Name: Mike Backus () on Friday, May 25, 2001 at 12:45:37
Class: '74
Message: Now it's 1974. I'm now seventeen and in my senior year at HHS. The dream formed in my mind in the early '60s is still alive and well in my mind, but not in the reality of the mid '70s. Somehow people had lost their sense about their cars. The cars of the '70s had gotten more and more gigantic and bloated, and the fuel 'economy' was ridiculous. But gas was still around 30c a gallon and no one much cared about efficiency. A few misers and oddballs bought Pintos and Vegas, but most people drove Sherman Tanks. Then we started hearing about OPEC. Apparently the world was running out of oil. There was suddenly an "Energy Crisis". People panicked, dumping their gas guzzling '60s and '70s cars onto a used car market that did not want them. Classic 'muscle cars' from the '60s, worth $30,000 to $500,000 today, often went on the block for as little as $1,000. Gas lines were everywhere. The government initiated 'even and odd' days when you could buy gas. Prices jumped up to 50c a gallon, then close to a dollar. I parked my pickup and walked or rode my bicycle the three miles to HHS throughout my senior year. The 'shortage' and 'crisis' game continued throughout the '70s. Eventually we would have a 'sugar shortage', 'lumber shortage', and 'coffee shortage' (sidebar: coffee bean prices doubled and then came back down when people wouldn't pay. A CUP of coffee doubled and stayed there because people WOULD pay!). In 1979 the oil companies thought it was time for another 'oil crisis'. They drove the price of gas up to $1.50/ gal but got caught stockpiling gas to create the shortage. Ooops! So it's ironic for me, at the time when I'm coming back to reunite with all of my friends from this era, we have a Texas oil man for president and suddenly have an oil AND electricity crisis! California's power plants have had FOUR TIMES the normal down time during the first quarter. Gas prices are climbing despite low crude oil prices. Exxon reported the largest first quarter profit for any American corporation, ever. And I'm walking the five miles to work or riding my bike. My '73 Mustang convertible sits in the garage at home. Maybe I'll get a Walkman so I can listen to The Beachboys as I walk to work.
Gas prices are up. Anyone want to sell their Shelby Cobra or their Hemicuda for $1000.00?? I'll be waiting....

Name: Mike Backus () on Friday, May 25, 2001 at 11:56:29
E-Mail: michael@backusstudio.com
Class: '74
City and State: Eugene, OR
Message: It's 1963. I'm seven years old and just starting second grade at York Elementary on Hawthorne's east side. My brother Lee is 13 years older and in his second year at El Camino College. His life, of course, is far more fascinating than mine and so I tag along whenever possible. He and his frat brothers are living the fat life of the early '60s in the South Bay. Our hometown band, The Beachboys, are at the top of the charts worldwide (more popular than the Beatles, even in England). My brother and his buddies are cruising from Palos Verdes to Hollywood in their hot cars. Most of their cars are hot rodded used cars from the mid to late '50s, but I remember a couple of the guys had good college jobs and had "Route 66" era '62 Vettes. They were all making good money for what things cost. In my seven year old eyes, they were Kings of the World. Gasoline, an essential commodity for the Chariots of the Gods was dirt cheap, around 28c a gallon. Since there were often four gas stations on each major intersection, gas wars were common. Announced by huge "Gas War" signs on the corner, the price of gas would drop another couple of cents per gallon. Plus they would give you full service and often free glasses, dishes or soft drinks as well. I couldn't wait for my turn at the wheel! More to come.
This is where I came from folks. If we had 2 dollars, we had seven gallons of gas. At 11 miles per gallon, that was more than enough for 4 round trips between the "A" and the "Hill" (16 miles round trip). Sorry to stomp on your story Mike.........please continue.

Name: Sharon Branigan () on Friday, May 25, 2001 at 11:47:31
E-Mail: srbranigan.srb@verizon.net
Maiden: Sherman Berman
Class: 76
City and State: everyoneneedsahero
Message: Welcome to another sensational 76'er Dave Kaintz. You have a lot of catching up to do- 398 pages of feedback- go back to page 1 and we'll expect a 10-page brief on Tuesday morning. In honor of Memorial Day, how about some "Hawthorne hero" stories? Picture it: York School, 1968- I am a fourth grader and for some reason Jody Andreen hates me. She tells her brother Steve, a 6th grader, to "beat me up" after school. I am blissfully unaware (ala Pearl Harbor) and when the attack comes I am surprised more than hurt- he hits me on the head with a book, yanks my sweater over my head, spins me around, and splits. I arrive home in a dither- wailing- and my big sister Sue, also a 6th grader, says, in her compassionate way, "WHAT'S WRONG???" I tell my sob story, sobbing all the while; and the fire explodes in her eyes. She grabs me by the hand and drags me over to the Andreen house. She pounds on their door, screaming, "COME OUT OF THERE, STEVE ANDREEN! I KNOW YOU'RE IN THERE! COME OUT RIGHT NOW!" Well, Steve is either no dummy, or not home; no criminal emerges. So back we go, home, to nurse my wounds. My big sister has always been my hero-ready to kick butt for my honor! Thanks, sis, I love you! Say, will you keep an eye out for me on Prom Nite?
Yahno, I think a Steve Andreen IS signed up for Prom Night. We'll just see what he's got left HUH SUE!! .......and Sharon, I'm sure you didn't slap Steve's little sis, Jody, around just a little bit, DID YOU!! You were right Mike Backus, those Bierman girls are TROUBLEMAKERS!!
Happy Memorial Day Dad. You were my hero and role model in life. I love you.

Name: Dave Kaintz () on Friday, May 25, 2001 at 01:32:07
E-Mail: dkaintz@aol.com
Class: 76
City and State: Hermosa Beach, CA
Message: What's up class of 76?

Name: Jan Brown () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 23:16:18
E-Mail: lazyginger.l@netzero.net
Maiden: Dorris
Class: '63
City and State: Jonesboro, Arkansas
Message: Would like to know if any one out there knows the email address for Marv Kuder ? Have some fond memories of him, and like to say hello to him. He played in a few of our drama plays "Dinny and the Witches" "Our Town" and others. Also if you have the email for Barbara Brew (Carter married name at one time..don't know if that has changed or not. Appreciate any answer you can give to me and if any of you remember me and like to say hello would LOVE to hear from you...Forever HHS Cougar ! P.S. John are we the ones that can't make the Prom Night 2001 be able to get Video's like before and book for the event?? If so how do I go about getting a form for this.?? Thanks and keep up the good work....Jan Dorris Brown Class'63 the best
Hi Jan, Yes there will be videos available, but have no idea at this time the logistics.

Name: JIM SLOEY () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 20:27:15
E-Mail: hoodywouldneverfigureitoutsoIDONTSHARESECRETSWITHHIM.COM[OK SO I HIT THE CAPBUTTON.ORG]
Class: 66
City and State: rb, ca
Message: I never dated very much in high school, ok, I didnt, but my first year in college I met a young cougar, she was a Senior, and a wonderful person. And she was gorgeous and for this story will remain young cougar, only to protect her from the association with Bill Tamburrino and myself. Well my old "buddy" Tamburrino, Sera class of 64, asked me to help with his little league team, spring 1967. I was playing two leagues, taking 16 units avoiding all contact with the draft board and working. But when Tambo said he had drafted the young cougars brother, who had never played before, and would need a lot of hitting instruction, I found myself available. So I agreed to help. After I graduated Tambo and I were inseparable, mainly because my mom always cooked a great Sunday dinner and Bill was homeless or that was our story every Sunday. Well Tambo was dating his future wife who was from Lawndale high school named Margaret Miller, whose hair was almost as red as mine, and threesome dates were not always the most fun [alot of the times Margaret and I left Bill home, and BTW Bill and Margaret are still married living in Ramona] Well Tambo decides I should go out with the young Cougar, and I did. A week later Bill and I double dated and went to an Angels game. I drove cause Tambo had a Corvair, ask Ralph, great time, left the game at 11 headed for home, by 11:30; it wasnt crowded then either. Well we are coming up the 405 where it merges with the 22 going north, we are talking, I may be in love, and the next thing I know we are in El Monte. Later discovered we had gotten on the 605 North, and we had no idea how to get home or where we were, no Thomas brother guide, no on star, no nothing. We stumble fumble something and fall and finally we find our way back to Dodger stadium and we find our way home from there. I drop off Tambo and Margaret, take the young Cougar home, [its 3 am and its like the second or third date] say good night and head for home. I had a game in the valley the next morning then had to be back by 3 for the little league game. Well we went 12 innings and I got back late for the game. I walked past the grand stands and said hello to the young cougars parents both of whom ignored me totally. I went into the dugout with my "buddy" Tambo just as the team was heading for the field. I was in a good mood, we won our game, I had a beautiful girl friend and life was good. Tambo looked at me and said, "Im sorry man." And when Tambo said, "Im sorry man," nuclear weapons have exploded somewhere. I said "What? He said, "I dont think you will be going out with the young cougar any more?" "Why?" I asked? "What did I do?" "Not you man." And then he repeated "Im sorry man." "What?" I screamed. "Well." he started, I knew I should have just hit him then, young cougars dad, [now I have to digress a minute to tell you that young cougars dad was 65"] came up to me before the game and said, "oh hi Bill I hear you had a great time at the Angels game? Tambo told him that we had. Then young cougars dad said "I hear you got lost for three hours after the game? Now if you dont know Tambo, this late in your life is not a time to let that occur, but he is/was the most irreverent person I have ever met, he had no respect or deference for age, status or anything resembling civility. Although I loved him like a brother, sometimes I wanted to kill him; this was such a time. "What?" Tambo replied to young cougars dad, "I dropped off Margaret by 11:15 and was asleep by 11:30." The young cougars dad left muttering something about well just see about this and just wait and see if he ever takes my daughter anywhere. Thats about the time I arrived and bid her folks hello. That night while Bill was deciding which one of us was the third wheel, Margaret and I went to the Angels game. Gee I wonder what ever happened to young cougar? Happy Memorial Day Cougars, and a special remembrance to three of my favorite veterans, Dad, Mom and Tim Thomas, miss you all!

Name: Susan King () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 20:25:01
E-Mail: sueking18@aol.com
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Message: OK - my guess for the kid mugging for the camera with his cap "stylishly askew" has GOT to be little Stevie Stonebraker! I actually thought about that right after I sent in my last guess. As for the others, I can't tell though I am scrambling to locate my elementary school pix for comparison purposes! Whew Robin! You and Backus have a lot in storytelling in common! There IS more to that story, right?? Don't make us wait thru the LOOOOONNNNGGG dry weekend without CT before going on....! I can't wait to get you all together at PROM for the story fest and the laughter and the fun.
Don't miss out on this one Cougars!
YES!!! It's little Stevie Stonebraker all right. I think I'll give you the other one as his mug is the most prominent, and no one has guessed him yet. It's Johnny Joe Lester.
Robin, please send the rest of the story before I close down tomorrow. I have to know how the BRA CAPER comes out. I have you pictured as stuffing that 37-DD and coming out of the bedroom as Jack's ugly new girlfriend.

Name: Les Johnson () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 20:03:29
E-Mail: a300driver@hotmail.com
Class: 1963
City and State: Collierville, Tn.
Message: Dick Dixon, Hi Dick, It has been many years. When I saw your message about the Indy 500 (Plus the IRL Series), I had to write. That is sooo cool. I fly for a living and every time I get to Indy, I go to the Speedway. I was there for carburetion day last year and I was at qualification day in 98 for the first Brickyard 400. All was too cool, but have not yet to see a race at Indy. Do you work for Panther Racing or Pancho Carter? I am going to be cheering for your team! Sam Hornish is a great young driver. I am hoping for a very young finish, just like Miami, Sam and Sarah Fisher, one two. Either one would make a great Champion. If you have time drop me a line and let me know how you got involved in racing!! Good luck on Sunday, Go #4.... Be safe!! Les Johnson
I know how he got involved in racing......It was his father and quarter midgets. Dick, was racing before he was attending HHS.

Name: Lanny Harris () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 19:21:29
E-Mail: Fourwindspub@juno.com
Class: '62
City and State: Salt Lake City, Ut
Message: In RECOLLECTIONS Alan Hauge told the story of the 100 rootbeers at the A&W. What he didn't tell you is what happened to all that brew. Both nights we headed for a secluded overpass on La Cienega Blvd. All that liquid had to go somewhere! Everyone had a lane and just let it go. I remember someone yelling "here comes a convertable in my lane!" Another said "here comes a bike! Kids!!! If you ask Alan maybe he will send that photo in to CT. Lanny
OH, You've got a photograph of you guys on the overpass? I'd love to see it.
The one in the magazine I've tried to find for about 3 years and no luck finding it at all.

Name: Art La Mere () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 17:50:54
E-Mail: artlamere@home.com
Class: 73
City and State: Bettendorf Ia
Message: To all just wanted to say have a happy holiday and be safe out there. John thanks for the web site. have a good trip north.
art
Thanks Art, The same to you and yours.....

Name: Robin () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 17:21:38
E-Mail: SloeycheatsonCTquestions.com
Maiden: Hoodini
Class: 60
City and State: RB,CA
Message: Hey Johnboy...The Davidsons pic, the 70s cubscouts, (Pack 283 rocked the 50s:o), the Estrada clan to attend "The Prom" of the new century, and your trip up north to see your old buddy and fellow Cougar Bob Reagan, and all in one day! All is well in CT, and I couldn't hold this all Cougar story back any longer, so get your popcorn or scroll on.....
It was mid summer in the mid 50s on 133rd st. My best buddy and next door neighbor Jack Hayden c/o 59' and I were in my dads shop/garage, adjusting our new 3 speed high risers or grabbing a box of pushups from our always well stocked freezer of ice cream. The first playboy calendar (Marilyn Monroe) adorned the gun cabinet. After staring for a min or so, Jack stated that his sister Nancy a popular songqueen from the first graduating c/o 54' had the same bra size as Marilyn...After 10 minutes of a "no way" and "Ill bet you a $100" dialog, he said he could prove it. Well being of the "show me state" blood, I accepted his challenge and over the fence we went into the Haydens back door. No one home so we were safe...In Nancys bedroom and with the calm of a brain surgeon, Jack carefully opened a drawer and extracted this piece of clothing I had only seen on the clothes line. He said "check the size" , like I had clue one of where to find it...and then it happened...the sound of the glasspacks only John, Nancys husband to be Olds had...Jack said sh*t and I jumped in the closet, burying myself in a row of petticoats and skirts. John Gluerkert had biceps the size of both of my thighs strapped together and I knew that even if I lived though this one, I would be about as popular as a dinner date with Robert Blake....Jack kept Nancy and John out in the living room but an inverted shoe with a heel wasn't making me any more comfortable....Then the worst...Jacks parents came home, I had to pee and the cramps in my legs were big time bad...It seemed like hours had gone by (probably 20 mins) and Jack made a quick check on me and I whispered in desperation "let Tippy out!!"
OOOOOooo man, this is getting REAL good......

Name: Doug Medina () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 16:49:08
E-Mail: gulliblebum@cs.com
Class: 1980
City and State: Murrieta, Ca.
Message: To the "jokers" at CT. I wasn't trying to win anything when I wrote in to feedback about the possible demise of Cougartown. How pleasantly surprised I was to see that I had won a CT T-shirt (thanks Mr. Sloey)! I shall wear it with pride. You boys sure had me goin' with that gag. I think I might consider changing my E-mail name. I'm normally not "gullible" by nature. How ironic! Of course I can't claim to be alumni. Seeing that my Mom and family went I suppose that makes me worthy.
Mr. Sloey, I see that you graduated in '66. Did you know my Aunt and Uncle? Mary Jo Peters and Jim Benson?
Messrs. Keith Jones and Mike Backus, Don't give up the story telling! Who doesn't like nostalgia? You guys make me laugh and cry at the same time. I know others feel the same way as I do. Keep em' coming!
Thanks again John. This is the best place to reminisce and be entertained at the same time!
PEACE and God bless to Cougars everywhere!
Doug Medina (a wannabe Coug) GGHS 1980
OH that's right, you didn't go to HHS. I'm sorry Doug; you weren't eligible. Send the shirt back. JUST KIDDING!! And why are you thanking "Mr. Sloey"? He didn't send you the shirt. "Shipper Sharon" sent you the shirt.

Name: Gomez () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 16:28:46
E-Mail: sorryigavethewrongyearforbruce.com
Class: 1972
City and State: Salem
Message: The little guy with the grimace mug is Little Mini Minosa Gaundi, Leader of the Revolution. Schroeder asked him not to SNAP.
huh??!!

Name: Mike Backus () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 13:50:53
E-Mail: michael@backusstudio.com
Class: '74
City and State: Eugene, OR
Message: You're doing great with my picture, Cougs! To be fair, I should comment that I'm not certain that two of the remaining three actually GRADUATED with the class of '74. Not all of us Yorkies went the distance. There is no excuse, however, for not knowing the kid with his cap stylishly askew (35 years ahead of his time!). Let's go, '70s Cougs! Sharon B- My mom (the denmother) made the Cubbie cake. You "B" kids weren't the only ones with a great mom!

Name: nick pappagiorgio () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 13:07:07
Class: 74
City and State: hawthorne
Message: kind of a guess. mike dowell or mike "somebody" in front?
Close enough.....Mike Powers.

Name: nick pappagiorgio () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 12:39:27
E-Mail: n_pappagiorgio_88@yahoo.com
Maiden: rusty
Class: 74
City and State: hawthorne
Message: is the kid in the back richard's brother, "guy trimarchi"?
YES!!! Thanks Nick....

Name: Sharon Branigan () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 11:40:29
E-Mail: srbranigan.srb@verizon.net
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 76
City and State: is ithitting100todayinthevalley? ht
Message: That is indeed a fine looking group of youngsters! I myself don't recognize any of them (except Mikey of course, now that Sue pointed him out) but I am duly impressed with the Blue & Gold cubbie cake that someone's mom took GREAT pains to create. And I LOVE that den leader's (I know- den MOTHER'S) uniform! It is much more flattering than todays female den leader uniform which is basically a man's uniform. Ahhhh, for the good old days!
The Den Mother pictured is Mike's Mom and the lady on the left is Mrs. Trimarchi.

Name: Georgia () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 10:04:25
E-Mail: GFiorante@aol.com
Maiden: Cook
Class: '68
Message: John-I'm the one who told my sister who was in the "Davidson Bros." picture. Shouldn't I be the one who wins that all expense paid night at Wayne "The Accordion" Dickey's house?
OK Georgia, You can go too, but you'll have to sleep in the garage.

Name: M-Webster () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 09:35:54
E-Mail: MW@M-W.com
Message: Definition: CTs - The feeling of abandonment a Cougar gets when John takes off for a three day weekend. Example: I have heard a rumor that John is going to shut down Cougartown for the three day weekend. John, Is it true that we are all going to have the CTs?
Yes Merriam, it's true. You'll all be suffering with the CTs this weekend as Janet and I are heading North to Redding CA to my old HHS bud, Bob Reagan's house. See, even I'm reconnecting.

Name: Susan King () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 08:58:12
E-Mail: sueking18@aol.com
Maiden: Bierman
Class: 1974
City and State: Thousand Oaks, CA
Message: OK, as far as that scout picture goes, I see Mike Backus (I'd know him ANYWHERE) and Richard Trimarchi I think. That would be kids from the class of 74 - York School gang so that narrows it down. I need some help here with the others....
YES.....that's two and thank you Sue.
Thanks to Mike Backus for the picture too.

Name: John Baker () on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 01:00:14
E-Mail: jb1@cougartown.com
Class: 1962
City and State: Lomita, CA
Message:Before I shut it down for the night, here's another picture of a bunch of future Cougs. The picture was taken in 1965 so that should maybe help you with when these mighty Cub Scouts graduated. Can you recognize any of them? See you in the morning Cougs, and NO the Sloey Bros aren't in the picture.

Name: Greg Jones () on Thursday, May 24, 2001 at 00:23:08
E-Mail: gjones1052@aol.com
Class: 1973
City and State: Hawthorne, CA.
Message: Okay, for all you classic car folks out there. I have a friend who has a 1914 Ford truck that's for sale. The bed is not original but has that old-time look to it, but except for the molding added to the cab, everything else is original. It has a Toyota engine in it and runs great. The gas peddle is original and it still has the brake, clutch and reverse peddles. It has been used in a couple of movies but I don't know which ones. Anybody interested contact me and I'll get you in touch with the owner. Asking price is $7,000. It'd be a great ride to Cruise Nights.
Thanks Greg, but with the Toyota motor, I'll pass. Oh, and that's the brake, LOW-NEUTRAL-HIGH, and reverse pedals; and the gas, along with the spark advance, were levers on the steering column.

Name: Judy DeGrazia-Blomsterberg () on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 22:49:23
E-Mail: REDONDO612@aol.com
Maiden: strollin'withtheEstradasisters
Class: 64
City and State: Torrance, CA
Message: PROM NIGHT update: Here comes some more 60's decade people, (blowing us away & winning the race) DICKIE DIXON '63 (we finally meet again Dickie) & CONNIE MANAHAN RANDALL '64. Dizzy Lizzy Estrada.. I was wondering what ever happened to all the 60's Estrada gals.. I'll sit right here by this mailbox til the checks come. Hey John Boy, this calls for a Tommy Edwards hyperlink..how about "The morning side of the mountain".. now sit back and enjoy the music.. and picture yourself reliving the '60's again. There, my job for today is done. Is everybody smiling?
Judy Wudy

Name: lanny Harris () on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 22:40:59
E-Mail: fourwindspub@juno.com
Class: '62
City and State: Salt Lake City, Utah
Message: I went to Eucalyptus in the 4th grade, 1954 and one of my best friends was Tim Lyons. I really liked a girl in my class by the name of Donna. I got the nerve up to ask her out to the Plaza theater to see "Francis Joins the Navy". To my surprise she said OK! Even though she liked a boy named Van. My Grandmother drove the new '53 Ford and I went up to her door in my dark blue cubscout shirt. I knew this would really impress her. It didn't. She sat in the back seat by herself slumped way down so nobody could see her. Anyway, does anyone know Donna? If you're reading this, Donna, I just want to apologize. Maybe it was the shirt? Lanny
Donna Johnson or Donna Smith; does that narrow it "donna" bit?

Name: Ingrid Jones () on Wednesday, May 23, 2001 at 21:26:36
E-Mail: Ingazburban@aol.com
Maiden: Schulte
Class: 84
City and State: Temecula,CA
Message: I am very sad to hear that one of my former classmates Emelyn San Mateo c/84 passed away recently. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.