something to be said for cable!
JB (the other one)
Janet, You just described my present TV only I use tin foil. Hey, it's the high tech 90's you know.

Name: JIM SLOEY () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 23:33:43
E-Mail: tellitlikeitisandthenletitbe.com
Maiden: hoodsindahoodinoctober
Class: none
Message: JIM FOX-SHEILA KUEHL. SHE IS AN ASSEMBLY(?) WOMAN WHO IS SEXUALLY INCORRECT. Hey Cougs right is right and wrong is wrong and I am not the Judge. She is attempting to get legislation passed that not only makes homosexuality acceptable but attaches civil and criminal penalties for anyone calling a homosexual names or discriminating against them. And isn't she who said or one of her ilk that you can't legislate morality. So I shall take my ichtus and TRY to follow what I believe is Truth. HERE HERE. On with the fun! Thanks Jim for getting me going. El Rojo-Yup Ward and Phil were in our class 1966. Haven't seen either since high school. Ward was as good an athlete as our class had. Phil was my chemistry buddy, we put corks in the faucet, huh Randy? sorry Mrs. Takumi where ever you are! Schroeder NEW YEARS in Cavalier? John you had a birthday? You're mortal? Robin-we didn't have lunch? We are not the virtual lunch group. And thanks for all the emails asking where I was Saturday, it is nice to know so many nice people cared about my whereabouts. Sorry I missed you all.
Sloey
Hey, next time Jimbo....... Thanks for the new Corvette too. Very nice present. You Jacoby and Meyers guys must do all right.

Name: Alan () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 23:14:07
E-Mail: anelson@redrivernet.com
Class: '73
Message: A couple more memories -
The go-cart track over by Fox Hills -
Trampoline places -
Under Dog "There's no need to fear" -
Picking tar off your feet from the beach, when the oil rigs would screw up -
Jelly Fish -
Trying not to get killed on the rocks while jumping off to get to the big waves at the Breakwater-
Trying not to get caught by the lifeguards while jumping off Manhattan Pier to get to the big waves
Trying not to get killed on the rocks..........man, now there's a flashback eh Mike??

Name: Rich Haffke () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 23:01:20
E-Mail: zymbrew@aol.com
Class: 75
Message: John,
About a year ago I came across an ancient and epic tome of wit and wisdom. I had forgotten about it (again) until I received some e-mail from a recent recruit to Cougartown..."The Last Will And Prophesy Of The Senior Class of 1975".
Here is a sample from a frequent contributor to the feed back pages. See if you can guess who it is.
"I (name deleted) prophecy that in ten years I will be a poor struggling piano player for a downtown bar who eeks out a living playing 'As Time Goes By' and 'Be True To Your School'. I bequeath to Mr. Fetherston my bulletin writing formula, to Sharon Bierman my T-Bird (with the lights on) for fun fun fun, to the Knights a late application and to Bob Deuel the whole high school."
Sophistication with a touch of sarcasm.......it can only be Ted or joseph.......although I've never heard anyone speak of joseph's piano prowess...........I'm going with joseph.

Name: Bobbie J. Spencer () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 22:42:21
Maiden: Spencer
Class: 74
Message: Hi, every one. Quick note to Heather, yes Heather It's me. I'm alive and kicking in Hesperia Calif. I would be very happy to hear from you. Right now I am trying to work some bugs out of my E-mail. So I answer you here.
Hi, Dean. It's me Bobbie Prewett, now Spencer My sisters told me about the cougar web page and I've been checking it out. It was good to see something from you. How is everything? I'll call you. Are you still involved in Cursillo? De Colores, Bobbie

Name: Sharon McDonald () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 22:27:55
E-Mail: rmac@genevaonline.com
Maiden: Badger
Class: 63
Message:Hoppy's horse was named Topper. I was a BIG fan of cowboy shows. Here is a photo of what the well dressed 8 year old cow girl was wearing in 1954. Remember Annie Oakley and her little brother Tag? How about Tim Allen serials at the Saturday matinee at the movie theatre? Did they have those in Hawthorne in the 1950's? I spent those years in Providence, RI. I watched the wrestling on TV every Saturday with my friends. If you turned the rabbit ears on our set just right, the Boston station would come in (fuzzy, but viewable). They were on at a different time and showed the same matches but were a week ahead. The next week, I would sit and "predict" who would win. Haystack Calhoun was something to watch. Does anyone remember the name of the wrestler who would lay in the ring and let other wrestlers jump onto his stomach from the turnbuckle?

Name: Heather Ruggirello () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 22:02:42
E-Mail: ruggih@hotmail.com
Maiden: Reoch
Class: 75
Message: Keith Jones loved your memories I just have one change for you to make - It was not Shamu at MarineLand - it was Bubbles the whale - I had my 7th birthday there and was allowed to feed Bubbles!

Name: Sheree Klingenhagen () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 21:49:31
E-Mail: sklingenha@aol.com
Maiden: same
Class: 1975
Message: I was trying to come up with somethings that hadn't been mentioned and came up with the following, hope it brings back some memories:
Leonards Dept store in Westchester
Mr Manion, he was the principal at Sepulveda, Dana and Hawthorne High, he seemed to follow me!
Miss Cousins, my 4th & 5th grade teacher reading "The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe" I still love the Cronicals of Narnia series
I think it was in 3rd or 4th grade, Terry Agnew made a shadow box about Indians and he used the little Indian guy from the Wampum bags. Wampums were like fritos.
Del Aire park filing up with water in the sand area after a big rain and walking around in rubber boots. Once my mom told my sister and I if our feet got wet we'd have to sleep outside. When we were on our way outside with our pillows and blankets she couldn't take it. Needless to say we didn't sleep outside!
Also at Del Aire, playing carroms. I hope I spelt that right!
My brother was in the production of "Bye Bye Birdie" I think it was 1964, all I remember is him being on stage, crawling on his hands and knees, I'm not sure why, but it was part of the play I guess.
The bands Crystal Ship and Dovey Modene, my sister played in them.
The Winchell Mahoney Show with Jerry Mahoney and Knuckle Head Smith
Happy reading cougs,
Happy belated birthday John! 55 isn't all that old really!
Sheree
Thank you Sheree, I totally agree!!!

Name: Keith D.Jones () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 21:30:40
E-Mail: cmi50@yahoo.com
Maiden: always been Jones
Class: 76
Message: Betsy, I started at Cabrillo in second grade. Had Miss Sparling. I remember her being very good looking and great legs. She used to read to us while we sat in front of her. Myself, Kenny Peterson, Greg Blackwell used to throw our pencil under her seat so we could look up her dress. Of course I would never do anythng like that today. I only use pens now. Anyway, I remember Luigi's next to Off Ramp Liquor. Great sandwiches. I used to clean that place on Sundays and then invite my friends Mike Krstich, Richard Hawks over and we would make mega pepperoni pizzas in the big ovens. Probably had 2lbs of pepperoni on it. A few more memories; 1. The Corvair (we had one till the rear axle broke going down our driveway) I remember it very well, happened in 1969 because we went out the next day to Cormier Chevrolet and bought a brand new 1969 Chevelle 396 SS. Man I wish I had that today.
2. Lions Drag Strip (down the street from Cormier)
3. The Schwinn Stingray bike (apple crate, cherry crate)
4. The Fuller Brush man coming to the house and my mom buying stuff from him)
5. House calls from your family doctor
6. The wax figure of Shamu that you got from Marineland. Remember the scent of the wax
7. Going to Vegas with the family and staying at the Dunes
8. The soot from Mt. St. Helens
9. Cattlemens on the Horseshoe Pier. Who was the girl that sang there from Hawthorne.
10. The headstone that was made with Dan Nelson's name on it.
11. Putting pennys on the railroad tracks and having the train flaten them
12. Going motorcycle riding over in El Segundo by the sulphur plant. Bad smell.
13. Riding my bike from my house (in Holy Glen) to Marineland. Then having my dad come pick me up on the way back because it took so long to get there it was getting dark on the way back.
14. Mike Rice's dog Siska who bit everyone at once at the little league field
15. Mr. Leroy Frye sitting on his chair down the right field line at the home run pole at the little league field.
16. Being the catcher in the game where Mr. Tamburino was hitting Mr. Weineberger in center field with his cane. That was an interesting site. Thats all for now.

Name: Denny Unfried () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 21:30:43
E-Mail:
Class: 55
Message:This was taken on my front porch in the 50's. I'm a singer. The long braids are my own hair. Who am I???

Name: Gary Nelson () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 21:14:03
E-Mail: Kruiszn
Class: 60
Message: Carole Ferruccio:
I knew the guy who's brother lost his leg as a result of the train but forgot his name. Also doe's anyone remember Jeff Baker who drowned in the pool at home trying to see how long he could hold his breath. Or was it Jeff's brother? Senior moment !!

Gary, I think that was Gordon Baker. He and his family lived directly across the street from my Dad, and the word got out that it was me. The 1959 El Molino was dedicated to Gordon. He had written the above, the year before.

Name: LGW () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 20:55:54
E-Mail: lgeelew@pacbell.net
Maiden: Geele
Class: 76
Message: It took only three days' ingestion of either ginko or ginseng tablets (I forget which it was), but once it kicked in, I remembered the name of the other birthday character who was on television in the 60s: Hobo Kelly. She was a clown who would put blocks of wood in one end of a machine and out would tumble presents from the other end when she turned a crank handle. And she'd gaze through a mirror frame saying things like "I see Tommy and Timmy and Mary and Sue having a birthday party today. Look behind the sofa for a surprise present!" Boy did I believe in her ability to see where my presents were hidden. But I never seemed to be able to remember to watch her on my birthday, so I never was able to find the presents!

Name: Sherry Wingo () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 19:32:55
E-Mail: dscwingo@pacbell.net
Maiden: Peppers
Class: 1964
Message: I visited with Janet Ratcliff Speelman on Sat. She worked in the office with Miss Dicker. She was there in the sixties. She is married with two children and is currently retired.

Name: Kathy Dorio () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 18:51:11
E-Mail: mkd1@sdma.com
Maiden: Wilking
Class: 1966
Message: I am trying to find Valerie Tannert (Rigg). She moved to Illinois in 1967 with her husband Herb. I lost track of her and wonder if anyone has been in touch with her. She also had a brother Kenny who graduated from HHS in 1964(?). Thanks for your help.

Name: Becky () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 18:42:48
Maiden: Slaughter
Class: 66
Message: Cynthia V: Of course I remember you! I didn't remember doing the "politically incorrect" thing, sorry about that! Hey guys how about Palladin, Sugar Foot, Rifleman if you're into cowboys. Cup O'Gold candy bars, Good & Plenty, jujubees? Cynthia, Eucalyptus days of ol' Sherry Souder, Nancy Peters, Suzanne Jokela (from 120th), Rosie Trott, Judy Bailey-she used to kick butt playing tetherball.

Name: Calvin McDougal () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 17:57:09
E-Mail: Phoenix@snowhill.com
Class: 62
Message: August 99, Just found the site. I really enjoyed it.
Hey Calvin, Nice to add another 62er man. Welcome aboard.

Name: BETSY WRIGHT () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 17:38:41
E-Mail: BETTSANN@aol.com
Maiden: WATTS
Class: 76
Message: I had the inspiring pleasure of dining with Konnie Krislock in NY recently, she hasn't changed one damn bit, still talks a mile a minute, and has 50 million ideas all at once...what a treat. Great lady, working hard as ever. I took my only child to college, UNC-Charlotte and now have to return to my own high school job. Who remembers Holy Glen Park when the swings were actually giant metal horses (dangerous as hell). Keith: I think I had more childhood injuries than you, usually while on vacation, did you have Ms. Albamonte in first grade at cabrillo? She used to literally throw kids, Craig Bodkin I think. Where is craig & lee whitely and gary fenton?

Name: Bob Veach () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 17:22:42
E-Mail: annijoro@aol.com
Class: 1972
Message: John (or anybody)-
What furniture store did Dick Lane advertise for where he said "tell 'em Dick Lane sent ya"? Also, didn't he announce for the Los Angeles Thunderbirds?
As for that 20-0 game between HHS and LBP, I honestly didn't know about it (even if I did, I probably wouldn't have said anything). However, the lopsided score did entice me to do a little investigation.
According to my sources (who will remain confidential), Poly had a tradition of putting the 1st and 2nd string players on one bus and the other players on a second bus. It was after the 2nd bus had already left when it was discovered that the air had been let out of all the tires on the 1st bus. Due to the lack of technology of that day, the 2nd bus could not be called back and proceeded to Hawthorne.
By the time the 1st bus could be made operational again and leave Long Beach, it was game time and only the 3rd and 4th stringers were there to play. Those poor lads fought their hearts out and kept the score DOWN to 20-0. When the 1st bus finally arrived, the game had ended (remember, this was before the 405 was built). However, the 1st and 2nd teams were very proud of their sophomore brothers.
I knew there had to be reason for such a lopsided score. Hawthorne always had good teams during the 60's, but it wasn't until the 70's that it had great teams.
Bob, Hawthorne, being a school of only about 1900 in 1966, could get their whole team and more on their bus. When we found out that your first string bus had broken down, we sent all our players to pick up your 1st and 2nd string players. Because of the lack of communication at the time your 3rd stringers showed up and all there were to play them was 7 players from our "C" team, that had just finished trouncing your "C" team the day before. The other players were made up of 2 flag girls and 2 trombone players and our drum major who played Quarterback. That's why the score was kept down to 20-0!!!!

Name: carole ferruccio () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 16:10:51
E-Mail: caroleferr@aol.com
Maiden: to old to remember
Class: 60
Message: john,
just spent hours reading all the great feedback but just when i think of something good someone else has it. darn i'll try harder. everyone might try this web site its really cute it goes by age and will tell you alot about what was happening when you were growing up - tv - news- and how much older or younger you are then famous people. http://web.superb.net/boy/age1.html does anyone remember actually getting the distance from the edge of their skirt to the ground measured to make sure it was'nt too short. i had it happen a few times. i wonder how they handled mini skirts years later. what about a gym teacher (girls) named rowdy or roady. tall blond. we would stuff our pockets with corn nuts and she always caught us and made us do extra jumping jacks. about the train tracks. when my older brother was attending hhs some guy tried to jump on the train and fell and had his leg cut off. i dont remember his name but not too many people tried that after it happened. does anyone remember a barbara klock or judy poore or karen larson?
Here's one. Does anyone remember "Water Bumpers"?

Name: Chris Prewitt () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 16:03:26
E-Mail: cjprewitt@juno.com
Class: 1967
Message: If anyone is planning on going to the LA County Fair, Mike Love's Beach Boys are scheduled for the 21 of Sept. at 7:30 PM. Per the Beach Boys Fan club WEB page

Name: Keith D. Jones () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 15:08:05
E-Mail: cmi50@yahoo.com
Maiden: always been Jones
Class: 76
Message: I met Lord Blears in Hawaii where he is living. He is in very good shape considering his age. I saw him at a bus stop one day and pulled over to ask him if he needed a ride. He said he was waiting for his wife to come pick him up. He told me that he was walking last night and felt a sharp pain in his chest. He walked to the hospital and had a heart (mild)attack. He didn't want to stay in the hospital so checked himself out the next afternoon, thats when I saw him. He is a very stubborn and strong man. I always saw him at boxing and wrestling matches in Hawaii. Not sure if he's still alive...hope so. Since I'm on this track another person I met a couple times was "Book em' Dano" Jack Lord. I remember meeting him outside Kahala mall. He was standing in front of his pick 1960 Cadillac with the license plate "50". He was very thin and old looking but could talk up a storm. He was waiting for his wife who was inside the market getting groceries. We talk for about 30 minutes. The thing I noticed though was every few minutes or so in the middle of a sentance was "did you know we did more than 90 episodes of Hawaii Five O" then he would continue on with the sentance. I found that interesting. He always wore a white panama hat. Was very tan. WHen his wife came out I talked to her for awhile. What I liked most was when she came out Mr. Lord introduced me and remembered my name. She was nice too. I saw him there a few more times and he still remembered my name. He died a few years ago and Hawaii made apretty big deal out of it. Now I watch Hawaii Five O in a different insight. He rarely went out in public and was supposed to be a very good painter. Ha da beautiful mansion in Kahala. Just another memory..

Name: Sherry Wingo () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 13:39:39
E-Mail: dscwingo@pacbell.net
Maiden: Peppers
Class: 1964
Message: John, glad you had a happy birthday. Isn't that a picture of Dick Lane you posted? Also gang, isn't Hy Gardner the one you're thinking of?

Name: Jim Fox () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 13:32:33
E-Mail: puffup@soca.com
Class: 66
Message: WHOOOOOOOA NELLIE...That looks like ol' Leather Britches himself, Dick Lane. Now, here's one back at you: The actress who played Stu Erwin's Jackie and Dobie Gillis's Zelda is still in the news from time to time. Who is she and what is she doing?

Name: kostiszak () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 13:23:45
E-Mail: kostsizak@yahoo.com
Maiden: kostiszak
Class: 83
Message: Does anyone remember St. Josephs Church on Hawthorne Blvd., I believe it it still there. Lots of us most likely went to Sunday School there, then went to Hollys for breakfast or lunch.
How about: The small carnival on Hawthorne blvd, next to the medical bldgs. it had a Merry go round and all kinds of rides.
How about: Spending tons of money at the Castle, it had miniature golf, waterslides and arcades.
How about: Those great Sub sandwiches at Luigis next to Off Ramp liquor store.

Name: Myrna () on Monday, August 30, 1999 at 13:04:46
E-Mail: mybizz@thegrid.net
Maiden: Bell
Class: 66
Message: A couple more memories for days of ole.... Going to the LA Airport (the old one) and walking up the stairs and down the hall to the small observation deck and watching the planes take-off and land. Makes me remember 1959 when the 707's were new and we would stand in our front yard and look south to see the 12:15 plane on it's way to land and we would yell "Jump out, Gordy, jump out!" Gordon was flying home from Pennsylvania. Did you know he missed the second semester of his freshman year? The other memory is that of going with neighbors to Centinela Park in Inglewood to watch the fireworks show on the 4th. We did that for years!