Hawthorne Feedback

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Hawthorne Time and
Temperature

It's Doo Wop Time Johnnie and Joe

Name: Keith D. Jones () on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 12:44:26
E-Mail: cmi50@yahoo.com
City and State: Honolulu, HI
Class: 76

Message: We had a Corvair. I have a perfect memory of that car. In 1969 on a Friday I remember cause that is the day we all went to Ralphs in Westchester to go do our weekly Grocery shopping. My mom made sure we spent no more than $100 at the store each week. Which filled our basket to the very top. I was small enough to fit in bootom or seat of the basket. Plus I used to ride in that little part behind the back seat of her VW. Can't do that now though. In fact can barely fit in a VW now. Anyway, we were backing down the driveway and the car dropped. We got out and the axle had broken. My dad was very mad. Can't remember what we did then but I did remember the night day (Saturday) going to Cormier Chevrolet and my dad bought a red Chevelle SS that was on the floor. It was awesome. Didn;t know how awesome till I got older. Too bad he later traded it in for a Chevy Truck. Oh well that was my Corvair story for the day. Other than that I don't ever remember riding in the thing. It rained here all day yesterday but right now it is clear as ever. Aloha
That was your Corvair story??

Thanks Keith.....

Name: Janet Burkett () on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 11:25:13
E-Mail: jmburkett@sti.net
City and State: Ca
Maiden: Humphreys
Class: 62

Message: Boy, do I remember Hawthorne's pool! That was my first REAL job. I worked there during the summers as cashier and locker room something or other. I can still smell those old mesh bags everyone put their clothes in. I did work with some great, fun people there. Myrna, a couple of the lifeguards that come to mind were Gene Badstubner, Coach Walker, Karen Zirbel (sp?) and a great big blond Swedish guy named Eric I think. We spent days together at the pool and then had great parties at night. I still remember traveling to the Palladium as a group to see Ray Charles in concert. What a kick! Yep, the Hawthorne pool was a great place to spend summers.
JB2
I think Don Dewald was a lifeguard too.

Name: Ray () on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 09:28:16
E-Mail: rjshelley@yahoo.com
City and State: Mena, Arkansas
Class: 58

Message: John, The razor hair gal's spoken of in one of the posts, brought back some different memories of the 50s. I think most of the high and dangerous hairdos were carried to Hawthorne, on some pretty girls, from Lawndale. Now, I knew of a group of guy's who called themselves the "Los Gato's 69ers" who were some very tough individual's. John do you remember the name of their club was painted on the Hawthorne Water Tower in the early 50's. I saw two of the members within the last two years. One is living in AR, and is an artist, the other is a retired plumber in AZ. They both are still pretty tough guys. And John, that was me who slipped around the back of Skippy's drive-in to get away from Cindy..
Hey Ray, Yeah, Cindy would slice you up, all right.

No, I don't remember the graffiti on the water tower, but it seems that name is embedded in the grey matter somewhere.

Name: Baxter Dodd () on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 02:27:12

E-Mail: BaxterLdo@aol.com
City and State: Riverside, CA
Class: 57
Message: Hey, I had a Corvair identical to the one in the A&W photo. It was a ?62 turbo-charged Spyder, blue-green, no hubcaps. Except for the @#$% fan belt and oil leaks, it was a great car. They got a bad rap!! Thanks for the memory.
Hey Baxter, My ex had the identical car. I wish the picture was in color.

Name: Norv Vorhis () on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 00:45:13
E-Mail: olds88coupe@yahoo.com
City and State: Monrovia, Ca
Class: '59

Message: In the A&W pic, A "bathtub" Nash in the back. I'm thinking Mike Burris, but, I'm also thinking Gary Hofma. Who can refresh my memory?
I think it was my soph year, I had both Mr. Orrell and Mr. Ashley, in consecutive classes. One day the both showed up with Black eyes. They both grinned and said had said they had had a discussion in the teachers lounge. Thats all I ever heard about it.
These two must've bumped heads passing in the hallway because they, for sure, weren't pugilists.

Name: Debbie Miles () on Friday, March 28, 2003 at 00:45:06
E-Mail: pinkelephant10@yahoo.com
City and State: Del Aire, CA
Class: 77
Message: Jean, that fast food place was the "Brolly Hut"!

Name: Cindy Colby () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 22:54:01
E-Mail: cindycolby@att.net
City and State: Laguna Hills, CA
Maiden: Maxson
Class: 63

Message: Man, the only thing I remember about Skippys is the fight I was forced into in the seventh grade. I don't think the tough chick thought I would show up, I fooled her, she backed all the way around the back of the place and turned and ran away. I wasn't tough at all but that wasn't the only fight I had, the next one was at HHS. Didn't get caught either time and never did it again.

Name: susie () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 21:56:59
E-Mail: Mustangsusie21@msn.com

City and State: albq,nm
Maiden: klingenhagen
Class: 1971
Message: ...I wonder if anyone remembers the name of the girl gang that use to rat their hair, add razor blades, and wear matching jackets with the name stitched on the back...I think it had more Leuzinger members. ...DIVINITIES...

Name: Paco () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 21:46:26
E-Mail: doo4usc@cox.net
City and State: LF
Class: 61

Message: Robin and JB, I can tell you two went to Intermediate, the way you describe after school fights..You must be talking about girl fights! I remember once at Dana there was going to be a big fight across the street from school. Mr. Plotkin kicked the stuffin' outta Mr.Griffin, now that was a fight! Later Marge the bus driver had to separate Mrs.Carr and Ms. Brooks, we were a tough bunch!!
Yeah but girl fights were more fun to watch. Being shallow 8th graders, we didn't want to see blood, just skin, if you know what I mean.

Name: Adrianne () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 19:42:45
E-Mail: addy57@msn.com
City and State: Cerritos, CA
Maiden: Longpre
Class: 63

Message: Thought I'd better correct the comment on the October reunion being for all years. It was originally planned for '63. We had been told by the reunion service that only a small percentage respond to the 40th reunions. That is why it was opened up to a few more people from other early '60s years and a couple of '50s people that expressed interest. Still hoping for a good response.

Name: Pat Bush () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 19:07:02
E-Mail: pwbush@aol.com
City and State: Buena Park, CA
Class: 80
Message: WOW!!seeing the pool just reminded me of Freshman year P.E. I don't remember what started it but Coach Yost was the teacher and we had to tread water to see who could last the longest 1 by 1 people started dropping out. Anyway as time went on 6 or 7 guys were still in it and class was over, Coach Yost said he would write notes to teachers for every class we missed as long as we stayed in the water. We lasted 3 hours and then we all quit. It was lunch time. The next day some girls either tied the 3 hours or broke it, I don't remember. It made Cougar News with names and pictures. Maybe Coach Yost started "SURVIVOR" in the 80's with out even knowing it. Pat

Name: Robin () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 16:57:10
E-Mail: BigFight.com
City and State: RB, CA
Maiden: Skippy
Class: 60

Message: John when I think of Skippys I think "hey man did you hear about the fight after school...Joe will kick Toms butt"...or "I heard Suzy has razor blades in her hair and is really POed 'cause Linda is trying to break her and Eddie up"....100 kids would hang over the bike rack fence and in the parking lot. Most of the time after a lot of "yo momma" talk or until Mr.Hayduk got there, not a punch was thrown...Then we went and got a .15 shake...Still makes me laugh....:o)
Yep, that's where the after school name calling would erupt. "You start it!! "NO, YOU START IT!!!" A little hair pulling, a little blouse/shirt tearing, and it was over.

Name: Jack Young () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 14:52:01
E-Mail: Tahoeman22@aol.com
City and State: South Lake Tahoe
Class: 73

Message: Hello all you fellow Coug's Haven't been in contact with C-town for a bit. Just wanted to drop a line and say all is well in Lake Tahoe. Winter is rapidly comming to a close up here and I am looking very much to summer, although I did ski quite a bit this year. I wanted to mention something about our troops in the Middle East At times I feel guilty being stateside with all our freedoms, enjoying all of our everyday amenities and luxuries in contrast to our young men and women in the Middle East. I hope and pray that all of our military make it home safe and sound. Take Care, Jack

Name: Marilyn Ross () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 14:33:41
E-Mail: mlr922@hotmail.com
City and State: Garden Grove, CA
Maiden: Wisham
Class: 56

Message: Unfortunately I took swimming lessons when I was 50. There was no swimming pool at Hawthorne until after I graduated. That was our football practice and bee team field. We had many a pep rally on that same spot. As for the talk of the Bummershoot, if it was named after the English umbrella then it was the Bumbershoot. I presume the '52 to '62 reunion is talking about the first 10 years of Hawthorne Hi's existence as there were no graduating classes of '52 & '53. Gee I'm beginning to sound like a teacher always correcting everyone!

Name: Paco () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 14:25:39
E-Mail: doo4usc@cox.net
City and State: Lake Forest
Class: '61
Message: Speaking of Skippy's, do you remember their shrimp? They were great! Gosh, I'm off to Tony's now...
I make it a rule to stay away from shrimp or any kind of shellfish at "greasy spoons".

Name: JAMES CICALESE () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 13:35:41
E-Mail: jimc074@aol.com
City and State: Lakewood, ca
Class: 074
Message: Hi CT I remember the Bummershoot I lived down the street on 104st. You got a killer bag of fries for 25 cents. I went to Monroe jr High before moving to Hawthorne in the late 60's and that was one of our hangouts. Another memory I have was you got a cheeseburger fries and small coke for under a dollar from Mcdonalds granted it was only a dime back. Also if anyone knows anyone that went to Monroe Jr High from 68 to 69 I'd like to hear from them. I grew up with that gang.
Well I hate to "one up" McDonalds, James, but at Skippys on Hawthorne and 129th St in 1958, you could get a Hamburger (19¢) Fries (15¢) and a Chocolate Shake (15¢) for 49¢. Those days are long gone.....

Name: Howard "Paco" Duran () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 12:46:05
E-Mail: doo4usc@cox.net

City and State: Lake Forest
Class: '61
Message: Does anyone remember the poor mans A&W? It was on Imperial, east of Hawthorne on the north side, at Freeman Av. Gary Persinger, class of '61, worked there. In the evening he'd take out the trash and sneak out burgers, fries, and ROOT BEERS for all to enjoy..The place was always empty.
Yes, I remember that place. I guess it would still be in business if it weren't for Gary.

Name: Jessie () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 11:52:52
E-Mail: mikejessie@yahoo.com
City and State: Los Angeles
Maiden: Corral
Class: Wanna be Cougar class of '74
Message: Hey Hector, If you're reading this Lupe and Santos ask about you all the time. Their little sis' Jessie

Name: Bob Poorman () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 10:48:22
E-Mail: poormanrobert@msn.com
City and State: Wayzata, MN
Class: '77

Message: In the A&W picture...Is that a Corvair parked in front? If so, being that I do not see anyone in the car nor is there a tray attached to the window I must assume that the guy has run to get another fan belt. But anyway, Mom (I know you're out there) didn't you used to work there? Or am I just combining your roller skating and waitressing? I'll bet you still have that skating team jacket. While on that subject what was the name of the skating rink we used to go to? I'm thinking it was down Artesia somewhere. Girls skate, boys skate, couples skate, everybody skate! I still can't skate backwards, hell I can barely skate at all. Maybe it's because they do it differently out in this part of the country. Some weird shoes with knives on the bottom of them. I don't get it.

Name: NANCY () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 10:37:30
E-Mail: MOMATHOME498@AOL.COM

City and State: HAWTHORNE
Maiden: ASHBURN
Class: 66
Message: JUST WANTED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT THERE IS A PRAYER VIGIL IN HAWTHORNE TONIGHT IN SUPPORT OF OUR TROOPS. MEETING AT CITY HALL AT 7 BRING A CANDLE WITH YOU.

Name: Wade Greasby () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 08:04:19
E-Mail: WadeKath@Juno.com
City and State: Surf City, Ca
Class: 73

Message: I was deeply sadden to hear about the loss of Jeff Bottoms. "Bottleneck" "Bog" was a friend from way back. All the way back to the early days of Hawthorne Pop Warner, 1965, and when I was a freshman, Jeff, a senior, was one of the guys who guided me through. He and Dennis Miller were the ones I could rely on. I hope April Hansen has heard. Steve Fraser, good to see you're alive and well, you made swimming lessons and life saving enjoyable. Thanks for the update on Jeff. Cougs, have a great day. The pictures of yesterday Hawthorne are great. They reflect a time when it was peaceful and everyone knew who and what life was all about.

Name: Pat () on Thursday, March 27, 2003 at 01:31:29
E-Mail: onefamilyhistorian@socal.rr.com
City and State: Hawthorne, Calif
Class: 1963
Message: Who doesn?t remember the A&W Root Beer Stand? Kids would travel 20 or more miles just to see what Hawthorne Blvd. had to offer and the A&W was just one of them. They returned home completely satisfied because they found out that the boulevard had it all.
They would pull into the A&W and if one of us locals decided to cruise the Blvd. then they would have a place to pull into. While they were there sampling the A?s wonderful hamburgers, (Mama or Papa) (GAG) or one of their hot dogs, they could chase it with a famous A&W Root Beer. They also had cherry cokes, but real men didn?t drink cherry cokes back then. Root beer floats were outstanding at the A&W and if you weren?t careful all those calories would go to your thighs. Their menu was small but satisfying and it kept the hunger pains down while we cruised.
The locals also went there to see Pam Ryan as she worked there for a short time. Sometimes we would pull in and just visit and sip on a nickel root beer. The owner would complain most of the time saying ?They?re taking up space for a nickel?. We would either move on or order a hamburger and fries just to cool him off and it always worked.
As many times as I went to the ?A? I never took home a mug. How many of you took home a mug or two and how many of you still have them?
Today on the same spot where the A&W Root Beer stand was sits a Kragon Auto Parts store, a stereo installation and sales store and a beauty collage. I live on the same street the A&W was on and every time I pass this historic corner the memories of those days flow through my mind and they are sweet, just like those root beer floats.
Thank you John, you were good on your promise. Do you have any more of the ?A??
Pat Underwood Class of 1963
The "A" was THE place in the early 60's. I never had a burger there, just nickel root beers (you had to order something to park and watch the cars go by). I had a collection of mugs and I also had a collection of those orange plastic number things that would go under your windshield wiper. I guess Mom threw them all out after I flew the coop. Great memories....
A special thanks to Leuzinger grad, Joe Gigliotti for the picture.

Name: doris () on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 21:56:23
E-Mail: raydori@mindspring.com
City and State: Twin Falls, ID
Maiden: donaldson
Class: '57
Message: HEY COUGS! Sneaked out to L.A. to surprise everyone and attend Cruise Night and instead I was the one who got the surprise ... Cruise Night was cancelled! LOL! But I had a G-R-E-A-T trip nonetheless! They just don't get any better than this one! And about the '52-'62 Reunion to be held in Laughlin, Nevada on October 15, 16 and 17 ... John has the details on it now and will be posting them to the REUNIONS page as soon as he has time. I would urge ALL Cougars graduating between '52 and '62 to consider going to this one. The last one held like this was held five years ago ... this might be the last chance to make contact with that long, lost friend or friends. The price is right; the price of the rooms are right; and I'll bet it's going to be a blast! This is not to be confused with the all-year reunion to be held in So. Cal also in October where they have room for 180 ... the one in Laughlin specifically for those ten first years of good ol' HHS can facilitate 800 guests!!!! So dust off the cobwebs and come out and P-L-A-Y!!!
Thanks Doris, Never heard of the all-year reunion. Who's doing that one?

Name: Hector Carrillo () on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 21:07:18
E-Mail: kellym1105@sbcglobal.net
City and State: Carlsbad, CA
Class: 67
Message: I noticed a message from Janis (Freeman) Peterson on feedback. I tried to email her at the address listed but it failed. If you are reading Janis, wanted to know if you remember the Carrillo's, me, Lalo and Felice. My mom still asks about your family. If you read this, email me at the address listed. Would love to hear from you
There you go Janis, you just found a long lost friend. Man, I love this website.

Name: Jean MacErnie () on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 20:21:09
E-Mail: mamamac.1@juno.com
City and State: Albq, NM
Maiden: Caldwell
Class: 68
Message: Thought I'd take another stroll down memory lane...I remember the radio stations KRLA, KHJ, and KFWB. (the latter eventually tuned out the music scene, becoming an all news station). Many pages back I recall someone asking the name of the dance show that Sam Riddle had....I believe it was 9th Street West. Occasionally there would be a dancer on there who had long blond hair, and was called Cam.
I can remember the Masonic Lodge (?) on Broadway but what was it all about? And what were the Rainbow girls?
Does anyone remember a fast food place called The Bummershoot? (from the very late 60's or very early 70's) It was on Imperial and Western or Crenshaw. They served the usual fast food items but their specialty was a chocolate covered banana on a stick. The name of the restaurant is an english term for umbrella.
....Patty Play Pal dolls. I remember that the year they came out it seemed like all the kids on the block had one. (ok the girls anyway....) On Christmas day we would all be outside walking our dolls and showing them off. The South Bay Shopping Center (The May co, Newberrys and Hartfields were my favorite places to browse). The old Redondo pier....my dad always treated us to smoked salmon...Eucalyptus elementary. I bet that the kids there, even the first graders, learned how to spell that word long before many adults even could. Our first grade teacher taught us to spell it. I may not remember her name but I can sure spell Eucalyptus. Cole dance studio...my sister took voice lessons there and performed for the Christmas show. That was in the late 50's I'm sure.
Last is Sears...I loved going there with my family, especially when it was dark outside...No I wasn't a pervert....I loved to walk on the sidewalks around the store with all that sparkling glitter in it. I loved their hot cashews and popcorn too. My sister and I would go to Fun Haven too. I will never forget the sign in there that said "We don't swim in your toilet so don't piss in our pool.
Thats all for now...til next time....
Thanks Jean, You are REALLY into memories of Hawthorne AND Inglewood, past. Great Stuff.....

Name: Myrna () on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 19:10:07
E-Mail: mybizz@onemain.com
City and State: Coalinga, CA
Maiden: Bell
Class: 66
Message: My best memories of Hawthorne pool are swim lessons, earning my Jr. Lifesaving, and being in love with the lifeguards!
Hi Myrn', Don't even remember who the lifeguards were.

Name: Maria La Grass () on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 16:41:25
E-Mail: mdlagrass@shellopus.com
City and State: Lakewood, Calif.
Maiden: Galindo
Class: 1969
Message: I didn't attend High School at Hawthorne High but I knew kids I had attended grade school with, that did. For those that knew Andrea Emmick class of '69, just wanted to let them know she passed away on Monday 03/24/03. Services are still pending. If you need any more information, you can contact me at mdlagrass@shellopus.com.
Thanks Maria, for the info. Always sad to lose a classmate.

Name: Raymond Smith () on Wednesday, March 26, 2003 at 11:47:08
E-Mail: Kawabunganorth@juno.com
City and State: Portland, Oregon
Maiden: 28 straight days of rain and shine
Class: 1981
Message: Wow! Those pics of HHS pool look awesome! And the memories had me thinking as well. I remember my first "Pool" experience was none other than the one at Leuzinger....weird thinking about it..wasn't it surrounded by walls? I remember they had that Olympian touch too. Anyway, at HHS pool my sister and I would go and I would always be too chicken to dive off the HIGH dive. Well, she and I had a bet of .25 cent that I wouldn't jump off the high dive...I said no way...so she up the bet to 50 cents. Now she had me thinking because 50 cents can go a long way on a empty stomach (candy bar and maybe a bag of chips?). So we shook hands and I climbed up that long ladder. As I got to the top and looked back (down) behind me...with numerous kids waiting for me to die...oops...jump off...I had to think about my fate. I then walked toward the end just standing there. It was a long LONG way down. I had witnessed many dive's and jump's so I opted to do the "Jump Mode" by running and falling down. After what seems forever (maybe 3 mins?) I ran off and hit hard. As I was sinking toward the bottom and saying to myself and looking underwater....I said, "Wow...I made it...I'm a man!". So I went toward the surface and climbed out of the water on the right side ladder and proceeded to collect my money with a big smile on my face and my sister only said one word....."SUCKER!" OH BOY...I been had! I was sooo mad at her for tricking me...so much for betting with a sibling! But after that I was not afraid of the diving board and enter a new era of fun things to do. As I got older I would love to show off in front of cute girls...lucky I never worried about my short's falling off. Great pic's John...being 1,000 miles away...ya just brought home a little closer.
Thanks Raymond, There must be a thousand pool stories out there.

If you have comments or suggestions, please email me at john14@cougartown.com

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